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CONTENTS
11.1.16 2016 / VOLUME 2 / NO. 11
Louisiana College QB Easton Melancon, SR
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3 Staff 4 Louisiana Top 50 Recruits 9 Common Pain Myths and Facts 10 La Tech 12 Northwestern State 13 Chief Caddo 14 Nicholls State 15 Louisiana College 18 Tulane 20 LSU 24 Grambling State 26 University of Louisiana 28 ULM 30 Southern 32 McNeese State 34 Interview with Ryan Ross 36 Southeastern Louisiana U.
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Andrew Bryson, Owner/Publisher LGF
STAFF Andy Bryson- Owner/Publisher
Laura Norsworthy– Senior Editor
Kristen Bryson– Editor
Phil Blanchard– Intern
Jason Saucier– Photographer
Alec Miller– Intern
Dylan Barbier - Photographer
Bradley Abadie– Intern
Debra Rogan - Sales Associate
Christian Moore– High School FB
Terry Biggs– NFL Writer
Patrick Mchaffey– Writer www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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Louisiana High School Player Rankings 1 Tyler Shelvin Notre Dame (Lafayette, LA) |DT|6-2.5 376 |
2 Devonta Smith Amite (Amite, LA) |WR|6-1 160|
3 Todd Harris Plaquemine (Plaquemine, LA) |S|6-0180 |
4 Christopher Allen Southern University Lab School (Baton Rouge, LA) |OLB|6-4234|
Light Shines Bright On Baton Rouge Talent By: Alec Miller Catholic High School is currently 8-0 this year and is certainly a contender again for a state championship considering they won last year. Coach Weiner has an excellent group of senior leadership this year to set the tone. The Bears offensive unit looks strong thanks to the solid running game provided by Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The former track and basketball player has really come along at the running back position, especially with his speed and acceleration.
5 Brad Stewart McDonogh 35 (New Orleans, LA) |CB|6-0194 |
6 Bruce Jordan-Swilling Brother Martin (New Orleans, LA) |OLB|6-0215|
7 Lowell Narcisse St. James (Saint James, LA) |DUAL|6-2.5224|
8 Phidarian Mathis Neville (Monroe, LA) |DT|6-4287|
9 Travis Etienne Jennings (Jennings, LA) |RB|5-11199|
10 Adrian Ealy East Ascension (Gonzales, LA) |OT|6-7300|
11 Patrick Queen Livonia (Livonia, LA) |ATH|6-0.5209|
12 Keytaon Thompson Landry-Walker (New Orleans, LA) |DUAL|6-4225|
13 Keldrick Carper Plain Dealing (Plain Dealing, LA) |ATH|6-3185|
14 Bryan Jones Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA)|SDE|6-5240|
The 5’8, 200 lb. running back is a very patient runner with great down field acceleration and was a huge contributor to the offense for the Catholic High Bears. He really understands the importance of running behind the offensive line and picking the right moment to explode with his acceleration. Keep an eye on this offensive prospect who can also break off from a reception in the backfield. Outside of football, Clyde has an interest in automobiles, dirt bikes, and basically anything that will go fast. The multipurpose running back decided to commit to Louisiana State University because it is close to home and his family. Clyde’s mother, a nurse, has motivated her son to attend college in Baton Rouge but has also created an interest in her son to pursue a career in Nursing. Continued on PG 6
15 Clyde Edwards-Helaire Catholic (Baton Rouge, LA) |RB|5-7191| www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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16 Ethan HarveyEvangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, LA)|OG|6-4 285|
17 Tre SwillingBrother Martin (New Orleans, LA) |CB|6-0 180|
18 Cheyenne LabruzzaAlbany (Albany, LA) |CB|6-0 185|
19 Dennis CollinsWest Monroe (West Monroe, LA) |DT|6-1 248|
20 Racey McMathEdna Karr (New Orleans, LA) |WR|6-3 215|
21Terrell BaileyJohn Ehret (Marrero, LA) |CB|6-0 175|
22 Josh ClarkeRiverdale (New Orleans, LA) |OLB|6-3 225|
23 Al'dontre DavisLutcher (Lutcher, LA) |WR|6-0 190|
24 Michael YoungDestrehan (Destrehan, LA) |WR|5-11 175|
25 Corey StraughterNeville (Monroe, LA) |CB|5-11 165|
26 Trey ColemanWest Monroe (West Monroe, LA) |ATH|5-11 203|
27 Josh ListerHaughton (Haughton, LA) |WR|5-9 169|
28 Cameron Heil Baker (Baker, LA) |ILB|6-2 225|
29 Jaiden Cole Neville (Monroe, LA) |ATH|6-1 195|
30 Jontre Kirklin Lutcher (Lutcher, LA) |ATH|5-11.5 166|
31 Amik Robertson Thibodaux (Thibodaux, LA) |CB|5-9 165|
32 Jeremy Singleton Brother Martin (New Orleans, LA) |WR|6-0 170|
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I asked Clyde, why Nursing? He responded, “I appreciated everything my mother did for me growing up and was fortunate enough to see some of the things she performed as a nurse. I think Nursing school will provide many opportunities for me outside of football.” On the defensive side, Aaron Moffitt looks to be a promising player who committed to Louisiana State University. Originally a baseball player, Moffitt focused more on football after a torn labrum injury ended his baseball career his sophomore year. When asked why he wanted to play for the Tigers, Moffitt responded with “It just feels right. Despite Les Miles no longer being the Head Coach, I think change will be a good thing and that does not bother me.” Moffitt is a 6’4, 260 lb. Defensive End who committed to Louisiana State University despite turning down 16 other scholarship offers. “I’m from Baton Rouge and I would love to stay home because I think playing for Coach O will give me a chance to play for a National Championship.” After interviewing both players, Edwards-Helaire had a closing statement that he wanted to finish with. Clyde responded, “I want to thank my team and my coaches for teaching me about what it means to be accountable and how to become a leader. We all know what we have to do on the field but it is up to us to get on each other at practice and outside of the field to make ourselves better.”
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33 Jamal Walters West St. John (Edgard, LA) |CB |5-9 175|
34 Josh Cooper Haughton (Haughton, LA) |OG|6-7 355|
35 Zikerrion Baker Minden (Mooringsport, LA) |OLB|6-1 210|
36 Aaron Moffitt Catholic (Baton Rouge, LA) |SDE 6-4 255|
37 Garret Wallow John Curtis (New Orleans, LA) |S|6-2 207|
38 Devion Warren Ouachita Parish (Monroe, LA) |ATH|5-10 170|
39 Tevin Bush Landry-Walker (New Orleans, LA) |APB|5-8 170|
40 Adam Sparks Dutchtown (Geismar, LA) |CB|6-0 170|
41 JaCorion Andrews Neville (Monroe, LA) |CB|6-0 191|
42 Jacob Kibodi Christian Life (Baton Rouge, LA) |ATH|6-2 198|
43 Derrick Munson Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, LA) |OLB|6-0 200|
44 Shahid Reece Archbishop Rummel (Metairie, LA) |OLB|6-0 220|
45 Dwayne Fisher John Ehret (Marrero, LA) |OT|6-5 300|
46 Noah Fontenot St. Thomas More (Lafayette, LA) |ILB|6-1 225|
47 Lance Mayfield John Curtis (New Orleans, LA) |OT|6-7 320|
48 Justice McCoySt. Augustine (New Orleans, LA) |DUAL|6-1 180|
49 Travis Jordan John Ehret (Marrero, LA) |WR|6-2.5 185|
50 Levi Lewis Scotlandville Magnet (Baton Rouge, LA)|ATH|5-11 195| www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
Pope John Paul II High School in Slidell, LA has not fared too well in the last few seasons but the 2016-17 season has brought renewed spirit with the hiring of new coach Brett Bonnaffons. Immediately upon his hiring Coach Bonnaffons named senior David Doane the starter at quarterback. Doane is a solid 5’10’’ 190lb dual threat qb who is equally skilled at running and passing. In his limited time last year he showed flashes of the type of play that Coach Bonnaffons believes will translate to multiple wins and success for the Jaguars this year. Through the first 6 games of the season the PJP Jaguars have been able to win 2 district games (first time in 3 years to win a single district game) behind the passing (1200 yards, 10 touchdowns) and running (400 yards, 8 touchdowns) of David Doane. The jaguar offense has come to life averaging 24 points a game this year compared to 4 points a game last year and 7 points a game the year before. Doane has led an explosive offense that has the jaguars in every game with the chance to win. Expectations have risen to the point where even the New Orleans Advocate has picked PJP to win twice this year through the first 6 games. David Doane was named the Offensive Player of the week by the New Orleans Advocate for his 6 total touchdown performance in a win over Springfield on 23 Sep 16. Doane was 710 for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns while also rushing for 72 yards and 2 more scores. Doane was also named the Northshore Male Athlete of the Week by NOLA.Com for 7 Oct 16 following his 117 yard 1 touchdown passing and 102 yard rushing with 2 touchdowns in a victory over Northlake Christian. PJP had not beaten Northlake Christian in the last 5 years with this win giving PJP a 2-0 district record for the first time in many years. These two wins doubled the win total for the previous year and tied the wins for the last two years. 8
By: John Paul Guidry DPT CSCS
The International Association for the study of pain defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. While some may argue that this definition needs to be tweaked I think it is a good starting point in understanding what pain is. Pain is our body’s alarm system and although it can be unpleasant it is 100% necessary for survival. In this article we will address some common pain myths that I hear from both the general public and in the medical community. Most patients that I see do not have an accurate understanding of what pain really is so hopefully today we can clear up some of these misunderstandings. Myth 1: Pain is associated with damage Pain is 100% of the time an output of the brain. Your brain can magnify or reduce pain based on the perceived threat of the situation you are in at that moment in time. It may or may not be associated with damage to tissue in the body and the level of pain is not well correlated with the level of tissue damage. Most injuries heal within 3 months’ time so pain that lasts beyond this time frame is unlikely coming just from the tissues. Medical imaging can be a good tool these days to quickly discover a serious condition or injury. The downfall of these great tools is that it does show everything even if those results may not have anything to do with the pain a person experiences. There are multiple studies out there demonstrating MRI results of various parts of the body with things such as disc bulges, arthritis, spinal stenosis, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff tears in 4060% of people with no history of pain in those areas. Another good example of this is phantom limb pain, which is pain experienced in a limb that has been amputated. Not only is there no damage to be associated with the pain there is no physical body part there as well, yet the person still feels pain in that amputated limb. These are both good examples that illustrate you can have damage without pain and pain without damage Myth 2: Pain is all in your head If we go back to the statement that pain is 100% an output of the brain, this is not to be confused with saying that pain is in your head. Pain is a very real experience 100% of the time and each person’s pain is a very individual experience, which is why it can be hard to understand what a person in pain is feeling. Although psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, your social environment, anger or fear can affect your pain levels the pain that you feel is still very real.
