THIBODAUX, La. – After falling behind by as much as 17, the Nicholls State University football team stormed back with 25 second half points to secure the 32-31 victory over East Texas A&M on Homecoming at a packed John L. Guidry Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Nicholls (4-6, 3-4 SLC) trailed 31-24 after an East Texas A&M (3-7, 3-4 SLC) scored its only points of the second half with 3:36 remaining in the final stanza. The Colonels responded with 10-play 65-yard drive that was spearheaded by quarterback
Chase Richardson. Richardson was responsible for 57 yards on the final drive as he rushed for 28 yards on five rushes and completed two passes for 29 yards. He capped the drive with a rushing score to put the Colonels in position to take the lead.
Nicholls converted a two-point conversion on a catch by
Chantz Babineaux to go ahead 32-31 with 47 seconds to go. On ETAMU's final play from scrimmage,
Logan Jackson hit the quarterback's arm forcing the ball to go in the air allowing
Kevin Martin Jr. to seal the victory with an interception.
After a slow start from both teams, ETAMU took advantage of a Nicholls fumble to score the first points of the game with 2:20 to go in the opening quarter. Next, the Lions recovered an onside kick, but the Colonels got the ball back on
Gary Bailey Jr.'s first interception of the season which he returned to the Lions' 37 yard line. The Red & Gray cashed in on the takeaway with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by
Patrick Gales to tie the game at seven.
The Colonels surrendered 17 points in the second quarter as the Lions scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown by Major McBribe and a 66-yard catch and run by Micah Simpson. ETAMU added a 36-yard field goal by Ozlo Rigby to put the Lions up 24-7 at the intermission.
Nicholls made second half adjustments and immediately built momentum as
Kasai Jones picked up a snap that went over the quarterback's head and returned it for a touchdown on the opening drive of the half. A few possessions later, the Colonels forced a three and out and Richardson connected with
Greg Donaldson for a 37-yard touchdown to bring the Colonels within three (24-21) with 4:37 to go in the third quarter.
Nicholls stifled ETAMU's next possession to set up a 13-play drive that ended with a 30 yard
Kingston Phan field goal that tied the contest at 24 with just over 11 minutes remaining. The teams traded punts before ETAMU put together an eight play drive that ended with a touchdown by EJ Oakmon to give the Lions a 31-24 advantage.
For the third consecutive week, Richardson crossed the centry mark on the ground has he finished with a game high 119 yards on the ground to go with his 135 yards through the air on 14 completions. The Colonels' run game was effective as Gales finished with 104 yards on 19 carries to record his second consecutive 100-yard game. Donaldson led the air attack with five receptions for 74 yards while Babineaux had two snags for 22 yards.
Jackson Dufrene had a critical catch on the go ahead drive that kept the offense alive.
Outside of the second quarter, the Colonel defense was stout as they allowed 25 rushing yards and forced three turnovers. The unit was led by Martin Jr. who had seven tackles including a half stop for loss and the game winning interception.
Lynard Harris and
Alex Villavaso had six tackles apiece while
Skylar Husband had five solo stops.
For the Lions, Reese Mooney completed 23 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown. ETAMU had two receivers cross the century mark as Simpson led the way with 105 while Tanner Harrison had 104. David Spruiells led the defense with eight stops.
UP NEXT
Nicholls will play its final road contest of the season at UIW in San Antonio on Saturday, Nov. 7.
