Final Stats
Box Score

THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University team snapped its 12-game losing streak in an imposing manner, setting two program records with 751 yards of total offense and 36 first downs, as the Colonels crushed Evangel University, 73-17, in its home opener at John L. Guidry Stadium on Saturday night.

The 73 points was the second highest total for a single game in the Colonels' 40-year history. Nicholls (1-2) had a chance to break the record, 77 which was set in 1994, but downed the ball twice inside the 5-yard line to end the game.

Junior quarterback Landry Klann played a near perfect game, completing 15 of 19 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. In all, four quarterbacks saw action in the home opener, passing for a total of 364 yards and four scores. Beaux Hebert made his first appearance of the season, throwing for 64 yards and one touchdown.

Freshman quarterback Tuskani Figaro had an impressive Guidy-debut, leading the rushing attack with 134 yards on 13 carries and crossed the goal line three times. As a team, the Colonels racked up 390 yards on the ground and came within feet of having three players pass the 100-yard mark. Marcus Washington notched his second career 100-yard game, scoring twice on 10 carries for 110 yards, while Jesse Turner had 10 carries as well, running for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Nicholls scored its first touchdown two minutes in as Washington ran in from 23 yards. Three minutes later, Figaro capped a 63-yard drive with his first career touchdown. Evangel (2-2) beat the blitz on its next possession, scoring on a 78-yard pass to Otis Brown, but the Colonels closed out the quarter with a 41-yard field goal by Andrew Dolan and Turner made it 24-7 with a 21-yard TD before the end of the period.

In the second quarter, the teams traded scoring drives, started by a Klann to Xavier Marcus connection for a 13-yard touchdown. After Evangel added a field goal, Nick Scelfo caught his first TD of the season, coming on a 14 yard pass. The Crusaders tacked on its final score of the night on a 36-yard strike before halftime.

With the Colonel defense pitching a shutout the rest of the way, the offense continued to light up the scoreboard, never punting in the game. In the third, Aldaro Russell scored on a five-yard reception, followed by touchdown runs by Figaro and Washington.

Nicholls added two more touchdowns in the final period as Hebert hit Turner for a 29-yard score and Figaro's 16-yard run made the final 73-17.

The Colonel defense was led by Jordan Piper with eight tackles and a sack. Dexter Aucoin, Josh Dewey and Siegan Vergenal each had an interception, and T.J. Lumar forced a fumble at the goal line to prevent a touchdown in the first quarter.

Twelve different Colonels had a reception, with Josh Hanberry leading the team with 121 yards on just three catches.

Along with his lone field goal, Dolan connected on all 10 extra points.

Nicholls will have next weekend off, before heading into conference play at Central Arkansas on Oct. 6.