Myth 3: You need specific exercises in order to get out of pain for a certain area of the body A common misconception is that people with back pain need to do core strengthening exercises. Studies have shown that general exercise such as walking is just as effective as low back specific exercises for decreasing back pain. In reality, the best treatment to help you get control of your pain and restore function is education, movement based exercise, graded return to activity and manual therapy. A proper dose of each differs from person to person, so it is important to find the right medical practitioner to help guide you along and eventually progress you to having full control of your own treatment. These are just a few of the many common pain myths out there. For more information on what we have to offer or for more information on pain and recovery please visit my website at www.guidrypt.com
www.guidrypt.com John Paul Guidry DPT, CSCS
JohnPaul@guidrypt.com
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Phone (985) 882-8427
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Amazing Wide Receivers at TECH The LA Tech Bulldogs are tearing it up in Conference USA this year. Leading this charge are Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor. This pair of wide receivers are arguably the best in the country. While we at Louisiana Gridiron football have already gushed over the star quality of Trent Taylor, we haven’t really focused on the equally wonderful Carlos Henderson. After putting together an incredible offensive performance in Louisiana Tech’s 56 -28 victory over Massachusetts on Oct. 22 at Gillette Stadium, Carlos Henderson has been named the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s National Player of the Week, it was announced by the organization recently. Henderson is the first Louisiana Tech player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since the award began in 2004. The Walter Camp Football Foundation honors one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. Recipients are selected by a panel of national media members and administered by the Foundation. A week after registering 232 yards and three touchdowns against WKU, Henderson followed up that performance with 12 catches for 326 yards and five touchdowns in LA Tech’s win over UMass Saturday. His 326 yards tied for eighth place all-time in NCAA history for most receiving yards in a single-game. Henderson’s 326 receiving yards are the second-most in both LA Tech and Conference USA history, while his five touchdowns tied both the school and C-USA record. Henderson also became just the third FBS player in the last 10 years to have 200 receiving yards and three touchdowns in back-to-back games. He also became the first receiver in NCAA history to have at least 325 yards and five touchdowns in a single game. After his career-game against the Minutemen, Henderson is now tied for the FBS lead with 10 touchdowns on the season, while he is ranked first in the nation with 147.3 yards per game. He now has 42 catches on the season for 884 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His 884 receiving yards is ranked third nationally among FBS players. In addition to earning the weekly honor from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Henderson was also named the National Offensive Player of the Week by two additional outlets – the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) and College Sports Madness. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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Amazing Kicker for LA Tech Louisiana Tech kicker Jonathan Barnes was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts in LA Tech’s 44- 24 win over Conference USA foe FIU on Oct. 22, bringing his season total to 13-of-15 and his career total to 47of-58. He has now made 11 straight field goals on the season dating back to two missed field goals in the season opener at Arkansas, including a career-long 54-yard field goal last Thursday against the Hilltoppers. His 11 straight field goals made is tied for the third-longest streak in the nation. Barnes also went 7-of-7 on extra-point attempts against the Hilltoppers, making it 94 straight for the redshirt junior. Against WKU, Barnes hit a career-long 54-yard field goal, giving the Bulldogs a 55-38 lead with 11 minutes to go in the game. It tied for the third longest field goal in program history and was the longest field goal since Chris Boniol in 1991.
Ryan Higgins —Another LA Tech Award Winner After standout performances against both WKU and Massachusetts, Ryan Higgins became just the second quarterback in Louisiana Tech history to pass for 450-plus yards and five touchdowns in back-to-back games. The other quarterback is Higgins' current quarterback coach and a LA Tech Legend in Tim Rattay. Higgins is currently ranked second in the nation among FBS quarterbacks with an average of 392.2 passing yards per game Ryan Higgins has been selected as one of 10 midseason additions to the 2016 Manning Award Watch List, it was announced by the organization on Oct. 12. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a ceremony in New Orleans. Through the first eight games, Higgins is averaging 374.6 passing yards, a mark that ranks second in the nation. Higgins and the Bulldogs are putting up some of the best offensive numbers in school history this season as LA Tech enters the second half of the season ranked third in the nation in passing offense and eighth in total offense.
Xavier Woods Named One of 16 Semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award Louisiana Tech senior safety Xavier Woods has been named one of 16 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Monday. The award is presented to the nation’s best defensive back. Woods leads the Bulldog defense with four interceptions this season for 45 yards, while the senior has totaled 53 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. Woods’ fourth interception of the season this past weekend at FIU was the 13th of his career, which ranks fifth all-time in Louisiana Tech history.
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Northwestern State is one of the best 1 -6 teams in the country. I spoke to the coaches briefly before the McNeese State game and they said that they were disappointed that they could not close out some of the games. Against Lamar, NSU was up by 14 points before loosing by one with less than two min in the game.
Demons had a triple threat at RB, but Jones is done The Demons have three backs who have 100-yard performances this year, but only two are available. Chris Jones piled up 176 at SLU, playing with a knee brace after he got hurt at UCA and told nobody because De’Mard Llorens was out. Jones’ big game in Hammond was his last. He had surgery and won’t play again in 2016. NSU will appeal for a medical redshirt for the senior. Jones’ total was the best (at the time, until Llorens’ career night at Lamar) by a Demon since Byron Lawrence went for 191 vs. Nicholls in 2008. Last time NSU had three players owning 100-yard rushing totals? 2009, when Paul Harris, William Griffin and Quinten Castille each did so.
Llorens runs past 2 grand, nears top 10 Senior running back De’Mard Llorens has a modest total of 6 career 100-yard rushing games, 2 this year; in fact, two in the last three games. After 112 on 16 carries against Nicholls’ strong run defense, Llorens topped the 2,000-yard mark for his career. He has 2,063 yards on 396 carries (5.2 yards per carry) with 22 career rushing TDs, adding 3 more TDs receiving. He’s averaging 127 ypg in the last 3 games, and 102 ypg in the last 4 outings since missing nearly all of the UCA game and the entire SLU contest with a bruised shoulder. Llorens is 190 yards away from 10th on the Demons’ career rushing list. Donald Johnson had 2,253 from 1969-72. He is sixth all-time with 22 rushing TDs. Fifth is 24 by Clarence Matthews (1992- 95), and 25 by Sidney Thornton (1973-76) is fourth. The record is 34 (Derrick Johnese, 2002-05). Llorens shares the single-game rushing TDs record (4, at Nicholls last year). At Lamar, his 211 yards on 25 carries were both career highs. His rushing yardage was the best for a Demon since Byron Lawrence went for 231 in the 2007 season finale victory over Stephen F. Austin.
#9 Quarterback Brooks Haack (SR-TR) Nobody since Lawrence ended his remarkable career in 2008 has carried it 25 times in a game for NSU. Llorens had 24 totes last year at Nicholls, one of four 20-carry games he posted as a junior.
Ryan takes second on NSU career receptions list He’s done it low key, while Ed Eagan was piling up pass receptions at NSU, but senior WR Shakeir Ryan ranks second only to Ed among the most productive receivers in Demon history. He caught three balls against McNeese to climb past Derrick Doyle for the No. 2 spot, and hit the end zone on a 26-yard run with a reverse.
NSU has blocked 4 kicks The Demons blocked a pair of kicks at Lamar, a partially blocked punt by Ryan Reed (for a net 3 yard punt) and a thoroughly smothered PAT (Christian Bluiett), giving them 4 blocks this season. Against UIW, Shawn Stephens blocked a punt that the Cardinals recovered in the end zone for a safety. Jahvez Barnes partially blocked a Kentucky Wesleyan punt that wobbled 18 yards downfield.
