On Saturday, Sept. 24, the Nicholls State Colonels played the Jacksonville State Gamecocks for their home opener.

The Colonels have their season with three straight losses ahead of their home opener.

The Colonels opened the game on offense first with their first drive lasting seven plays for 25 yards. They came to a halt after an interception by senior quarterback Kohen Granier.

The Gamecocks would capitalize on the Nicholls turnover. Their opening drive resulted in a touchdown after six plays for 45 yards. Junior running back Pat Jackson found the endzone on a three-yard run with 11:01 left in the first quarter. This touchdown made the score 7-0.

The Colonels responded with a touchdown of their own after a 16-play, 75-yard drive that lasted over seven minutes. Kohen Granier connected with senior wide receiver Al’Dontre Davis for a six-yard score with 3:26 left in the first which helped even the score to 7-7.

The Gamecocks would fire back with a quick three-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Senior running back Matt LaRoche had a 46-yard touchdown run to make the score 14-7 with 2:28 left in the first.

On the Colonels’ next drive, they went nine plays for 43 yards before quarterback Kohen Granier threw his second interception of the game with 13:07 left in the second quarter.

The Gamecocks would capitalize quickly after a one-play, 76-yard touchdown drive. Senior quarterback Zion Webb connected with sophomore wide receiver Sean Brown on the score, making it 21-7 with 12:55 to go in the second.

The Colonels had three and out on their next drive and were forced to punt for the first time in the game.

The two teams traded touchdowns on their next drives, making the score 28-14 with 1:19 left in the second quarter.

On the Gamecocks’ next drive, they completed a seven-play, 75-yard drive capped off with a 13-yard touchdown run from quarterback Zion Webb. This touchdown made the score 35-14 going into halftime.

After halftime, the Gamecocks scored 17 unanswered points until Nicholls finally responded. 

Sophomore running back Collin Guggenheim found the endzone on a two-yard run and a score of 52-21 with 8:30 left in the game.

The next two drives resulted in a punt by the Gamecocks and a turnover on downs by the Colonels.

Quarterback Kohen Granier led the Colonels in passing going 18-for-33 for 172 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Running back Collin Guggenheim led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Al’Dontre Davis led the team in receiving yards with seven catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

The Colonels will hit the road again as they begin conference play against the Northwestern State Demons.

FINAL SCORE: JACKSONVILLE STATE 54, NICHOLLS 21