Final Stats THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University football team used 21 first-quarter points that included a 52-yard run touchdown run by junior quarterback LaQuintin Caston, combined with the Colonel defense recording its first shutout since 2006 to claim its season opener, 42-0, against Evangel University on Thursday night at John L. Guidry Stadium.

Caston rushed for 137 yards on 16 carries; including a 48-yard touchdown in the second to give Nicholls a commanding 28-0 lead; as well as his third consecutive 100-yard game, dating back to last season. The Colonels totaled 422 yards on offense, while the defense held Evangel to 147 yards.

“We did a lot of things well tonight, but we do have some things to improve on”, said head coach Charlie Stubbs. “One of the good things we have going for us is that we have nine days to prepare for our next opponent (Western Michigan).”

Nicholls (1-0) added a touchdown by sophomore running back Marcus Washington in the third and redshirt freshman quarterback Beaux Hebert found Nick Scelfo for a 19-yard touchdown reception in the final quarter as the Colonels took their opener, 42-0.

The defense, which held Evangel (0-1) to two first downs in the first half, was led by junior linebacker Brandon Sanders, a transfer from Ole' Miss, with seven tackles (two solo), while seniors Pa'a Kamauoha and Bobby Felder had six and five, respectively. Evangel did not cross midfield until the seven-minute mark in the fourth quarter.

After a fumble stalled the Colonels opening drive, senior cornerback Chika Madu forced a fumble on the next play to give Nicholls the ball back before Caston's 52-yarder at 11:57 in the first. Later in the quarter, two Colonel sophomores scored their first career touchdowns as Tyrie Allen took a toss nine yards to make it 14-0; then Caston hit Aldaro Russell for a 13-yard strike to make it 21-0.

Leading 28-0 in the third, Washington, who ran for 54 yards on the day, punched in a score from three yards out, and Hebert's first career touchdown pass closed out the scoring, giving Nicholls the shutout victory.

“I thought LaQuintin (Caston) played well tonight, and I was very pleased with our defensive effort and special teams,” said Coach Stubbs. “However, we do have some things to clean up before we prepare for Western Michigan.”

The Colonel defense held Evangel to only seven first downs in the game. The Crusaders averaged 2.4 yards per play, in part to Nicholls recording seven tackles for loss, led by senior lineback Shawn Elrod with 1.5. Fernandez Garner added a sack, while sophomore Siegan Vergenal forced two fumbles and had four tackles (three solo).

Nicholls will return to action when they head to Kalamazoo to take on Western Michigan. Kickoff against the Broncos is set for 6 p.m.