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By: NSU Athletics
College football teams across the country play for trophies in rivalry games, but none is harder to cart off afterwards than the one at stake when Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin meet annually in both team’s regular season finale. Chief Caddo is the world’s largest sports trophy, standing 7foot-6 and weighing over 320 pounds. He was once 400 pounds, but he has dried out a bit over the years and supposedly went on the Pritiken Diet during the great Natchitoches experiment in 1980. The tradition originated in 1960, when longtime rivals Northwestern and SFA decided to award the winner of the game with a trophy. They settled on a statue of a legendary Indian chief whose tribe was responsible for settling in the locations that became the English-speaking towns of Natchitoches, La and Nacogdoches, TX. The looser of the 1961 game would have a tree chopped down from its nearby forests to be sent to the winning school, who would have a statue carved. The Demons won that 1961 game 3519 and SFA delivered a 2,000-pound black gum log to NSU. Wood carver Harold Green of Logansport spent some 230 hours on the statue. He was named “Chief Caddo” to honor the native Americans that not only first settled the two communities, but provided safety for the early white settlers in the area. Historians say had it not been for the Caddo Indians, the Spanish and French colonists who came to the area would not have survived the onslaughts of the Apache and Comanche warriors from the west and the Natchez from the east. Also, French and Spanish writers of the time said certain wise Caddo chiefs made it possible for the two European colonies to live as neighbors while their mother countries were at war against each other. As to the common heritage of Natchitoches and Nacogdoches, there’s some question about how the cities—each the oldest settlement in their respective states— got their names. Both versions agree that an Indian chief with two sons sent one east and the other west, and they traveled the same distance and established villages. As for the folklore in question: One version, as reported by historian Samuel Stewart Mims in “Rio Sabinas”, credits the chief of an Adae Indian village
on the Sabine River. The village was overpopulated, and the chief ordered his two grown sons to report to him precisely at sunrise. He told one son to walk east, the other west, until the very moment of sunset. The sons were to establish a village at the place they reached. The son who went east wound up in a grove of papaw trees, and he named his village Natchitoches, meaning papaw. The westbound son reached a grove of perChief Caddo simmon trees and named his village Nacogdoches, meaning persimmon. There’s no documentation, but there are papaw trees in Natchitoches and persimmons in Nacogdoches. Another version says that the chief had twin sons, Natchitoches and Nacogdoches, and couldn’t decide which would succeed him. So he split the tribe between them and sent them in different directions. They traveled for three days, one eastbound, the other westbound, and would up where the cities are located today. It is intriguing to note that Natchitoches and Nacogdoches are virtually equidistant from Toledo Bend which stands on the Sabine River bed at the Texas-Louisiana Border. Northwestern and Stephen F. Austin have been playing for Chief Caddo since 1961, and the Demons have a 29-19-1 advantage in the trophy game. That means in the 53 years of the Chief’s existence, he’s spent 35 in Natchitoches. To those who know the Chief best, that comes as no surprise. Even an SFA coach admitted a few years ago that the Chief seemed to like Natchitoches blaming it on meat pies and Cajun cooking. But longtime Northwestern followers know it goes deeper than that. After all, if you were wooden statue would you want to spend a lot of time around a bunch of lumberjacks? Come out and become a part of this amazing tradition at the November 19th game at Stephen F. Austin. Buy your tickets today and don’t miss out on such a wonderful Louisiana– Texas tradition!
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By Alec Miller Thibodaux, LA- Nicholls State is currently 4-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play. They have made some major improvements these past couple of years and it is finally starting to show in the Southland Conference. The most impressive showing has to be their freshman starting quarterback, Chase Fourcade. The New Orleans native is the engine behind the Colonel offense and they certainly have a lot to look forward to in this young talent. The Colonels are averaging a respectable 29.0 points per game while allowing 30.4 points to opposition. Coach Rebowe figures to see his oppositional points per game to go down as the defensive unit builds more chemistry as the season goes along. The Colonels are capable of moving the chains and putting points on the board against any opponent. However, Nicholls State allows an average of 401.1 yards of total offense per game to opponents so they frequently find themselves playing from behind.
The sudden emergence of Chase Fourcade has really opened things up for the running game as well. Nicholls State is averaging 138.0 yards per game and has a total of 15 rushing touchdowns to date. C.J. Okpalobi is the main benefactor of the rushing attack as he has compiled nearly 500 yards rushing along with 5 rushing touchdowns. Okpalobi also contributes as a receiver as his 14 receptions went for another 180 yards and a touchdown. The senior running back really brings another dimension to the offense that helps maintain a healthy offensive balance. On the defensive side, many new comers have made a name of themselves at Nicholls State. Freshman defensive lineman Sully Laiche is third on the team with 44 tackles and leads the Colonels with 7.5
The offensive unit had many questions coming into the season as they found themselves starting Chase Fourcade against a stout SEC opponent, the Georgia Bulldogs. He is only a freshman but he sure does not play like one. Without Fourcade, the Colonels would be a one-dimensional offense that would have no form of aerial attack. Chase really thrives off of his quick-release routes that are usually within 8-15 yards a play but his receivers have done well to make some yardage after the catch. The receiving corps has a strong understanding with their quarterback and that he is capable of giving them a good look as long as they put up from their end. Senior C.J. Bates has really excelled this year with Chase Fourcade under control of the offensive unit. The 6’1 wide receiver is averaging 61.0 yards per game and has 5 touchdowns on the year with nearly 500 yards receiving as well. Sophomore Damion Jeanpiere has really made a name for himself as he and Fourcade have maintained a solid rapport from their days at Archbishop Rummel High School in New Orleans, LA. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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the Colonels will look to have a winning record this year as they take on Lamar, Central Arkansas, and Southeastern-LA in the next coming weeks. The Colonels beat Lamar and Southeastern last year but fell just short to Central Arkansas Ronald Ollie, star of the Netflix series Last Chance U, has really found 34-31 in a very close game. There is no doubt that Nicholls his place at Nicholls State. Though not a starter, Ollie’s aggression State is capable of winning out the remainder of their and athleticism cannot be questioned on the field. During a game games as the offense continues to put points on the board between Houston Baptist, the Colonels blocked a field goal attempt regardless of what defense they are facing. and Ollie was the player to recover it and return it 84 yards for a cruEven though Nicholls State has an overall record of 4-4, two cial touchdown score in a double overtime game. of those losses came from FBS opponents. The first loss It is nice to see Ronald Ollie playing football at a school he can truly coming from the University of Georgia where the Colonels get recognized at. Ollie originally transferred from Eastern Mississippi lost by just 2 points in a game they named a freshman quarCommunity College before settling down in Thibodaux, LA. Throughterback as the starter. The other loss came from a respectaout the Netflix series, Ollie questioned himself and his passion for the ble South Alabama opponent in an overtime thriller. Dongame. He is a true character in the show and continued to make evetrell Taylor rushed for a touchdown but failed to convert ryone laugh and smile. He is one of those guys that you just wanted the 2-point conversion as Nicholls elected to go for 2 in to be around. Ollie pretty much did as he pleased and sometimes hopes to end the game. I liked the aggression that they those things did not relate to football as he questioned his love of the played with as they clearly put up a good game against a game. It was still up in the air where Ollie would go after his football very well coached Jaguar team. career ended at Eastern Mississippi Community College. However, it seems he has found a place to call his Alma Mater that embraces his Playing against any FBS opponent will elevate an FCS team’s level of competition, as it was an eye-opener for Nicholls talent and character in a positive manner. State. I do not think anyone intended a 2-point margin beThere is no doubt that Nicholls State has improved from the team tween the Georgia Bulldogs. It goes to show that this Colothey have been in the past 5 years. Their offense is passing the ball nel football team has made some major strides to where and the defense is contributing points on the board. Already beating they are now and that they have no intentions of stopping. their 3-8 record from last year, tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Laiche was recently named to the STATS FCS Freshman Player of the Year Watch list. Laiche, along with the defensive line, have accumulated 14 sacks on the year so far.
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By: LC Athletics
Quality “Shed”ucation: Against ETBU receiver Shedrick Davis broke the single game receiving touchdown record with four scoring grabs in one game. The previous record of three touchdowns in a single game was matched on 10 different occasions with the most recent coming last year when Ledarius Gardner caught three touchdowns against Huntingdon in the season opener. Before that it hadn’t happened since Cortland Bell and D’Mario Parker did in during the 2012 season.
Still Sore: The Wildcats have turned the ball over a total of 24 times this season, tied for second most in the ASC. They have lost 11 fumbles and thrown 13 interceptions. The defense has saved the day on several occasions as they are third in the conference in takeaways. Like Butter: Easton Melancon has spread the ball around so well this year that LC has four players with at least 300 or more receiving yards this year. Shed Davis (871), Lamar Carroway (552), Lawrence Williams (462), and Farron Jones (375). Eleven different players have caught passes this season and seven different players have receiving touchdowns.
ond place all-time in completions, yards, and touchdowns in a career. On Saturday, in his final game at Wildcat Field, Easton broke the single game passing touchdown record with seven touchdowns. The record of six was shared between LC legend Ben McLaughlin who did it in 2009 and 2010, and Wes Cooper who threw six in a game in 2004. Still Sore: The Wildcats have turned the ball over a total of 24 times this season, tied for second most in the ASC. They have lost 11 fumbles and thrown 13 interceptions. The defense has saved the day on several occasions as they are third in the conference in takeaways.
Instant Classic: The homecoming game against ETBU last week defined the words “offensive shootout”. The Wildcats and Tigers combined for over 1,200 yards of offense and 126 points in the 64- 62 game. That 126 total is tied for third most points scored in a single game in ASC history.
“C” is for Cooksey: Aurren Cooksey continues to lead the ASC in rushing with 915 yards on the season. He is the only running back in the conference averaging more than 100 yards per game, and needs just 85 yards to become just the second player in LC modern history to have back to back 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Earlier this year the senior became just the 3rd player in modern LC history to break the 2,000 yard career rushing mark.
SR Running Back Aurren Cooksey leads the ASC in rushing with 915 yards
Making A Mark: Senior quarterback Easton Melancon has already secured his name in the career passing records by moving into secwww.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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By: Bradley Abadie
Coach Willy Fritz and the Tulane Green Wave came out of the gate in this 2016 season with a surprisingly good start. After finishing on the short side of a 7-3 nail-biter in Winston- Salem, North Carolina against Wake Forest University, the Green Wave proceeded to win three out of their next four matchups on their schedule. Their first win was a big win in their home opener on week two against Southern University, residing right up the road in Baton Rouge. In their first win of the season, Tulane’s punter didn’t even see the field this game, and that’s a good feeling knowing that you don’t have to send a punting team onto the field at all. The crazy part was that Tulane’s offensive scores all came on the ground, finishing with only two completions out of six passes, but on the other side of the coin, their offense ran it an unprecedented 57 times for 437 yards and seven (7) touchdowns. The defense had the team’s momentum rolling early with three straight turnovers. The first was a strip-sack fumble forced by star defensive lineman Ade Aruna and was recovered by their other lineman, Tanzel Smart. The next two turnover happened through the air, as linebacker Nico Marley made the first interception, and running back Dontrell Hilliard would capitalize both times on a short field for two rushing touchdown off of turnovers. Then Tulane’s Parry Nickerson, their best corner, picked the ball off amidst a goal line defense and returned it 96 yards to the house for their only defensive score for the game. Immediately after those first three scores, kick returner Sherman Badie would take the kickoff a full 86 yards into the end zone for a 28-7 lead. Two touchdown runs by running backs Josh Rounds and a third by Lazedrick Thompson would make the resounding 49-7 halftime score. Thompson and Hilliard would each earn one more score, and Andrew DiRocco would boot a 25-yard field goal for good measure before the game was all said and done. Tulane came out on top in that game 66-21.
