Nicholls football overcomes rival opponent and bad weather

The Nicholls State University football team claimed the trophy and proved themselves “the real N-S-U”
after they defeated the Northwestern State University Demons 14-10 on Saturday despite poor weather
conditions from the approach of Hurricane Nate.

With the win, the Colonels improved their overall record to 4-2. They are now 3-1 in the Southland
Conference with a home record of 3-0.

Although the Colonels were trailing 10-7 in the fourth quarter, their consistent defensive effort as well
an offensive spark from the entrance of sophomore quarterback Chase Fourcade ultimately pushed
them past the Demons and through the rain to win and claim the trophy.

In the seventh minute of the game, sophomore running back Kyran Irvan scored on a 3-yard rush after a
19-yard run from senior quarterback Tuskani Figaro. The Colonels put the first seven points on the board
but did not score again until the fourth quarter with only three minutes left on the clock.

Despite dealing with an injury and being limited in practice for most of the week, Fourcade made an
appearance at the end of the game and helped the Colonels score once more.

After senior Tyler St. Germain’s punt rolled inside the 1-yard line and set the Colonel offense at the
Demon 40-yard line, sophomore running back Dontrell Taylor scored on a 3-yard touchdown eight plays
and 40 yards later. Taylor led the team with 71 yards on 17 carries and scored for the first time all
season.

Sixth-year senior Tuskani Figaro started at quarterback for the Colonels and finished with 85 yards
passing. He found success in the running game, totaling 58 yards on 12 carries, becoming the seventh
Colonel in program history to rush for 2,000 yards in his career.

The Colonel defense was led by juniors Hezekiah White and Corey Abraham who each recorded eight
tackles and White had one sack. Senior defensive back Christian Boutte picked off a pass that won the
ball back for the Colonels in the last minute of the game.

In his comments following the victory, head coach Tim Rebowe said it was a great team win and that he
was proud of the defense for holding Northwestern to only ten points.

Fourcade said having the chance to watch the game develop from the side helped him execute when he
appeared in the fourth quarter.

“I trusted what the coaches did, they put me in the game and I just had to do my job,” Fourcade said. “I
wanted my teammates to make plays and they made plays, and I can’t thank them enough.”

The Colonels will stay in Thibodaux next weekend and face Abilene Christian University at John L. Guidry
Stadium. This will be designated as the annual Pink Game, Hall of Fame, and Homecoming.

Statistics

Passing:
Figaro, Tuskani: 85 yds.
Fourcade, Chase: 60 yds.

Rushing:
Taylor, Dontrell: 71 yds.
Figaro, Tuskani: 58 yds.
Irvin, Kyran: 52 yds.
Guariso, Stefano: 7 yds.
Rogers, Jarell: 1 yd.

Receiving:
Dixon, Dai’Jean: 52 yds.
Jeanpiere, Damion: 45 yds.
Rogers, Jarell: 32 yds.
Taylor, Dontrell: 10 yds.
Mosley, David: 6 yds.

Sacks:
White, Hezekiah: 1.0
Johnson, Tyler: 1.0