NORTHWESTERN STATE FOOTBALL 4 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS • 6 FCS PLAYOFF APPEARANCES 2021 NSU SCHEDULE March 6 NICHOLLS* 6 p.m. March 13 at Southeastern Louisiana* 6 p.m. March 20 McNEESE* 4 p.m. March 27 at Lamar* 3 p.m. April 3 SAM HOUSTON STATE* 6 p.m. AT April 10 at Incarnate Word* TBA * -- denotes Southland Conference game NORTHWESTERN STATE NO. 7 NICHOLLS Home games in BOLD DEMONS (0-0, 0-0) COLONELS (2-0, 1-0) 2021 Nicholls Schedule 6 p.m. • March 6, 2021 • Turpin Stadium (15,971) • Natchitoches, La. Feb. 19 LINCOLN (MO.) W, 87-3 Radio: The Demon Sports Network(Patrick Netherton, PXP • Tony Taglavore, Sidelines) Feb. 27 LAMAR* W, 55-0 TV: ESPN+ March 6 at Northwestern State* March 13 at Sam Houston State* MATCHUP YARDSTICK March 27 INCARNATE WORD* NSU (2019) Category (NCAA Rank) Nicholls April 3 at McNeese* April 10 SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA* 25.7 (70) Scoring Offense 71 (1) UNIVERSITY INFORMATION 38.2 (118) Scoring Defense 1.5 (2) 82.1 (120) Rushing Offense 320.5 (1) Location Natchitoches, Louisiana Founded 1884 158.4 (60) Rushing Defense 63.5 (5) Enrollment 11,081 298.5 (13) Passing Offense 237.5 (17) Nickname Demons 262.3 (106) Passing Defense 37 (1) Colors Purple and White (Orange Trim) 380.5 (61) Total Offense 558 (2) Affiliation Division I - FCS Conference Southland 420.6 (90) Total Defense 100.5 (1) President Dr. Chris Maggio Athletic Director Greg Burke OPENING DRIVE NCAA Faculty Rep. Jody Biscoe • Northwestern State opens its six-game spring schedule at home against Nicholls, it’s first FOOTBALL INFORMATION football game in 471 days dating back to the 2019 finale at home against Stephen F. Austin. • The Demons defense is the most experienced unit, featuring both of NSU’s preseason Head Coach Brad Laird All-Southland selections in linebacker Ja’Quay Pough and cornerback Shemar Bartholomew. Alma Mater Northwestern State, 1995 Eight starters returning on D. The offense is less experienced with just four starters back. Career Record 8-15/3rd season • Nicholls has won the last four in the series, but NSU has an overall 45-29 series edge. NSU Record Same • The last time NSU faced a ranked, it ended in victory. The Demons knocked off No. 20 UIW SLC Record 7-11 in a 44-41 shootout on Oct. 26, 2019. In Brad Laird’s first two seasons, NSU is 2-5 vs. ranked 2019 Record 5-6 teams with a win vs. No. 18 McNeese. Last top-10 foes were in 2017 (6 UCA and 9 SHSU). 2019 SLC Record/Finish 3-6/8th NSU All-Time Record 541-481-35 (.528) Letterwinners Returning/Lost 41/36 NSU COMMUNICATIONS SLC Championships/Last 4, 2004 Matt Vines | [email protected] | Cell: 318-716-8605 | Office: 318-357-6467 NCAA FCS Playoff Appearances/Last 6, 2004 Twitter: @NSUDemonsFB | Instagram: NSUDemonsFB | NSUDemons.com 1 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB DEMON COACHING STAFF SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE STANDINGS Brad Laird Head Coach Team SLC Overall Home Away Neutral Streak DeVon Lockett Associate Head Coach/DBs Nicholls 1-0 2-0 2-0 0-0 0-0 W2 Brad Smiley Offensive Cordinator/TEs Mike Lucas Defensive Coordinator/ILBs Sam Houston 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 W1 J Pond Offensive Line Incarnate Word 1-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 W1 Anthony Scelfo* Quarterbacks/Recruiting Coordinator Stephen F. Austin 0-0 6-4 4-0 1-4 1-0 L1 Alvin Slaughter Wide Receivers Ledell Love Defensive Line Central Arkansas 0-0 5-4 3-0 1-4 1-0 W2 Jake Olsen* Safeties/Special Teams Coordinator Houston Baptist 0-0 1-3 0-0 1-3 0-0 W1 Erik Schwager Strength and Conditioning Abilene Christian 0-0 1-5 0-1 1-3 0-1 L2 Quentin Carter Graduate Assistant/Safeties Northwestern State 