QB Glen Cuiellette has passed for 817 yards while rushing for 177 yards with 9 total touchdowns
end Peter Woullard, and a forced fumble by safety Jarrod Franklin.
The third consecutive home game would become a 41-39 quadrupleovertime thriller win against UL-Lafayette. It started off as a tightlocked, low-scoring battle where neither team scored until about minute left in the third quarter, when sophomore quarterback Glen Cuiellette hit sophomore wide receiver Terren Encalade for a 34-yard passing touchdown. Encalade had one of his best nights of the season against the Ragin’ Cajuns of Lafayette, posting a total of 107 yards and a season-high 3 touchdowns in the game. The second of The following two games of three-game September home which came in the first overtime period, and the third touchdown reception was the go-ahead score in the fourth overtime, where stretch in Yulman Stadium turned out to be too close for teams are officially forced to attempt two point conversions. Cuielcomfort. Tulane would lose a close battle at home to the lette successfully converted a pass in the end zone to wide receiver Navy Midshipmen by a score of 21-14, as the highlights in that game were a 36-yard touchdown run by Hilliard, a pair to make the score 41-33, and the defense had to close out now. of sacks by Nico Marley, a sack by sophomore defensive www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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LSU transfer quarterback Anthony Jennings was able to give the Cajuns their third overtime score, but the Green Wave defense would deny Jennings and opponent the two point conversion to squeak out the win. The defense also had a successful night against the Cajuns. The defense collectively finished with six sacks from Woullard, Smart, defensive tackle Sean Wilson, defensive end Quinlan Carroll (2 sacks), and a strip-sack forced fumble by Nico Marley. Defensive backs Donnie Lewis and Parry Nickerson each finished with an interception on the night, making it three total turnovers forced by the Green Wave. Afterwards, the Green Wave traveled to UMass and used a three-score second half to propel themselves to a 31-24 win. The biggest offensive play of that game was a 38-yard pass from Cuiellette to Encalade, and the two biggest defensive plays were a strip-sack by Tanzel Smart and an interception by Jarrod Franklin. The three headed beast of running backs Hilliard, Rounds, and Thompson were each fed scoring portions on the ground in that game as well. It has been the only road win so far for the Green Wave, but a solid road win nonetheless. Tulane came back home on October 14th to a difficult Memphis team, falling 24-14. Glen Cuiellette performed well at quarterback, finishing with a passing touchdown off of 144 yards, and adding a rushing score to the mix. Defensively, Tulane gave up two big scoring plays to Memphis running back Darrell Henderson, but other
wise had held the Tiger to only three field goals. Sean Wilson finished with two sacks on the night and Ade Aruna added a third. The two big playmakers on defense Nico Marley and Parry Nickerson, each finished with a forced fumble on the night, and defensive back Richard Allen pulled in an interception to give them three turnovers on the night. Next up, the Green Wave traveled to Tulsa, where the ground game had plenty of success. The running back stable of Rounds (1 TD), Hilliard (2 TDs), and Thompson (1 TD) finished with a combined overall 356 yards on the ground. Unfortunately though it would not be enough as they fell to the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes by a score of 50-27. Finally, Tulane most recently had a heartbreaking loss to Tulsa by a score of 35-31. The Green Wave had a huge surge of momentum in the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth to take a ten point lead, but SMU’s offense persevered toward the end and scored the go ahead touchdown, as well as the defense sealing a game-winning interception off the arm of Cuiellette as time expired. With Tulane now standing at a respectable 3-5 record through eight games, the Green Wave must now win all but one game to be considered bowl-eligible. In the correct order, Tulane will face Central Florida, Houston, Temple, and Connecticut to close out the season. Tulane’s final home game of the season will be in Yulman Stadium on November 19th against the Temple Owls.
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LSU Tigers Depth Chart
LSU has been to 15 straight bowl games (the longest current streak in college football), and has become the pinnacle of college football. So why should LSU sign coach Orgeron quickly then? While some may feel that there is no urgency about the coaching situation at LSU; those people would be incorrect. Schools like Miami and the University of Texas stood atop the apex of college football for years and today they have fallen to nearly the bottom of their respective conferences. The same can happen to LSU. How you may ask? The crux of the problem is that LSU made the decision not to fire Les after last season. Instead they waited until after LSU had lost their second game of the season against Auburn and this choice will effect recruiting. You may not realize it, but recruiting is one of the most important things involved in college football. Entire programs can be completely revitalized by effective recruiting. However the reverse is equally true. So anything that detracts from LSU’s ability to recruit could have major repercussions for the program as a whole. To say it can’t is pure arrogance. But don’t just take our word for it, let’s look at what the changes in coaching staff has already done. Of the top 50 recruits from Louisiana, a large number of them have already signed with SEC opponents like Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, amongst others. So how would signing coach Orgeron now help LSU instead of waiting until after the season is over? Well by signing him now will reassure the current signees of the future of LSU and will give coach “O” the ability to go out and make promises to other recruits to bring in a top class this season. It is very important that LSU gets some good recruits in this season because nearly half of this year’s starters will go into the 2017 draft after the season, and the other half will go into the 2018 draft. So to save the future of LSU football, it is important to have a top recruiting class for this season and only coach Orgeron can do that. Since taking over as the interim head coach for the Tigers, coach Orgeron has gone 3-0 winning 42-7 over Missouri in his debut, a 45-10 win over Southern Miss and a 38-21 win over Ole Miss. The 35 point win over Mizzou was the second largest margin of victory for a LSU head coach in his first game with there Tigers. Nick Saban has the largest margin of victory in a debut, beating Western Carolina 58-0. However, the 87 points scored by the Tigers in Orgeron’s first two games bests Saban’s 86 in his first two games in charge. He is the first coach in the SEC era to win his first games by 30 or more points and the first to win his first three by double digits.
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X 15 Malachi Dupre |6-4 195| Jr.-2L 86 Jazz Ferguson |6-5 223| So.-1L LT 63 K.J. Malone |6-4 303| Jr.-2L 75 Maea Teuhema |6-5 315| So.-1L 68 Chidi Okeke |6-6 312| Fr.-RS LG 64 Will Clapp |6-5 309| So.-1L 78 Garrett Brumfield |6-3 305| So.-1L C 77 Ethan Pocic |6-7 302| Sr.-3L 72 Andy Dodd |6-4 318| Jr.-1L 79 Lloyd Cushenberry III |6-4 306| Fr.-HS RG 76 Josh Boutte |6-5 346| Sr.-2L RT 66 Toby Weathersby |6-5 302| So.-1L 75 Maea Teuhema |6-5 315| So.-1L TE (Y) 81 Colin Jeter |6-7 254| Sr.-2L 84 Foster Moreau |6-5 250| So.-1L 89 DeSean Smith |6-5 249| Sr.-3L Z 83 Travin Dural |6-2 207| Sr.-3L 82 D.J. Chark |6-3 187| Jr.-1L QB 16 Danny Etling |6-0 215| Jr.-Trf 6 Brandon Harris |6-3 218| Jr.-2L. RB 7 Leonard Fournette |6-1 235| Jr.-2L 5 Derrius Guice |5-11 212| So.-1L 28 Darrel Williams |6-1 233| Jr.-2L FB 44 J.D. Moore |6-4 241| Jr.-2L 41 David Ducre |6-0 236| So.-SQ OLB 46 Tashawn Bower 45 Michael Divinity Jr. DE 92 Lewis Neal 98 Deondre Clark NT 99 Greg Gilmore 55 Travonte Valentine DE 57 Davon Godchaux 97 Frank Herron OLB 49 Arden Key 46 Tashawn Bower MLB 52 Kendell Beckwith 48 Donnie Alexander ILB 40 Duke Riley 24 Devin White CB 18 Tre’Davious White 21 Ed Paris SS 33 Jamal Adams FS 26 John Battle 13 Dwayne Thomas CB 2 Kevin Toliver II 1 Donte Jackson
|6-6 253| Sr.-3L |6-3 234| Fr.-HS |6-2 272 | Sr.-3L |6-4 272| Jr.-1L |6-4 308| Jr.-1L |6-4 356| So.-SQ |6-4 299| Jr.-2L |6-4 305| Jr.-1L |6-6 238| So.-1L |6-6 253| Sr.-3L |6-3 247| Sr.-3L |6-1 212| Jr.-2L |6-0 230| Sr.-3L |6-1 255| Fr.-HS |6-0 197| Sr.-3L |6-1 203| Jr.-2L |6-1 213| Jr.-2L |6-2 202| Jr.-1L |6-0 201| Sr.-3L |6-2 193| So.-1L |5-11 173| So.-1L 20
Photo by Dylan Barbier
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Leonard Fournette Sets Single Game Rushing Record in Win After missing three games this season due to injury, including the previous two, junior running back Leonard Fournette returned to the starting lineup against Ole Miss and needed 16 carries to amass 284 yards to set the single game LSU rushing record, passing Alley Broussard’s record of 250, to go along with three touchdowns. Fournette had scoring runs of 59, 76, and 78 yards in the win over the Rebels, which moved him into a tie for 10th place in the SEC, while his 17.8 yard average is the second most in an SEC game in conference history. The 284 yards is the fourth most in a single game in the NCAA this season.
