On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Nicholls State University Colonels took on the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) Redhawks.

The Colonels came into the game after losing two straight. This game was the final game of their three-game road trip to start the season.

The Colonels opened the game with a quick drive, as it only lasted three plays for one yard before they were forced to punt.

The Redhawks responded with an eight-play, 60-yard drive for a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Paxton DeLaurent found senior running back Geno Hess on a four-yard touchdown pass with 10:26 left in the first quarter.

Both teams would exchange interceptions on their next drives.

After the Redhawks’ interception, the Colonels went three and out again after only driving the ball ten yards. The Redhawks would then have an eight-play, 70-yard drive for a touchdown. 

Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent scored on a nine-yard run with 14:53 left in the second quarter. This made the score 14-0 in favor of the Redhawks.

Much of the same was for the Colonels as they had another three and out on their next offensive drive. The Redhawks would then have a six play, 40-yard drive but it would result in a missed field goal.

Both offenses would trade touchdowns on their next drives. Nicholls scored on a five-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Kohen Granier to sophomore tight end Lee Negrotto.  

The Redhawks would then respond with an 18-yard touchdown pass. This made the score 21-7 with 1:56 left in the second quarter.

Nicholls had one last opportunity to score before halftime. They had a three-play, 37-yard drive but missed a 40-yard field goal to close out the half.

SEMO opened the second half with a nine-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Running back Geno Hess scored on an eight-yard run to make the score 28-7 with 10:56 left in the third quarter.

The Colonel offense would answer with an eight-play, 50-yard drive; but they were only able to score three points, making the score 28-10 with 8:18 left in the third.

The teams exchanged punts once again, but the Redhawks special teams’ unit was able to capitalize, as they scored on a blocked punt which made the score 35-10 with 3:28 in the third.

The Colonels would bounce back on a four-play, 64-yard drive for a touchdown. Quarterback Kohen Granier completed a 19-yard pass to senior wide receiver Al’Dontre Davis to make the score 35-16 with 2:16 left in the third quarter after an extra point miss.

The Redhawks would respond with a long, nine-play, 75-yard drive to make the score 42-16 with 13:13 left in the fourth quarter. The next 3 drives would result in punts.  

Quarterback Kohen Granier led the team in passing going 29-for-41 for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The team’s leading rusher was senior running back Julien Gums who had 12 carries for 33 yards and wide receiver Al’Dontre Davis led the team in receiving with eight catches for 96 yards and one touchdown.

The Colonels face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks next in their home opener.

FINAL SCORE: SEMO 42, NICHOLLS 16