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 -- Zachary Castelluccio Graduate Assistant/Receivers D’onshuv’e Coofer Graduate Assistant/Defensive Line McNeese 0-1 1-1 0-1 1-0 0-0 L1 Nathan Farber Graduate Assistant/Linebackers Southeastern Louisiana 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 L1 Jalen Rhodes Graduate Assistant/Running Backs Lamar 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-0 L1 Quinton Thibodeaux Graduate Assistant/Cornerbacks Bryce Saracene Graduate Assistant/Quarterbacks Cody Springsguth Graduate Assistant/Tight Ends Saturday, March 6 Nick West Graduate Assistant /Offensive Line UIW at Lamar, 3 p.m. * - in booth on game days Nicholls at Northwestern State, 6 p.m. McNeese at Southeastern Louisiana, 6 p.m. NSU-LAMAR HISTORY Northwestern State leads 28-19 Series in Thibodaux: NSU trails 11-13 Series in Natchitoches: NSU leads 17-6 Current streak: NICH W4

Oct. 6, 1973 at Nicholls 3, NSU 0 Oct. 12, 1974 Nicholls 7, at NSU 0 Oct. 11, 1975 at Nicholls 23, NSU 10 Oct. 9, 1976 at NSU 20, Nicholls 8 Oct. 8, 1977 at Nicholls 10, NSU 6 Oct. 28, 1978 at NSU 28, Nicholls 18 Oct. 27, 1979 at Nicholls 27, NSU 24 Nov. 8, 1980 at NSU 21, Nicholls 14 Nov. 7, 1981 NSU 31, at Nicholls 17 MEDIA INFORMATION Nov. 6, 1982 at NSU 38, Nicholls 6 Demon Sports Network Radio Affiliates Nov. 5, 1983 NSU 24, at Nicholls 21 Nov. 13, 1984 at NSU 19, Nicholls 0 • 94.9 FM The River, Natchitoches (flagship) Nov. 9, 1985 NSU 20, at Nicholls 14 Nov. 8, 1986 at NSU 28, Nicholls 13 • www.NSUDemons.com Nov. 7, 1987 NSU 31, at Nicholls 28 • Northwestern State Athletics Mobile App Oct. 15, 1988 at NSU 27, Nicholls 12 Nov. 4, 1989 at Nicholls 21, NSU 15 Sept. 15, 1990 Nicholls 19, at NSU 7 Weekday Interview Policy Nov. 16, 1991 NSU 16, at Nicholls 10 Nov. 14, 1992 at NSU 44, at Nicholls 6 Player and coach interviews must be set up through SID Matt Vines at least one day in advance to Oct. 9, 1993 at NSU 35, Nicholls 21 minimize demands on student-athletes’ busy schedules. Brief face-to-face post-practice interviews may be Sept. 17, 1994 NSU 35, at Nicholls 3 Oct. 7, 1995 at NSU 34, Nicholls 14 conducted if time permits. Oct. 12, 1996 at Nicholls 19, NSU 17 Sept. 27, 1997 NSU 19, at Nicholls 0 Television FTP Services Oct. 24, 1998 NSU 28, at Nicholls 26 Oct. 2, 1999 at NSU 42, Nicholls 17 Northwestern State provides weekly interviews with head coach Brad Laird and select players each Oct. 14, 2000 NSU 27, at Nicholls 21 (NSU forfeit) Oct. 20, 2001 at NSU 47, Nicholls 14 Monday afternoon outlets through the NSU Demons FTP folder. They also can be found on www.NSUDe- Oct. 24, 2002 NSU 21, at Nicholls 14 mons.com and on www.YouTube.com/DemonAthletics. New content is available between 1-3 p.m. Oct. 25, 2003 Nicholls 40 , at NSU 30 (NICH forfeit) Oct. 21, 2004 at Nicholls 40, NSU 14 Mondays. For access, please email SID Matt Vines at [email protected]. Nov. 5, 2005 Nicholls 31, at NSU 24 Oct. 21, 2006 NSU 9, at Nicholls 0 Oct. 6, 2007 at Nicholls 58, NSU 0 Quarterback Club Luncheons Oct. 11, 2008 at NSU 36, Nicholls 28 The NSU Quarterback Club Luncheons won’t take place spring and will plan to continue during the fall Nov. 14, 2009 at Nicholls 28, NSU 21 Nov. 13, 2010 Nicholls 37, at NSU 7 season. Sept. 24, 2011 at NSU 34, Nicholls 0 Oct. 27, 2012 at NSU 27, Nicholls 26 Demon Huddle Radio Show Oct. 12, 2013 at Nicholls 33, NSU 21 During normal times, the show airs live Thursday from 6-7 p.m. at Mama’s Blues Room along Front Nov. 15, 2014 at NSU 48, Nicholls 21 Oct. 31, 2015 NSU 37, at Nicholls 21 Street in Natchitoches. Airs on 94.9 FM The River and streams on Facebook Live. Patrick Netherton hosts Oct. 29, 2016 Nicholls 31, at NSU 14 Oct. 17, 2017 at Nicholls 14, NSU 10 with producer Davey Antilley. Coach Laird and his coordinators are the on-air guests of the show sponsored Oct. 6, 2018 Nicholls 28, at NSU 10 by the Cross Financial Group. Oct. 12, 2019 at Nicholls 45, NSU 35

