The Nicholls State Colonels finished their Homecoming festivities in style by defeating the Southeastern University Lions 14-10 Saturday night at John. L. Guidry Stadium. Despite turning the ball over two times and falling behind 10-7 at halftime following a 22-yard touchdown run by Southeastern running back Mario Gilbert, the Colonels were able to shut the Lions out the entire second half en route to the win.

Colonels Head Coach Jay Thomas said he was extremely pleased with the effort of his team.

“The last three or four games we’ve been playing emotionally, but I really thought we played even kill tonight,” Thomas said. “We played through the adversity, and that’s a good sign as far as maturity goes.”

Senior linebacker Cory Vavala said it was important for the defense to keep its intensity despite being down.

“At halftime (defensive coordinator Steve) Ellis walked in and the first thing he said was, ‘No more,'” Vavala said. “We all knew what it meant, and we went out there in the second half and shut them out.”

The night started off strong for the Colonels as they put together a nine-play, 78-yard opening drive that was capped off by a two-yard rushing touchdown from junior fullback Broderick Cole.

The Lions did not get on the board until the 14:53 mark in the 2nd quarter when kicker Jeff Turner hit a 24-yard field goal.

The Lions took the lead with Gilbert’s run on their next possession, after recovering a fumble by junior quarterback Chris Bunch.

Both teams continued to trade possessions in the third quarter until the Colonels regained the lead for good on a four-play 58-yard drive which was finished by a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Michael McLendon with 3:52 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Lions drove down to the Colonels’ 24-yard line but failed to convert the first down on three consecutive passes. The Colonels got the ball back and were able to run out the clock after a face mask call on third down gave the Colonels a fresh set of downs.

The Colonels were then able to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Thomas said the defense did a great job of holding on to the win.

“I have to tell you, we were hanging on for dear life,” Thomas said. “Our defense was beginning to wear down, and their (Southeastern’s) offense stretched the field on us.”

Vavala said it was important that the Colonels continue playing ‘Colonels defense’ throughout the game.

Leading the way offensively for the Colonels was Cole, who rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown. Freshman quarterback Vincent Montgomery finished the night three for seven for 18 yards passing and had13 carries for 16 yards.

Despite losing the turnover and penalty battle, the Colonels did win the first-down battle 18-17.

Montgomery said it is important for the Colonels to convert on more opportunities against Sam Houston next week.

“We need to put together drives a little better,” Montgomery said. “We had a couple fumbles and punts. If we put together drives, then we should be fine.