Box Score and Play-by-Play

NATCHITOCHES – The Nicholls State University football team defeated Northwestern State 37-7 in Turpin Stadium on Saturday afternoon on the heels of four interceptions that turned into 21 Colonel points, and a defensive effort that limited the Demons to just 254 yards of total offense.

"This was just an outstanding win for us – an outstanding all-around team victory," head football coach Charlie Stubbs said.  "We executed in all phases properly, and it showed.  We also had a great defensive effort that got stops and turnovers that led to points for us.  I'm very proud of the team."

The Colonels (3-7, 2-4 Southland) have now won five of their last eight over the Demons (5-5, 4-2 Southland), while also marking the first time Nicholls has won at Turpin since 2006.

Nicholls was led by sophomore quarterback LaQuinitn Caston with four total touchdowns – three rushing and one passing – to go along with 18 carries for 134 yards and completing 7-of-11 passes for 79 yards and a score.  True freshman running back Marcus Washington also had a career game, churning out 90 yards on 16 carries for a 5.7 yard/carry average.

The main beneficiary in the receiving game was junior wide receiver Kenyad Blair with four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Leading the defensive charge was senior free safety Tarbbaris Hicks with seven solo tackles, while sophomore linebacker Jordan Piper followed with five stops (three solo) and an interception  

Nicholls drew first blood at the 8:28 mark of the first quarter on a 39-yard run by Caston.  Caston picked up the blitz off the weak side, and ran up the middle of the field untouched for the game's first points.  Freshman kicker Andrew Dolan put the PAT through the uprights and Nicholls led 7-0.  The scoring drive consisted of five plays, 80 yards and 1:13.

The Colonels then came up big on the defensive end with an interception from true freshman free safety Jordan Hanberry.  Hanberry snared a tipped ball by a Demon receiver at the Northwestern State 24-yard line and returned it all the way to the Demons' 2-yard line.  The Nicholls offense capitalized three plays later as Caston scrambled through traffic to the end zone to give Nicholls the double digit lead with 5:17 left in the first quarter.  Dolan's PAT was good, extending the Colonel lead, 14-0.

Nicholls added to its lead on another Caston rushing touchdown at the 10:29 mark of the second quarter, this one coming from 22 yards out.  The score capped an eight-play drive, covering 69 yards.  Dolan's PAT was good, and Nicholls led 21-0.

Northwestern State finally cracked the scoreboard with 8:34 in the first half on a 20-yard pass to Justin Aldredge.  The touchdown cut into the Nicholls lead, 21-7, after the PAT.

Both teams failed to score for the remainder of the first half, and Nicholls took the two touchdown lead into the locker room.

"We played well, and most importantly, we got on top early and didn't dig ourselves any holes early on," Stubbs said.  "We also didn't have any turnovers while forcing a few that turned into points for us."

Nicholls added to its lead via a 7-yard touchdown pass from Caston to Blair with 5:44 left in the third quarter.  The nine-play scoring drive covered 41 yards, and used a lengthy 5:31 seconds.  The drive was made possible after junior cornerback Bobby Felder picked off Harris, marking Harris' second miscue of the day.  

After the PAT by Dolan, Nicholls held a 21-point advantage – 28-7 – midway through the third quarter.

The Colonels defense kept bringing the pressure, and got a safety on the first play of the fourth quarter when Nicholls defense got an intentional grounding call on Harris in the Demons' own end zone.  The safety gave Nicholls a 30-7 lead with 14:50 left in the contest.

Nicholls added one more touchdown late in the fourth quarter when redshirt freshman Dalton Hilliard scored from 12 yards out.

The Colonels will return home to face Southeastern La. on Thursday night, while the Demons will face Southland Conference league leader Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.

Thursday's contest between Nicholls and Southeastern will be the Southland Conference Television Network Toyota Game of the Week.  Check your local listings for times and channels.

Thursday's regular season finale will also be the Colonels' "Blackout Game."  Black "Colonel Pride" T-Shrits are available for $10.00 each.  Fans can purchase their t-shirts by calling (985) 448-4794, by stopping by the Barker Hall Athletic Building next to JOhn L. Guidry Stadium or by purchasing their t-shirts at the stadium on the day of the game.