2 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB BRAD LAIRD NOTABLE Head Coach Rough recent patch in Nicholls series Landry ready to rebound Northwestern State, 1998 NSU controlled large parts of this “Battle for Senior receiver Gavin Landry was also on a 3rd season at NSU the Real NSU” series before Nicholls dropped trajectory to assume control of the receiving corps. 8-15 Overall at NSU “State” from its athletics name, but the Colo- Landry was galloping to a 54-yard touchdown when he tore his ACL against Central Arkansas in 8-15 Career nels are the recent kings. the seventh game of the season. Nicholls has won four straight and is 11-6 7-11 SLC record He finished the play despite the injury, but it was 0-2 vs. Nicholls in the last 17 meetings. final play of the season, which was more than 16 The first two seasons of Brad Laird’s months ago. tenure as the head coach at his alma mater have Fork Cancer Week helping raise money He caught 26 passes for 243 yards and two produced record-setting offenses and turn- Northwestern State has had an unprecen- touchdowns in seven games. over-happy defenses. dented number of home events this week (10 As Laird enters his third season at the in all), and Demons and Lady Demons from the Demons have another strong finish helm of Northwestern State’s football program, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee collected Northwestern State is coming off a 3-9 season, he and the Demons aim to take the next step donations for St. Jude. but the Demons surged in the latter half of the forward. Between T-shirt sales, donations at games and season, winning three of their last five games. That In each of Laird’s first two seasons, the via text message (text FORKCANCER to 41444 to stretch included a win at Sam Houston (7-5) that Demon offense has rewritten the school passing donate), NSU has raised about $1,500 heading into was tied for first place in the Southland Conference record book, including seeing Shelton Eppler a busy home weekend that includes a basketball at the time. NSU’s first win in that stretch came at overwrite Laird’s career passing yardage mark of doubleheader, a baseball series and the first home then-No. 20 Incarnate Word, which also was tied 6,037 yards which stood since 1995. football game. for first place at the time of the loss. Lamar was Individual honors have found their way NSU’s other win. to Natchitoches as NSU has produced two Receiver Price ready for more as “No. 1” All-Americans, a pair of HERO Sports Sophomore Receiver Kendrick Price blossomed at the end NSU, Nicholls battle for South La. recruits of the 2019 season, climbing his way up the depth All-Americans and a Freshman All-American in The vast, vast majority of Nicholls’ football chart to catch four touchdowns in the final four the past two seasons along with offensive line- roster comes from the talent-rich part of Louisiana games -- all starts. man Chris Zirkle, who was a Campbell Trophy south of Interstate 20 in the slow-moving bayous But in the first spring practice of 2020, Price semifinalist and a nominee for the American and rivers surrounding New Orleans. tore his ACL. He’s fought through rehab during the Football Coaches Association Allstate Good But it’s also a popular recruiting ground for pandemic, and he gets a chance to play this spring Works Team in 2019. NSU. season (wouldn’t have played in the fall). Laird’s first Northwestern State team in Nineteen Demons hail from that portion of the This spring camp, he was awarded the coveted 2018 posted a one-win improvement from the state, which doesn’t include another cluster around “No. 1” jersey.” 