The Nicholls State Colonels competed against the Houston Christian Huskies in their second conference game of the season.

The Colonels’ defense took the field first. The Huskies’ offense had an eight-play, 33-yard drive but were forced to punt.

The Colonel offense was able to put points on the board first after a long drive, lasting 11 plays for 47 yards with a 27-yard field goal made from junior kicker Gavin Lasseigne. This made the score 3-0 with 7:20 left in the first quarter.

The Nicholls defense forced Houston Christian to punt after a quick three and out. After the quick Houston Christian drive, the Colonels had a long 16-play, 66-yard drive that ended in a missed field goal.

The Colonels’ defense forced their second three and out of the game and allowed the offense to take over at their own 27-yard line.

The Colonels had another long drive that lasted 13 plays for 69 yards, but it ended with a turnover on downs after an incomplete pass.

The next drive by the Huskies only lasted three plays after an interception by Nicholls linebacker Brandon Lairy. The Colonels offense took over on the Huskies’ 12-yard line.

The drive lasted seven plays for seven yards, but ended with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Gavin Lasseigne with 2:21 left in the second quarter, making the score 6-0.

The Huskies’ offense tried to respond with a nine-play, 50-yard drive, but it ended with a 45-yard field goal miss right before the half.

The Colonels’ offense had a touchdown drive right after half. Sophomore running back Collin Guggenheim scored from 2 yards out after an 11-play, 78-yard drive, making the score 13-0 with 8:49 left in the third quarter.

The Huskies’ first drive of the second half was much like the first. They were forced to punt after their fourth three and out of the game. The Colonels took over at their own 39-yard line.

The Colonels had three and out of their own and gave the ball back to the Huskies quickly. The Huskies responded with their first touchdown of the game with 4:32 left in the third to make the score 13-7.

The Colonels’ next drive would only last four plays for 25 yards after a fumble loss with 3:15 left in the third quarter. The Huskies’ offense would not capitalize after they were forced to punt after three plays.

After the Houston Christian punt, the Colonels had a one-play drive after another fumble loss with 1:57 left in the third quarter. The Huskies capitalized off this one and scored a touchdown with five seconds to go in the third. This made the score 14-13 going into the final quarter.

The Colonels responded with a 10-play, 45-yard drive that ended with a 52-yard field by kicker Gavin Lasseigne. The score was now 19-14 with 10:11 left in the game.

Both offenses punted on their next possessions. The Huskies’ offense had a 14-play, 74-yard drive once they got the ball back, which ended on a 42-yard field goal. This helped the Huskies take a late lead with 43 seconds left in the game.

The Colonels’ offense took over on the Huskies’ 41-yard line. They had a six-play, 49-yard drive that ended with a 43-yard field goal as time expired to help the Colonels secure their first victory of the season.

Sophomore quarterback Leonard Kelly was Nicholls’ leading passer after a 20-for-31, 217-yard performance. Senior running back Julien Gums led all rushers with 22 carries for 84 yards. The leading receiver for Nicholls was junior wide receiver KJ Franklin, who had eight catches for 82 yards.

The Colonels secured their first victory of the season and will look to build on that in their next game against the Incarnate Word Cardinals.

FINAL SCORE: NICHOLLS 19, HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 17