The Colonels (6-4, 3-3) started strong and continued strong throughout the 52-28, Family/Senior Day and “Battle for the Paddle” game against the Texas State Bobcats (4-6, 3-3) on Saturday at John L. Guidry Stadium. Since the 1998 season, the game against these two teams has been commonly referred to as the “Battle for the Paddle.” The game had to be rescheduled due to floodwaters that ravaged the San Marcos, Texas area.
Ever since that season, a paddle with the each school’s colors and the years they won the coveted contest is presented to the winner in honor and memory of those who lost their lives in the flood.
This is the third year in a row the Colonels have come out victorious. With this win breaking their three consecutive losses in a row. Nicholls went from being ranked No. 13 in the nation to not being ranked at all.
Coming into the game, Texas State was riding a three-game win streak, with their most recent win coming against Southeastern Louisiana University.
According to the Colonel Sports Official Athletic Site, head coach Jay Thomas said, “I was just so happy for all of the seniors to go out winners in their last home game. They helped make Nicholls what it is today, andhat will never be forgotten.”
“We executed well, and really won the battle in the trenches early in the game, which ultimately led to our victory,” he said.
The Colonels outscored the Bobcats in the first half, putting up 31 points against their seven. Of the four touchdowns in the first quarter of play, the biggest was a 96-yard punt return by Ladarius Webb.
He now holds the record for the longest punt return in Nicholls and the Southland Conference’s history.
The other three touchdowns were all runs by junior quarterback Vincent Montgomery and senior running back Broderick Cole. Cole, who finished the game with 76 yards on 18 carries for three touchdowns, now ranks fifth on the all-time rushing list with 2,048 yards, and needs four yards to surpass Colt Colletti for fourth place all-time.
His three touchdowns in the victory gave him 198 career points, just three points shy of tying Adam Diel for the sixth spot on the all-time scoring list.
The senior players had a great showing on their final home game. On offense, Cal Jones finished with five carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, while Joseph Tobias had 12 carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Michael Okoronkwo had two carries for 15 yards and senior Andre Kelly had two carries for eight yards.
The Colonel defense also had did a great job. Kareem Moore had a game best 12 tackles and one fumble recovery.
Other seniors on the defensive side of the ball were Jordan Stone, Dominic Cooper, Jermaine Boggan, Mike Heyl and Lester Brooks.
Special teams seniors, Alex Romero and Sean Comeaux did not participate much in the game; however, their performances were perfect.
Other seniors honored before the game include center Matt Blanchard, guard Jesse Frazier, guard Benjamin Gombossy, tight end Jared Landrum and defensive back Collin Moore.
Although running back Zack Morgan is a junior, he participated in senior day as well because of his December graduation.
During the second half of the game, the Bobcats were able to put points on the board, but the Colonels matched every point, ensuring their win. For the last game of the season, the Colonels will travel to Hammond on Saturday to play their archrival Southeastern Louisiana University.
Cox Sports Television will televise the game, and kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m.
