The Colonels capped their 2025 home schedule with a 26-21 win over Northwestern State on Saturday afternoon at John L. Guidry Stadium.
The win improved the Colonels to 4-7 overall and 4-3 in Southland play, giving the team a perfect 4-0 home conference record. The matchup also served as the final home appearance for the program’s senior class, which was honored in a pregame ceremony. Northwestern State (1-10, 0-7) has lost 10 straight and will look for its last chance for a conference win versus Stephen F. Austin.
Senior Send-Off
Nicholls honored 19 seniors before the game, including key contributors such as defensive leaders Ty Marsh and Laurence Sullivan Jr. Marsh, who has been a consistent presence in the secondary, made his final home appearance and recorded a team-high 10 tackles.
Sullivan, a stalwart in the linebacker corps, helped anchor the defense and provided leadership on and off the field. The pregame ceremony not only recognized seasoned players but also those who have played vital, behind-the-scenes roles in building the program’s culture — a fitting tribute to the senior class as they closed out their time in Thibodaux.
How the Game Unfolded
The Colonels came out hot. Running back Shane Lee started off the games scoring with a 6-yard touchdown run set up after a nearly eight minute drive. Two minutes later Lee then broke free on the first play of the Colonels next possession on a 59-yard touchdown, but a failed two-point conversion attempt and extra point cost the team two points with a 12-0 lead.
Nicholls’ early lead didn’t last long, after quarterback Abram Johnston ran for touchdowns of 8 and 10 yards in the second quarter, giving the Demons a 14-12 lead.
Nicholls responded a few minutes later after Ean Rodrigue connected with linebacker Alec Haynes for a rare moment of a defensive player scoring a touchdown on offense, reclaiming the lead. Rodrigue completed 12 of his 21 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown.
The Demons struck back just before halftime with a 6-yard passing touchdown from Johnston to Ty Moore, sending Northwestern into halftime with a 21-19 lead.
The third quarter saw both defenses tighten, with each team trading punts and running several long drives that stalled just short of scoring opportunities.
In the fourth, Nicholls mounted a 12-play, 66-yard drive, finished by Lee’s 4-yard touchdown run that gave the Colonels a 26-21 edge. Lee finished the game with 134 rushing yards and three touchdowns for the Colonels.
Northwestern State threatened in the final minutes, but Marsh made a key tackle, and Sullivan Jr. capped the game off with an interception in the closing seconds.
Looking Ahead
The Colonels look to carry their momentum into the final game of the season against rival No. 23 Southeastern University. The game provides an opportunity for Nicholls to even the all-time series at 18-18 while also aiming to spoil the Lions’ season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Hammond.
