THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University football team surrendered 642 yards of offense and were shut out for the first time at home since 2012 as the Colonels fell 56-0 to No. 3 Stephen F. Austin Saturday evening on Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.
With the loss, Nicholls slipped to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the Southland. SFA (7-0, 4-0 SLC) remained unbeaten while securing its largest margin of victory in the all-time series against the Colonels.
Chase Richardson made his first start at quarterback and helped lead the Colonels to a red zone appearance on the opening drive.
Shane Lee rushed for 28 yards to the SFA 14, but the Lumberjack defense stopped four consecutive carries to earn a turnover on downs. From then on, SFA took control of the half.
The Lumberjacks pieced together a 12-play, 93-yard touchdown drive ending on a short rush, then quarterback Gavin Rutherford threw four touchdown passes before the break for a commanding 35-0 lead. Bugs Mortimer was the recipient of three as he totaled 103 yards on six catches.
The Colonel offense was held to a combined 31 yards on eight consecutive drives, allowing SFA to extend its lead to 42-0 through the third quarter. Then in the fourth, SFA added a long touchdown run and one more passing TD to make the final.
Nicholls totaled 227 yards with 121 on the ground. Richardson and
Patrick Gales led the way with 30 yards rushing each.
Preston Welch was the top passer, throwing for 82 yards on 8 of 16.
Ellis Stewart totaled 40 yards receiving on three receptions.
Kevin Martin Jr. finished with nine tackles for the defense which came away with a pair of turnovers.
Jhamal Shelby Jr. and
Charlie Diedrich both had a forced fumble.
Rutherford threw for 233 yards and the SFA offense produced 354 yards rushing. Jeffrey Jones had 100 yards on nine carries while JT Kitna rushed for 102 with 94 coming on a touchdown run.
Up Next
Nicholls will hit the road for its next two games, starting on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Northwestern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
