In stunning fashion, Nicholls State defeated the 11th ranked McNeese State Cowboys last Saturday in Lake Charles 38-35. This marked the first time in 10 years that the Colonels won in Lake Charles.
“I’m so proud of this team,” head football coach Jay Thomas said. “We have been through so much, and to come in here and beat McNeese State is huge.”
Junior wide receiver Antonio Robinson had two catches that both went for touchdowns and senior defensive back Ladarius Webb totaled six tackles with a sack, fumble forced and recovery.
The first half began with McNeese scoring on its first possession. Nicholls followed with a 1- yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Vincent Montgomery. The teams ended the opening quarter tied at seven, but senior defensive end Chris Noble forced a McNeese fumble on the very first play of the second quarter that was recovered by the Colonels.
Senior quarterback Chris Bunch added two touchdown runs in the second quarter, and senior kicker Ross Schexnayder added a field goal late in the quarter. The Colonels went into halftime with a 24-22 deficit.
The second half has been a problem for the Colonels this year, but this half against the Cowboys was different. In this half Bunch connected with Robinson on two touchdowns.
The touchdowns, along with another successful field goal late in the fourth quarter from Schexnayder, were the only second half scoring.
After the kick, the Colonels held a 38-27 lead with 2:33 left in the game. However, the Cowboys answered with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion that cut the Colonels’ lead to 38-35 with 61 seconds left.
Senior wide receiver Patrick Gordon recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt of the Cowboys to secure the Colonel win.
“We had a hard week of practice and put it together for four quarters,” said Bunch. “We played together as a team.”
The Colonels host Central Arkansas for Homecoming Saturday. The Bears are 7-1 and undefeated in conference play. The Colonels’ option attack will be tested as the Bears boast the conference second leading run defense. The Colonels lost last year in Arkansas.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in John L. Guidry Stadium.
