NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Nicholls State University football team dropped its sixth consecutive game with a 34-7 loss to No. 25 Stephen F. Austin at Homer Bryce Stadium.

Playing in Nacogdoches for the first time since 2019, Nicholls (1-6, 1-2 SLC) and Stephen F. Austin (5-2, 3-0 SLC) had to battle through two weather delays that totaled four hours, pushing the game past midnight. 

SFA nearly doubled up the Colonels on offense, 372-187. The Lumberjacks limited Nicholls to 56 yards rushing and a 1.6 yard-per-carry average.

SFA started the scoring with a field goal but Nicholls answered with its best offensive drive. The Colonels picked up four first downs and moved to the Lumberjack 3 before giving up the football on a botched handoff.  SFA then scored on its next three drives while holding the Colonels to three-and-out on their next four.

Gavin Rutherford rushed for the first Lumberjack touchdown and Jerrell Wimbley made it 16-0 after a 5-yard TD carry. SFA added a field goal before halftime for a 19-0 advantage.

The teams went into the locker room and had an extended intermission as lightning delayed the game for nearly two hours. When action resumed, Nicholls punted on its first drive and for the second straight week, gave up a punt return for a touchdown. Bugs Mortimer scored on a 66-yard return as he totaled 184 yards on six returns.

Ethan Lee prevented another SFA touchdown with an interception at the goal line, but after the final weather delay, Mortimer set up the 'Jacks with a 52-yard return. Sam Vidlak capped the scoring for SFA with a 20-yard touchdown pass and a 34-0 advantage.

In the fourth, Ean Rodrigue orchestrated the lone scoring drive for the Colonels. Brian McQuaide had a 15-yard catch before Shane Lee ran for 33 yards on a short pass. Rodrigue then found Everett Hunter near the pylon for a 16-yard touchdown catch to prevent the shutout. Rodrigue completed 8 of 9 passes for 88 yards. 

Ethan Lee led the defense with a career-high 14 tackles to go along with his third pick of the season. Jake Dalmado added 11 tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

UP NEXT
Nicholls returns to Guidry Stadium for the first time since Sept. 6 with a two-game home stand, starting on Saturday, Oct. 25 against McNeese. The Homecoming Game is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m.