LSU’s Defense Has Allowed Just 8 TDs in 7 Games LSU’s defense has given up just eight touchdowns in the first seven games of the season. The eight TDs leads the SEC and the nation. The Tigers are fifth overall in the country, allowing just 15 points per game and have given up just 105 points total which is third, holding all seven opponents this season to 21 points or less, with six scoring 18 or fewer. Overall, LSU ranks No. 4 in the SEC in scoring defense, No. 3 in the SEC in total defense (313.9 yards per game), and No. 2 in rushing defense (105.4 yards per game). Opposing teams are averaging 4.8 yards per play, with 2.9 yards per carry average on the ground.
Arden Key Second in SEC in Sacks, Ranks No. 1in Nation in Sacks Per Game LSU sophomore OLB/DE Arden Key is second in the SEC and ranks No. 1 in the nation in sacks per game with 8.0 and 1.14 respectively. Key has registered at least a half sack in six of seven games this year as he is now in the top 10 in the single season category at LSU all-time, four away from Oliver Lawrence’s record of 12 set back in 1989. His 9.0 tackles for loss ranks ninth in the SEC. Key also leads the SEC and ranks ninth nationally in forced fumbles with three. Key is averaging 1.14 sacks per game which is top nationally, while .43 forced fumbles per game is ninth and his 1.3 tackles for loss is 36th.
Shuffling The Deck Snake bitten by the injury bug, the LSU offensive line has seen its fair share of changes throughout much of the 2016 season, as four different offensive line combinations have been used through six games. By comparison, there were only three combinations used in 12 total games for LSU last season and four in 13 games in 2014.
Tra’Davious White, SR DB, is a Senior CLASS Award Candidate
Beckwith, Riley Top Five In Tackles In The SEC LSU senior Linebackers Kendell Beckwith and Duke Riley both rank in the top five in the SEC in tackles, with Beckwith sitting second with 69 on the year, while Riley is fourth with 59. Beckwith is averaging 9.9 tackles per game while Riley is averaging 8.3. So far this season Beckwith has two double digits tackle games, including having a career high 15 in the win over Southern Miss. Riley had his best game as a tiger in the conference win over ole Miss, setting a new career mark with 15.
White Second in Career Punt Return TD’s, One Away From Record With his 60-yard punt return for a touchdown against Jacksonville State, senior Tre’Davious White moved into a tie for No. 2 all time with his third score off a punt in his LSU career. White has scored each of the last three special teams TD’s dating back to 2014 for the Tigers, and is one away from tying former Tiger Skyler Green who holds the career record with four from 2002-05. White is the fourth LSU player ever to have three in a career.
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Lasting Legacy Of Mike The Tiger After a four month battle with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, LSU’s beloved living tiger mascot Mike VI was humanely euthanized Oct. 11th at the age of 11. “Roscoe,” soon to become Mike VI, came to LSU at the age of two in 2007 and was the first LSU mascot to make use of the new, $5 million, state-of-the-art habitat on campus next to Tiger Stadium. In a tradition that dates back to 1934, a search for Mike VII is currently underway. Mike VI will be missed and will always have a place in my heart. When I was a student at LSU (after serving in the military for eight years) I would walk past his enclosure everyday to and from class. Thank you Mike for all the memories.
Sharing the Wealth
Photo By: Phil Aucoin
So far this season, quarterback Danny Etling has completed passes to 13 different in the six games he has played in. Four players, Travin Dural, Malachi Duupre, D.J. Chark, and Leonard Fournette each have double digit receptions with Etling as QB. Etling has passed for 200 plus yards in four of the six games he has played in, while completing 60.5 percent of his passes.
#5 Darius Guice (SO RB) is second on the team in rushing with 621 yards with a team best 7 touchdowns. With a 21-yard rush late in the fourth quarter against Southern Miss, Guice reached the 1,000 career rushing mark, becoming the 46th Tiger in program history to do so and the fastest in LSU history. Guice finished with 162 yards on 16 carries and a pair of scores in the win for LSU, as it was his fourth career 100-yard rushing game and the first time he’s earned 100-plus yards and multiple touchdowns in consecutive games. He just needed 113 attempts to do so in his 18th career game. In the SEC, Guice ranks seventh in rushing, while his 7.96 yards per carry is fourth in the nation. He is third in the conference with seven touchdowns, while his 116.7 all-purpose yards per game is also third.
Photo By: Phil Aucoin
Since taking over as the starter in week two against Jacksonville State, Etling is 4-1 as a starter. Etling is a transfer from Purdue and has started the past five games. His only loss coming in the last second of the Auburn game.
Etling-Fournette Third LSU Duo To Pass-Run For 200 Yards In Same Game In the win vs Ole Miss, running back Leonard Fournette ran for a single game record of 284 yards, while quarterback Danny Etling went 19 for 28 for 204 yards and a touchdown. It marked just the third time in school history that the team had a quarterback throw over 200 yards while having a running back rush for 200 since Fournette had 212 yards on the ground while Brandon Harris had 261 in the air in the Texas Bowl. The first game when Kevin Faulk had 201 yards rushing and Herb Tyler had 214 passing in 1998 against Alabama.
D.J. Chark-has caught 16 passes for 269 yards with 3 touchdowns. With his 80-yard touchdown reception vs. Southern Miss, D.J. Chark became the first and only player in school history to score TD’s of 75 yards or more both rushing and receiving. Last year, Chark scored on a 79-yard run vs Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl.
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By: Phil Blanchard The Grambling State Tigers have been playing great so far this season, and the month of October has been no different. The Tigers have won all of their games this month in great fashion, defeating one team by 20 points, another by over 40 points, and another by 70 points. Grambling is beginning to separate themselves from the competition and are even climbing up the national ranks in FCS football. As of the end of this month, the tigers are currently ranked #21 in the national polls, and are still rising. They also have the potential to rise in the rankings even further if they continue the level of play they have been experiencing over recent weeks. Grambling is also at the top of the SWAC being undefeated in the conference. This record in the conference is also shared with Southern University who also resides in Louisiana, these teams will clash at the end of November in a game that could be the best SWAC matchup this year. The Grambling Tigers traveled to Dallas, TX to play Prairie View A&M in a game that usually is exciting for both teams every year. Grambling came in to Dallas and scored 36 unanswered points to take the 36-16 win over Prairie View last weekend at the State Fair Classic. In the beginning of the game, Prairie View came out strong with a safety from Skinner at the second play from scrimmage to put Prairie View ahead by two points early on. The speed of Prairie View helped them in the first quarter as they scored two touchdowns to go ahead of Grambling 16-0. From there it was all Grambling, and it definitely showed from the way they played. Kincade completed a pass to Williams at the end of the first quarter to give the Tigers their first sore of the night. In the second quarter Kincade ran in a score himself to cut the Prairie View lead to 2, and with 2 minutes left in the first half. Lorin Winston made a safety of his own to tie the game leading into halftime. The Tigers scored the only points in the second half, with a dominating performance that included 31first downs for the game, and 503 total yards. In the third quarter, there was a touchdown made by Jestin Kelly, who also made a score early in the fourth quarter. The final score was made by Kincade when he ran in a 14 yard score with 3 minutes left.
Kincade was a one-man show against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, tossing for 457 yards and six scores through the air. He also rushed six times for 31 yards and threw more touchdowns than incompletions in the game (23of-26 passing). Kincade, the SWAC's leading passer, is the only quarterback in the league averaging more than 300 yards passing per contest, and his 190.1 pass efficiency rating is the best in FCS.
Grambling did a good job of mixing the run and pass, and did a great job offensively, this was said by Coach Fobbs of the second half performance. At this point in the beginning of October the Tigers stand at the top of the SWAC conference with a 3-0 record in the west for conference play. The Tigers would not play again until October 22nd, but that would not have a difference in their performance or level of play.
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The Grambling Tigers travelled to Mississippi Valley State University to face the Delta Devils in another match up that would prove to be another dominating performance by Grambling. The tigers were explosive on offence and performed well on defense to keep themselves pushing forward and scoring all game. Once the ball game was over, Grambling had gave themselves a resounding win when they defeated Mississippi Valley State by a score of 59-10. One of the leaders for the tiger offence was quarterback Devante Kincade, who completed 20 out of his 27 passes for 326 yards of passing. He also threw 4 touchdowns and an interception in a great performance as he has been doing for the entire season thus far. Kincade had connections to a few different players for touchdowns that night, the most going to Dominique Leake, who had 4 receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Other players to catch for touchdowns were Martez Carter, who caught a 25 yard touchdown as well as a rushing touchdown early in the game, and Devante Davis, who caught a 26 yard pass for a score.
also completed 23 of his 26 passed and had a career high pass yard game as well. In the first quarter the two touchdowns that Grambling made was passes from Kincade to Chad Williams, who had 8 receptions and 3 touchdowns in the night for 236 yards. The second quarter is when Grambling really started to pull away from the opposing team as two touchdown passes from Kincade were completed to Jordan Jones. Later after those scores there was a big defensive play as Arkez Cooper caught an interception from ARPB’s Duncan and ran that in for a touchdown. Dominique Leake also caught a touchdown pass from Kincade in this quarter. At the end of the first half, Grambling was ahead 42-0, but they did not stop there, the tigers wanted to go further for the shut out. Chad Williams caught his third receiving touchdown in the third quarter and there was also a rushing touchdown made by Jestin Kelly. In the fourth quarter there was two rushing touchdowns made by Grambling’s Charles Wright, contributing to that final 70-0 score for the night. Grambling also had an astounding 743 total yards for the game and 29 first downs.
