The Colonel’s football team looks to improve on last season’s 3-6 record as they begin the 2009 season with strong opponents and three new assistant coaches on the sidelines. This season kicks off with a road game against the Falcons of Air Force, a Division I opponent.

The Falcons had as many as five players averaging over 32 yards per game on the ground in 2008.

“Because Air Force runs the same type of offense as us, the defense is getting a lot of practice against it.” Senior defensive back Dominique Daniels said.

The Colonels will also face ex-LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Guidry Stadium for the homecoming game.

Other home games include Texas State, Mcneese State, Northwestern State and Duquesne.

Defense seems to be the theme as head coach Jay Thomas brings in two new assistant coaches as well as the promotion of linebacker”s coach Jeremy Atwell to defensive coordinator. Rashad Watson will overview the defensive backs and Dustin Gisclair will supervise the defensive line.

The Colonels failed to hold their opponents to fewer than 28 points in eight out of nine games last season. Daniels and senior defensive end Zac Reddix should give leadership to the defense after losing outstanding defensive corner Lardarius Webb to the third round of last year’s NFL draft. The defense will look to fill the vacant spots on defense this training camp. Daniels said, ” Looks great! We have some new talented players and coaches.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the rushing attack should maintain its dominance as expected.

As for the starting quarterback position, red-shirt freshman Laquintin Caston and red-shirt freshman Jacob Witt are both taking reps in the line-up. “Both of them had a good scrimmage today, but they combined for three interceptions. The turnovers came on pressure applied by our defense and its blitzes, which was really good to see,” said Thomas after a scrimmage between the offense and defense.

Last year’s team had a rocky start after Hurricane Gustav damaged the stadium lights. One game was also canceled. They have been replaced and are now working properly.

The Colonels finished camp Friday and are ready to start the season off right. The Colonels will take on the Dukes of Duquesne with a kickoff set for 1 p.m. in the first home game of the 2009 season.