THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University football team will be on the SLC TV Network again this week when they host regional and conference rival Southeastern La. for the River Bell Classic in John L. Guidry Stadium on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. for the "Black Out."

Television stations a part of the SLC TV Network in Nicholls' viewing market include KBTR-TV, Ch. 41 in Baton Rouge and WUPL-TV, Ch. 54 in New Orleans.

The Colonels (3-7, 2-4 Southland) defeated Northwestern State 37-7 last week on the road, while the Lions (2-8, 1-5 Southland) fell at No. 7 Stephen F. Austin, 51-14. It was Southeastern La.'s fifth consecutive loss.

“We are excited to build on our conference win at Northwestern State. Our team must play at a high-level to be a very good Southeastern squad,” said head football coach Charlie Stubbs.

For his efforts in the game, Nicholls sophomore quarterback LaQuintin Caston was awarded Southland and LSWA Offensive Player of the Week by both organizations. Caston rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns in the win, while also completing 7-of-11 pass attempts for 79 yards and a touchdown.

It was the second time this season Caston had garnered Southland Player of the Week honors. The other came after a four overtime victory at Texas State.

“I feel like our offensive line executed well to allow us to run and throw the football properly. LaQuintin did very good job of directing the offense,” said Stubbs about the offense's productivity versus Northwestern State.

In the game, Caston crossed the 1,000 yard passing plateau this season, becoming the first quarterback to accomplish the task since Nicholls Athletics' Hall of Fame quarterback Josh Son in 2001. Caston is six passing yards shy of passing for the most yards in a single-season since Brad Smith tossed for 1,485 in 1999 – a span of 11 seasons.

The game against Southeastern La. will also be the final game for 15 Colonel student-athletes: Brandon Breaux, Corey Buchanan, Patrick Dolan, Nolan Dumas, Jeremy Garrett, Tarbbaris Hicks, Ed James, Brandon Johnson, Spenser Langthorn, Charles McDade, Earvin Moore, Kenny Owens, Anthony Sparks, Leroy Trahan and Brandon Ward.

Leading the defensive charge for the Colonels is Hicks with 72 total tackles (44 solo) heading into his final collegiate game. Also coming on as of late has been sophomore linebacker Jordan Piper who has three interceptions in his last two games.

The all-time series between Nicholls and Southeastern La. is swayed to the Colonels 11-8, with the Colonels winning the last two and four of the last five. Nicholls won last year's meeting 45-30 to keep the coveted “River Bell” that signifies the rivalry.

Other notes of interest:

Welcome to 'Pick City.' Mayor: Nicholls Colonels
Against Northwestern State, the Colonels intercepted four Demon passes that led to 21 points that ultimately decided the game. Getting interceptions in the win were Jordan Hanberry, Bobby Felder, Brian Lewis and Jordan Piper. It was Hanberry's first pick of his career, and was just two yards shy of taking it in for his first career score. Sophomore LaQuintin Caston did the deed three plays later.

Interesting Note On Last Safety
Nicholls recorded its first safety of the season against Northwestern State. In fact, it was Nicholls' first safety since 2007 when Nicholls defeated Division I-FBS Rice, 16-14.

Completing the Trifecta
Every year, Nicholls plays Texas State for the 'Paddle,' Northwestern State for 'The Real NSU,' and Southeastern La. for the coveted 'River Bell.' When was the last time that they won all three in the same season? In 2005 Nicholls won all three en route to it's first conference title in school history. Since Southeastern La. brought back football, that is the only time Nicholls has laid claim to all three 'trophies' in a single-season.


Following the Colonels:

Game Notes: Nicholls vs. Southeastern La. Release
Colonels on Television: SLC TV Network: KBVO-TV, Ch. 51 in Austin; KUIL-TV, Ch. 43 in Beaumont and Port Arthur; KRGV-TV, Ch. 5.3 in Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen and Weslaco, Texas; KCEN-TV, Ch. 9.2 in Waco, Temple and Bryan, Texas; WFAA-TV, Ch. 8.2 in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; KHOU-TV, Ch. 11.2 in Houston, Texas; MyTX 18 in Nacogdoches, Longview, Lufkin and Tyler, Texas; KCWX-TV, Ch. 2 in San Antonio, Texas; KARZ-TV in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Ark.; KPXJ-TV, Ch. 21 in Shreveport, La. and in Texarkana, Ark. and Texas; KBTR-TV, Ch. 41 in Baton Rouge, La.; KVHP-TV, Ch. 29.2 in Lake Charles, La.; WUPL-TV, Ch. 54 in New Orleans, La.; and Fox College Sports.
Colonels Radio Network: KLRZ 100.3 FM in Larose, 100,000 watts (Flagship), KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City, 5,000 watts, KFRA 1390 AM in Franklin, 500 watts, KLEB 1600 AM in Galliano, 500 watts
Colonels Radio Network Halftime Show: Getting to know a Colonel with OL Charles McDade.
Broadcast team: Brennan Matherne (play-by-play) and Seth Thomas (analyst)
Colonels on the internet: www.klrzfm.com, www.kbze.com
Live Statistics: www.geauxcolonels.com

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