This performance by Grambling shows their talent and current dominance in the conference, and this also shows in their rise in the FCS rankings. At this time Grambling remains undefeated in the SWAC Grambling also had 535 total yards for the night, with the majority of those coming from passing, they also had 24 first conference and is also ranked at the top of the conference, they are downs in the game, compared to Mississippi Valley’s 14. The also a one loss team so far on the season. The tigers travel to take on Alabama A&M next week then return home to face Alabama State tigers have now completed their fourth straight win to rethe following week. Keep watching Grambling as they continue their main undefeated in the SWAC conference, an honor they great performance. The Tigers look forward to November play when currently share with Southern University, another SWAC they finish out conference play and look towards the post season as team in Louisiana. Grambling is also climbing up the FCS they are in the running for the SWAC championship game that will be national polls, they previously cracked the top 25 and are played towards the end of the year. Keep a close eye on Grambling rising at a current spot of #22 and is subject to change. for the rest of this season, as they are an exciting team to watch. Be Grambling has had the previous two weeks off from play sure to keep checking out the Louisiana Gridiron Football website for and they came back well rested and ready to play, it defimore Grambling news, including videos uploaded by Dameon Runnitely showed in this last game. In addition, Grambling nels of Grambling Football News. coach Broderick Fobbs has recently agreed to a 2 year contract extension stating, “We’ve got something special going on here”. The tigers are also sitting at the top of the conference. The game between Grambling State and Arkansas Pine Bluff was all Grambling tonight as they played an explosive and dominating game all the way through from start to finish as they played a shut out game that ended in a score of 70-0. The defense played a large part in this shut out when they had six sacks on the night and held Arkansas Pine Bluff to just 6 yards rushing and 177 yards passing. Grambling played a great game on both offense and defense and also completed its first shutout game since 2011. The Grambling offense played lights out as quarterback Devante Kincade threw for 457 yards and 6 touchdowns. He www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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ELIJAH MCGUIRE All Purpose GP
Rush
RCV
PR
KR
IR
Total
AVG/G
2013
13
863
384
0
46
0
1293
99.5
2014
13
1264
468
116 0
0
1848
142.2
2015
12
1058
293
80
0
0
1431
119.3
2016
7
672
107
6
0
0
785
112.1
Total
45
3857
1252
202 46
0
5357
119.0
Much has been said of University of Louisiana Lafayette’s quarterback Anthony Jennings, however some people forget about the versatile running back Elijah McGuire. The 5’11” 209 lb. Houma, LA native has played his entire college career for the Cajuns and has shown both dependability and adaptability on the field. The youngest of 6 children has been a regular in the back field from his freshman year forward as well, and it’s not hard to see why. McGuire is a great downhill runner with great speed and acceleration. In addition to his speed, he adds diversity to the coach’s playbook. He is a good all around running back who is able to both catch the ball on the edge and run it in, and take the ball from the quarterback and power it up the middle. McGuire and Anthony Jennings are a good pair. They truly seem to compliment each other, and because they both have great mobility they require double teaming by the opposing defense. One thing is for certain if the defense doesn’t respect McGuire’s agility, they will feel it on the score board. McGuire is one of the top all-purpose backs in college football today. As a senior McGuire is getting ready for the Draft. While McGuire doesn’t have the size typically required to be a stand alone running back in the NFL, he does fit in to the new NFL trend of running multiple backs. I can foresee him becoming a great rotational NFL running back. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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By: Phil Blanchard
The University of Louisiana Monroe has had many tough and interesting games in October, some of those in which they have played well against their opponents and other in which they have struggled in different areas. The Warhawks currently sit towards the bottom of the Sun Belt Conference, but it doesn’t discourage them, for they are still improving and working through all the changes this season like a new staff and some injuries that the Warhawks hoped wouldn’t happen. Louisiana Monroe still has things to look forward to this season, as they face more conference opponents where they definitely have the chance to win these games. There is also the last game of the season against Louisiana Lafayette which has produced great games in the many years they have been playing each other.
Backup quarterback John Franklin III, one of the stars of Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” entered the game for White on the ensuing series and ran for an 80-yard touchdown. This game was tough for the Warhawks, but they moved on and kept going through with their schedule. The Warhawks had another conference game when they hosted the Idaho Vandals in Monroe. The Warhawks were looking to add a conference win to their resume this season but unfortunately for Coach Viator and his team, the Warhawks fell short of Idaho by a score of 34-31. This was a game that was very competitive for both teams and was a good game until the last seconds.
Things were back and forth throughout the game that kept fans on the edge of their seats to see who would come out victorious, but in the last seconds of the game, Idaho’s Rehkow landed a field goal to The first week of the month had ULM travel to Auburn in a give the Vandals the 3 point lead they needed to avoid overtime and game that went in favor for the Auburn Tigers. The first end the game. Things looked bleak for Louisiana Monroe as Idaho quarter was defined by three plays the Warhawks (1-3, 0-1) played to a 16-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The first 9 left on the field that could have swung the game early in its points of the game came all from Idaho’s kicker Austin Rehkow. At favor. Instead Auburn took advantage of ULM’s on-field the end of the first quarter, ULM was punting the ball when it was misfortune and built a 14-0 lead. Quarterback Sean White blocked by Idaho and taken ran for a one-yard touchdown — his first rushing score of in for a score by Trotter. the year — on Auburn’s first drive of the game and fired a When the second quarter 48-yardtouchdown to a wide open Kyle Davis. ULM’s defense jumped on a White fumble that was forced by safety began is when the Warhawks improved their play. There Tre’ Hunter, but fumbled the ball back to Auburn on the next play. The Tigers (3-2, 1-1) made ULM pay with White’s were two running touchdowns made in the second pass to Davis. quarter by Louisiana MonA turning point in the game was when running back Kerryon roe, one by Ben Luckett and Johnson finished off two second-quarter scoring drives with the other by quarterback touchdown that gave Auburn a 28-0 lead. The Tigers sadGarrett Smith. There was dled up their offensive line and stable of running backs and also a score made by Idaho rode them to 173 yards rushing in the first half. ULM salin this quarter but the majorvaged what had been a dismal first half by putting together ity of the points were made a 13-play 75 yard touchdown drive that was keyed by a 37- by ULM this included a yard pass from Garrett Smith to Xavier Brown. The Wartouchdown in the final hawks got on the board with Smith’s two-yard pass to Mar- minutes of the half when cus Green with no time remaining in the first half and made Garrett Smith threw a 44 the score 28-7 going to the locker room. yard strike to Xavier Brown. The game against Auburn seemed out of reach for the War- When the teams went into hawks when Auburn turned its opening three drives of the the locker room at halftime, the Warhawks were coming second half into 21 points. White got things rolling with a back in the game at a score 48-yard touchdown pass to Tony Stevens and Malik Miller visited the end zone with a four-yard run on the next drive. of 24-21. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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ULM tied the game in the third quarter but shortly after a 71 yard touchdown pass was made by the Vandals to take the lead once again. The ULM defense held strong for the fourth quarter as well as the rest of the game, then with a few minutes left in the game Smith threw a 30 touchdown pass to Holley to tie the game. As time winded down in this game it was beginning to look like this would have to be settled in overtime, until Idaho made the field goal which would win the game for the Vandals. ULM did have more first downs in this game with 27, and also had more than 100 more total yards than Idaho despite the loss. A difference maker in this game was a 4 turnovers from the Warhawks, many of those came from interceptions. Louisiana Monroe had their homecoming game against the Texas State bobcats in Monroe, LA that proved to be a great game to everyone who attended and was a good way to end homecoming week for ULM. One noticeable difference in this game for was Warhawks was that throughout most of the game, they were without their starting quarterback Garrett Smith, who got injured in the second quarter and did not return for the remainder of the game.
that came into Saturday averaging 357 yards rushing per game — second in the entire FBS. What ULM needed was for its defense to rise to the occasion and buy redshirt freshman Will Collins some time to get settled in his first career start. Neither of those scenarios transpired. Instead ULM was tramped for 476 yards rushing in a 59-17 loss to New Mexico. “To come in and play a team like this you better have some juice and we didn’t,” ULM coach Matt Viator said. “We just got outcoached and outplayed really. We didn’t have near enough juice and that’s on me. Things were not ideal for the game on Branch Field at University Stadium, starting with Collins’ first pass attempt, an out route that hung in the air and was returned 40 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six was the only completion on the night for Collins, who finished 0-of-7 and was replaced by true freshman Caleb Evans just before halftime. Evans was 12-for-15 for 120 yards, a number that included a 30-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Brown to go along with one interception. Craig Ford’s 33-yard field goal put ULM on the board for the first time in the second quarter. Junior Thomas Koufie gave the Warhawks their first touchdown in the third quarter with a one-yard run.
