Final Stats

THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University football team had several opportunities to end their home slate on a high note against Southeastern Louisiana, but like much of the season, the Colonels were unable to capitalize as the Lions won the River Bell Classic for the second consecutive year, handing Nicholls a 35-16 loss on Senior Night.

Nicholls (1-9, 0-7) ends the year without a win in conference for the second straight season, sitting with a 14-game losing streak in Southland play. The loss was also the Colonels' seventh in a row, with the season-finale at Oregon State scheduled for Dec. 1.

Nicholls outgained Southeastern (5-6, 5-2) in total yards on offense, 335-323, but the Colonels' opening drive summed up the season for the Red and Gray. After forcing the Lions to punt, Nicholls pieced together one of its most efficient drives of the season, converting four third downs to get the ball 1st-and-goal at the 10. On 4th-and-1, Marcus Washington, who led Nicholls with 47 yards rushing, fumbled at the goal line, which was recovered by the Colonels in the end zone. However, the touchdown was nullified because the offensive team cannot recover an advanced fumble of fourth down, leaving Nicholls scoreless after its 17-play drive that lasted 7:34.

As bad as the Colonels' luck was in the drive, the team caught another bad break on their next defensive possession. SLU ran a fake punt on 4th-and-21, picking up 35 yards before punt returner Demon Bolt forced a fumble. But the Lions came up with the ball and went on to score its first touchdown to make it 7-0 in the second quarter.

Later in the period, Nicholls blocked a punt to set up a drive at midfield, but Landry Klann threw an interception to give SLU the ball back. The turnover led to another touchdown by Rashee Harrell, who punched in his second touchdown from inside of five yards. Nicholls closed out the half with a 28-yard field goal by Andrew Dolan to make it 14-3.

After the break, SLU fumbled on its third play, but recovered the ball once again, leading to a play-action touchdown pass from Nathan Stanley to Jeremy Meyes.

In the final quarter, Nicholls grabbed some momentum when Siegan Vergenal knocked a ball loose that was recovered by Cole Frazier. Washington capped the drive with a 3-yard score, his sixth of the season. But on the ensuing kickoff, Xavier Roberson went 88-yards for a touchdown - his second in as many game - extending the Lion lead to 28-9 with 12:20 remaining.

Nicholls was able to score on a perfect 38-yard strike from Klann to senior Andrew Wynn, but Southeastern put any hopes for a comeback away on another score on special teams. SLU lined up for a field goal, but holder Beua Mothe hit a well-covered Jeremy Meyes for a 19-yard score, making the final 35-16.

Klann finished 18 of 38 for 211 yards and was sacked five times. Senior Jesse Turner ran for 36 yards and led the team in receptions, finishing with five for 45 yards. Carey Fortson chipped in with four catches for 43 yards, and Wynn finished with 50 yards on two receptions.

The seniors led the Colonel defense with Jordan Piper racking up 10 tackles, followed by Kerry Guidry with nine and Rashar Knight added a sack. Vergenal added two forced fumbles and Toren Joseph had an interception for the second straight game.

Nicholls will have Thanksgiving break off, and will return to practice to prepare for its season finale at Oregon State on Dec. 1.