Enter backup quarterback Will Collins, a freshman who came off the bench who help his team onto a 40-34 win over Texas State in a great win for the Warhawks fans. The Warhawks scored early in the first quarter when a field goal was made a few minutes into the game. The bobcat quickly replied with a touchdown more than a minute later. Ben Luckett for ULM ran in a touchdown to put the Warhawks ahead again, but that lead was snapped when at the end of the quarter Tyler Jones of Texas State ran the ball in for a score. The first quarter showed back and forth play by both teams. Then when the second quarter began was when Smith had an injury which put Collins in the game. He would help the Warhawks score 23 unanswered points in the second quarter, some of those came from touchdown passes from Collins, one score was made from Luckett, and Louisiana Monroe travelled the following week to Jonesboro Arkana field goal was made as well. ULM mad gained momentum sas to face the Arkansas State Red Wolves; this was a game that in the second quarter that had fans fired up at halftime. Coach Viator claimed as disappointing. The Warhawks had never found their ground in this game as Arkansas State would go on to In the third quarter some pressure from the defense win the game with a score of 51-10. Will Collins and Caleb Evans caused Collins to throw an interception that was returned played musical chairs at quarterback for the second week in a row for a touchdown. The Warhawks answered that play later with neither doing much to differentiate themselves. Collins had the in the quarter when Duke Carter of ULM ran in a 9 yard better statistics (9-of-15, 87 yards, one interception), but this was not touchdown to put the Warhawks ahead by over 20 points. a banner night for the Warhawks offensively. ULM visited the red Texas State would gain some momentum in the fourth zone just twice and its lone touchdown came on the big play, a 61quarter, scoring two touchdowns with one being from a yard run by reserve running back Thomas Koufie. turnover. That effort was not enough for the bobcats to overcome the Warhawks which led ULM to win the game With these lackluster games this month and this season as well, Louiand bring home a conference win. siana Monroe can easily look at this season as a loss, but the team and its coach is still optimistic that more wins can be made and posiThe following week ULM faced New Mexico State ULM tive outcomes can be had if different aspects of the team’s perforknew going in that the circumstances behind its trip to New mance come together. In November, the Warhawks will face conferMexico were less than ideal from the beginning. This was ence teams such as South Alabama and Georgia State, with their final going to be an uphill battle for the Warhawks before game of the season being at the beginning of December against Louistarting quarterback Garrett Smith was lost for the season siana Lafayette. last week. Not having Smith exacerbating what was already a hazardous situation facing a group of Lobos (4-3, 2-1) www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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By: Phil Blanchard
The Southern Jaguars have had a great month for
Southern also led the night in total yards, having 429 in the game, they also led in time of possession. Jackson State took the lead early the month of October this year. I the games they have played this month the jaguars have won all of those games in the third quarter from a running touchdown; then later in the and are currently undefeated in the SWAC. The jaguars also quarter, Howard made a short pass to Menard to put the Jaguars ahead again at 28-24. The teams would go scoreless in the fourth had an unusual two weeks off in a row for the month of October, but the team used that time to get organized and quarter which helped southern secure their victory. had a few players who were injured get healthy and preThe defense of southern played a great deal in keeping that lead late pared for the games that were to come. It definitely in the game and coming out with the win. At this point in the season showed this month when Southern had exceptional play the Jaguars are undefeated in conference play along with Grambling this month and went on to win all of their games after the University. Southern University returned to A.W. Mumford Stadium two week break. The jaguars look forward to the rest of the in a homecoming game that would be a great game for the players as season where they play the remainder of their conference well as the fans. The jaguars hosted Arkansas Pine Bluff for this year’s schedule and also have their eyes set on the SWAC champi- homecoming and played an outstanding game to give southern the onship game. 49-17 victory. The southern offence has been improving with every Out in Mississippi, the Southern Jaguars travelled to play the Jackson State Tigers in a Saturday night game that would prove to be a hard fought game for both teams and a great win for Southern. Once the game had concluded, the Southern Jaguars came out victorious with a score of 28-24. The jaguars came to this game from a long term of being off due to the way the schedule was made, the last game the jaguars played was on September 24th. The jaguars came into this game well rested and ready to play against a SWAC team that is also competitive and was also ready to play.
game this season and it has shown again in this game. The defense has also been improving over the past few games which attributes to the point spreads over recent games. When the game began, the jaguars game out strong and ready to play, and with a few minutes into the game, Lenard Tillery had ran in two runs for touchdowns to give southern an early lead of 14-0. Later Arkansas Pine Bluff had scored a passing touchdown and then towards the end of the first quarter John West of Southern ran in a 6 yard score to put the jaguars up 21-7 at the end of the first.
The jaguars started well and scored early in the game when Lenard Tillery ran for a 6 yard score after about 3 minutes of play. The remainder of the first quarter produced some back and forth play from both sides of the ball until at the end of the quarter when Jackson State made a field goal to being the score to 7-3. There were a few turnovers from both teams in the first and second quarter that led to some competitive play.
The second quarter was slow offensively with Arkansas Pine Bluff scoring a field goal, the defense performed well in preventing a touchdown here and preventing other scores in the duration of the game. Halftime was a great show for southern fans as well as the homecoming ceremonies. When the second half began the southern jaguars began to play like the southern team we all have come to know. Howard had completed a touchdown pass to Willie Quinn and the jaguars put the lead even further when Howard made a 14 yard touchdown pass to Brown.
With a few minutes into the second quarter, Tillery ran in another score to put southern up 14-3. Tillery had two touchdowns during the night and 127 yards. Shortly after there was a touchdown pass made by Jackson State to close the gap again, then southern quarterback Austin Howard passed to Menard for a 10 yard touchdown to put southern up 21-10. Howard had a great game throwing for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Howard had another great game completing 22 of his 28 passes for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns. This was added to the 515 total yards by southern as well as 33 first downs, which is a season high. Quinn also had a good game 6 receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, one of those in the fourth quarter, which helped seal the win for the Jaguars. This last game gives Southern its fourth straight win and now places them second in the SWAC west conference right below fellow Louisiana team Grambling State.
At the end of the first half, Southern made a score that got called back, then halftime began with the score at 21-17.
The Southern Jaguars had a test coming into this game as they faced Alcorn State, a match up that usually produces good games year after
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ear, as Alcorn State is known to field good teams. This year it was the jaguars that came out of the game victorious as they snapped a five game losing streak against Alcorn when Southern won the game 41-33. This game was also a record setting game for Southern, as Lenard Tillery became the Southwestern Athletic Conference rushing leader. Tillery received this honor with 4,132 yards of career rushing so far; this passed up the previous record holder Destry Wright, who played at Jackson State from 1997-1999. For the game, Lenard Tillery had 195 rushing yards on 24 carries and 3 touchdowns in his record breaking performance. This also contributed to the 257 total yards of rushing by southern. Howard for the jaguars threw 2 touchdowns on the evening for 195 yards, he completed 12 of his 30 passes and had no interceptions.
those was from a 63 yard run. Alcorn State also scored in the third quarter and when the quarter came to an end, the score was 38-20.
The fourth quarter had Alcorn State trying to come back as Footman scored a rushing touchdown early in the quarter, but a Tillery started out the game strong as he had a 12 yard run in for turnover later that quarter kept Alcorn State from gaining moa touchdown early in the first quarter. Ryan Albuquerque made a mentum and once the clock struck zero, the jaguars proved to be too much for the brave and the final score was 41-33. Turnofield goal later in the quarter to give the jaguar 10 points in the vers played against Alcorn State as quarterback Footman had first quarter, but Alcorn State would score some points of their two interceptions and there were also two other turnovers own, having two touchdowns, one of them had a failed two bringing the total to 4. point conversion attempt follow the score. At the end of the first, the score of the game was 10-13. In the second quarter The Southern jaguars currently are undefeated in the SWAC southern scored 14 unanswered points as Howard completed his conference, a position they still share with Grambling State. The two touchdown passes this quarter. One of those was a 33 yard jaguars also have the potential to close out the season undepass to Curtlan Williams and the other touchdown was a 10 yard feated if their level of play keeps up. Southern begins Novempass to Dillon Beard. ber play against Texas Southern, and then they face Prairie View A&M in what should be an interesting game. Keep looking at In the third quarter the Jaguars began to extend the lead even the Southern Jaguars this season as they play their November further as Lenard Tillery made two rushing touchdowns, one of schedule and have match ups that shouldn’t disappoint fans those was from a 63 yard run. Alcorn State also scored in the who travel to watch these game third quarter and when the quarter came to an end, the score was 38-20. In the third quarter the Jaguars began to extend the lead even further as Lenard Tillery made two rushing touchdowns, one of
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By: Alec Miller McNeese State is currently 5-4 overall and 4-3 in Southland Conference play. On the road, the Cowboys have split four games with winning two as well as losing two. Despite losing two games at home this year, the Cowboys are a much better team when playing in Lake Charles. Much of that is attributed to James Tabary who is averaging 271.56 passing yards a game. Tabary is a sophomore from New Orleans, LA who has thrown for 2500 yards and 17 touchdowns so far this year. The former Holy Cross Tiger had a huge game against rival Stephen F. Austin where he threw 4 touchdowns and 350 yards in a very close game that the Cowboys lost in a thrilling 31-28 home game. James Tabary transferred over from Arkansas State after his freshman year. He was College Sports Madness SBC Offensive Player of the Week for September 19th after throwing for 255 yards in a huge 70-7 victory over Missouri State. Though he just started three games, he played 8 games and racked up 788 yards and four touchdowns for the Red
Wolves. Luckily for the Cowboys, they have a promising young talent in their hands and seems his sophomore year is just the beginning. The production on the quarterback end has really pushed the receiving corps to excel this year as several players have really done well with Tabary throwing. Darious Crawley has 31 receptions for 504 yards and five touchdowns. Similar to him, Kent Shelby has 31 receptions for another 425 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboy offense relies more so on the arm of Tabary than running the ball. His production has resulted in touchdown receptions by nine different players. As far as the running game goes, McNeese State does not have a player yet that has surpassed 500 rushing yards but they do manage to produce without it. The Cowboys have rushed for 13 touchdowns between 4 players. Ryan Ross and Dylan Long are tied with four touchdowns apiece but Ross may have the upper hand as he has racked up 492 yards on the ground compared to 120 yards for Long. Ross also has 26 receptions for 150 yards.
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McNeese State is averaging a respectable 29.78 points per game and allowing opponents to put up 24.33 points a game. Despite having the upper hand in the scoring margin, the Cowboys have lost a few close games. Their 425.3 yards of total offense is a healthy stat to have when opponents are averaging just less than 360.0 yards. The Pokes also have a secret weapon that may be the team’s most consistent player. Place Kicker Gunnar Raborn was selected as Southland’s Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after converting all six extra point attempts and both field goal attempts in a huge win over Northwestern State. Originally a kicker for the University of Alabama, Raborn is 24 for 25 on his extra point attempts and 6 for 7 on field goal attempts to date this year. The St. Thomas More native is glad to be back home in the Pelican State as he looks to excel throughout his sophomore campaign. On the defensive side, the Cowboys have a total of 6 interceptions to go along with 18.0 sacks. Most of the sacks came from Jammerio Gross-Whitaker and Chris Livings. GrossWhitaker has 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble while his teammate Livings has 6.0 sacks and a forced fumble as well. All together, the team has four forced fumbles. Gross-Whitaker may be the Cowboys most dominant player as he has 11.0 tackles for loss and currently sits 2 nd on the team for overall tackles only falling behind Ashari Goins who has 50 tackles on the year. Ashari Goins is no stranger on the McNeese defensive unit as he tied for 2nd last year in total tackles with 65 and 9.5 of them for loss. Goins also added 4 sacks on the year while he played in all 11 games last season. The Pokes love his aggression and durability at the linebacker position. He was nominated as a 2016 Preseason All Southland Conference 1st team candidate as he had high hopes coming into this season. McNeese State only has two games left this year and will need to really put it in gear as they take on No.1 ranked Sam Houston State this upcoming Saturday in Huntsville, TX. Following that, they come back home in a game they should be able to win against Southland Conference rival Lamar whom they beat last year 20-14. Some may say that this season may be a little disappointing considering the Cowboys went 10-1 last year. However, they have a chance to finish out strong if they can top No.1 Sam Houston State and seal a victory at home versus Lamar.
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By: Patrick J. Mehaffey #6 Ryan Ross Position: Running Back Age: 21 Height: 5’ 9” Weight: 200 Class: Junior Hometown: Richwood, TX High School: Brazowood High School
PM: What are the things you’ve be focusing on in your training? RR: I’ve actually gotten most of the things, when it comes to running the ball. I’ve gotten most of that down. This year I’ve been focusing on pass blocking and running routes out of the back field, trying to get open to help my QB out when he gets in trouble. Mostly just pass blocking though. PM: Do you have a moment or perhaps a person that really influenced you to drive and reach for being able to play in collegiate sports? RR: I have two people actually that kind of keeps me going every day when I feel like... When somethings going hard in practice or taking a play off in a game. I have a son. He turned two, three days PM: How many years have you played sports, of any kind? before I turned 21. The other person is my Mom. My Mom drives RR: Oh I’ve been playing sports for at least 10, 11 plus years. me to be better. I started football, actually a year PM: Do you find that it’s hard to juggle school and practice with earlier at age 6. I was supposed to start at 7, but my parents your son and family? thought it was fun so I just jumped into the game at 6 years old. That’s when I started playing. I actually started baseball and basketball too. PM: Are you playing those collegiately as well, or did you drop out of those in high school? RR: I stopped playing baseball in high school. I stopped playing basketball my sophomore year of high school. I’ve been playing football until now. PM: So I’m guessing that [football] is your favorite? RR: Yeah, it is my favorite, but actually, if I could go back I would play baseball, to be honest with you. PM: Really? So if you could trade all of your football success for another sport, it would be baseball. RR: Yeah, It would probably be baseball. PM: And why is that? RR: You know the risk of injury is slighter in baseball. And to be honest I think that’s where most of the money is at. To be honest. I like playing shortstop more than playing running back. PM: Up to this point, what would you say is your biggest accomplishment in sports? RR: My biggest accomplishment? Probably getting the opportunity to play college football, where everybody doesn’t have that opportunity... to do what we do every day. I’m just glad to have that opportunity. Beside that I don’t think I’ve really accomplished too much in my career but I know it’s coming. It’s coming real soon. PM: Well you are definitely climbing up the yardage chart for McNeese. I think you’re one yard shy of 14th all-time rushing so far. RR: I didn’t even know that. PM: Yeah, after last week’s game, I think you’ve got 1968 yards. RR: Oh wow. PM: The player right above you has got 1969 yards. So you’ll definitely break that this week. RR: That’s good. That’s good. www.LouisianaGridironFootball.com
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RR: I mean, yeah it’s hard, but I’ve been doing it for what... a couple... I’ve been doing it for years now and I’m not the only one that goes through it. Every college athlete has to deal with actually the same thing. It’s hard, but we find a way to get it done. That’s pretty much it. You find a way to get it done. PM: What was the best advice you were ever given? RR: I’ve got to think about that one. I get advice every day at practice. Probably the best advice I ever got was just staying humble with everything I do. You know, God gives you everything you’re doing today. The day that you feel like you’ve got it all, you know. You can lose it as quick as you got it, so just staying humble in everything you do is probably the best advice I’ve gotten. PM: What would you say is your biggest challenge [on and off the field]? And what do you do to manage that challenge? RR: My biggest challenge in football would be... I don’t want to sound selfish. My biggest challenge in football would be finishing out my career on the highest level than I’ve ever had at McNeese. You know, being able to take it to the next level. That’s my goal actually. I can look at it like a challenge, because coming from a small school; we don’t get looked at first. We get the second look, the third look. So that’ll probably be my biggest challenge in football. My biggest challenge in life is paving the way for my son and showing my son right from wrong. Make sure he’s good. Make sure he gets taken care of. So he doesn’t have to ask for anything.
PM: One final question for you. What advice would you give to those that come after you? RR: Stay humble and grind every single day. Whatever you’re doing, you don’t want to leave any regrets. You don’t want to look back at it and say, “I should have done this, I should have done that.” You definitely don’t want to look back and say, I should have worked harder. So, make sure you work hard every day and put everything into your craft. Keep God first and everything takes care of itself. PM: Good Luck to you. Thank you for your time today. RR: You’re welcome
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By: Bradley Abadie
Throughout the past six weeks, Coach Ron Roberts and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions football team has really picked up a large head of steam with a 4-4 overall record (4-2 in Southland play) since their slow 0-2 non-conference start. One of those losses came from a faraway road team in Southern Utah. The other loss, understandably, came against a high-caliber, Top-25 ranked, Mason Rudolph and Mike Gundy-led Oklahoma State Cowboys team. The proceeding five games proved to be just what the doctor ordered, including three consecutive home wins. In this case though I’ll go over the best individual standouts for SLU that have made impacts in games so far this season. Let’s start off with the most important position first...quarterback. Starting quarterback Justin Alo has had a statistically impressive season so far, and especially at home. So far this year, Alo has had four different games in which he passed for over 250 yards. His best night by far was in what some fans thought to be the most important game of the season against McNeese State, where he threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, including an 82-yard season long game-winning touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Brandon Acker with eight seconds remaining in the game! That was considered by some fans as the Lions’ offensive play of the year so far as it was a test of talent and focus on both sides. Alo had the wherewithal to escape the McNeese pass-rushers and lob it out to Acker downfield, and Acker stuck right underneath the pass and had the focus to catch the ball off the tip of a McNeese State defender’s hands. After the catch, Acker proceeded to elude two or three more defenders and weave his way into the end zone. So far, Alo has 1,362 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns this season. Justin Alo has also proven to be a threat in the rushing game, gaining 142 net yards on the ground this season. The only setback with Alo this season is his injuries, being knocked out of three different games this season. Luckily
D’Shaie Landor, last year’s starter has filled in well in place of Alo whenever he’s called into the game. His most impressive performance this year was on Homecoming weekend against Houston Baptist, where Landor finished with 229 passing yards, 33 rushing yards two passing touchdowns, all without a single turnover or sack in the game in a 37-3 win. The win against Houston Baptist can easily be described as the most complete team win of the season, with the final score being 37-3. The Lions take the most pride in a solid and consistently balanced ground game, using a running back committee for the majority (if not all) of those games. The best way to describe or give an accurate depiction of the Southeastern running game is to call it a three-headed Cerberus attack dog. Those three heads of the Lions’ running game are running backs Rasheed Harrell, Julius Maracalin, and Kaelyn Henderson. All three backs are currently averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry and averaging at least 35 yards per game throughout this season. Senior RB Rasheed Harrell, a balanced runner, had the best individual performance out of any back so far this season against Northwestern State, where he racked up 124 yards against the Demons, and he made way for Alo to rush for 91 yards on top of his 251 passing yards
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in that game. Harrell also reeled off a 51-yard season-long touchdown run against Houston Baptist at the beginning of the first quarter to set the tone for their 37-3 win. Senior Kaelyn Henderson and sophomore Julius Maracalin have provided a consistent change of pace. Kaelyn Henderson is the home run hitting speedster of the group, proof of that being a 45-yard score against Stephen F. Austin. Given the nickname “Juice” because it resembles his name and his ability to energize the offense by his running style, Maracalin provides ability the pound through defenses in order to reach the second and third levels.In the receiving corps, Both Brandon Acker and Juwan Dickey are averaging about 70 receiving yards per game. While Acker has six touchdowns and 556 yards this season, Dickey is not far behind statistically with 491 yards and four touchdowns. Acker’s seasonal best performance came in the form of a 168-yard day, including an 82-yard game-winner against McNeese, while Dickey’s best performance
has an impressive 61 total tackles, 1.5 TFL, half a sack, an interception, and two forced fumbles so far. The best pass rusher and backfield disrupter to this point in the season is LSU transfer Sione Teuhema, who has 23 tackles, 7 for loss, 3.5 sacks for a total loss of 25 yards, and a forced fumble. Other players such as Lee Spight, Ryan Sigers, Tre’ Bennett, Sean Clavelle, Will Hines, Miki Fantagua, and Jon Taylor. The best defensive performance road win. this season came in the fourth quarter against Stephen F. Austin where the defense returned both a blocked field goal and an interception back for touchdowns to effectively seal their first
Coach Roberts and the Lions now have three games left in the regular season. They will go to San Antonio to face Incarnate word, have their final home game against Abilene Christian, and prepare on a short week to travel into the deep bayou that is Thibodeaux, Louisiana to face off against Nicholls State in their annual rivalry battle for the Victory Bell. As it stands now, both came against Stephen F. Austin, a game in which he piled up 156 the Colonels and the Lions have the same record (4-4 overall, 4-2 total yards, and two touchdowns, including his season-long 69in Southland Conference). If the Lions can find a way to win out yard reception in the second quarter, which set up his 10-yard this season, which is definitely possible with this squad, the Litouchdown reception a few plays later. ons could potentially finish third in conference play by way of Finally, let’s look at the defensive stars. The best defender for tiebreakers and head-to-head wins. Most importantly though, the Lions this season is, to no surprise, Javon Tillman. Tillman they can bring Victory Bell back to Hammond.
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