2017 season, but the feel around the program Lafayette. More than half of that 19 claim New The jersey started becoming the prize of the was one of effective nostalgia. Orleans directly as their hometown, even though receiving room in 2016 when Bobby Chan Chan There was a record-setting offense that some families moved away to Texas or other parts donned the No. 1 jersey for the first two seasons. would have made Laird the quarterback smile. of Louisiana. Jazz Ferguson said he wanted Chan-Chan’s Making Laird equally happy were the strides number, and he and Quan Shorts both became the NSU defense made in his first season as the All-Americans in those seasons, cementing the No. head coach. 1’s value and legacy. A three-time defensive coordinator for a to- Price finished the season with 26 catches tal of eight seasons at Northwestern State, Laird for 372 yards and five touchdowns, establishing saw the Purple Swarm regain that moniker in himself as the third option on the 2019 receiving 2018, collecting 32 sacks (its highest total since corps and top returning option. 2002) and forcing 26 turnovers. The Demons forced another 24 turnovers in 2019. Counting the 2017 season when Laird was the defensive OPPONENT WATCH coordinator, the Demons enter 2020 having Opponent Record Rank Last Game Next Game forced 67 turnovers in their past 34 games. Lamar...... 0-1...... L, 55-0 at Nicholls...... vs. UIW From 2013-16, Laird was in charge at Nicholls...... 2-0...... 7...... W, 55-0 vs. Lamar...... at Northwestern State his high school alma mater, Ruston, where he Southeastern Louisiana...... 0-1...... 24...... L, 43-38 at Sam Houston State...... vs. Nicholls averaged more than seven wins in four playoff McNeese...... 1-1...... L, 48-20 vs. UIW...... at Southeastern Louisiana seasons as head coach. Sam Houston State...... 1-0...... W, 43-38 vs. Southeastern Louisiana...... vs. Nicholls Incarnate Word...... 1-0...... W, 48-20 at McNeese...... at Lamar 3 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB START CHART NOTABLE 16 17 18 19 20 Stk. Career NSU to play first spring season in history Offense HONOR ROLL Kenny Sheldon - - 10 12 - 13 22 NSU will play its first spring regular season Jake Gore - - - 11 - 3 11 Shemar Bartholomew David Fitzwater - - - 7 - - 7 in program history after the Demons and six Levar Gumms - - - 5 - - 5 other Southland Conference members decided • Preseason All-Southland Third Team DB Kendrick Price - - - 4 - 4 4 Ja’Quay Pough Gavin Landry - - - - 1 - 1 to forgo the typical fall season because of the • Preseason All-Southland First Team LB 16 17 18 19 20 Stk. Career COVID-19 pandemic. Defense The latest NSU has played a countable Damian Thompson - - 5 9 - - 14 by the American Football Coaches Association’s “35 Blake Stephenson - - 11 - - - 11 contest came on Dec. 12, 1998, when the De- Under 35.” Shemar Bartholomew - - 3 6 - 5 9 mons welcomed UMass for a third round FCS Ja’Quay Pough - - - 9 - - 9 Receivers coach Alvin Slaughter also assisted Kyle Moore - - - 8 - 1 8 playoff game. The Minutemen survived Turpin during the Laird transition as he’s in his fifth Rashuad Powell - - - 8 - 6 8 Jomard Valsin Jr. - - - 7 - 5 7 Stadium with a 41-31 win. season in Natchitoches, developing a penchant for William Hooper - - - 6 - - 6 The 471 days without NSU football dating transforming transfer receivers into Demon studs. Nathalohn Nanai - - - 5 - - 5 Landon King - - - 3 - - 3 back to November 21, 2019, is NOT the longest Quarterbacks coach Anthony Scelfo joined the Fred Lee - - - 3 - - 3 absence of football since NSU fielded a team NSU staff when Laird took the helm and tutored Adrion Robertson - - - 3 - - 3 JaBralen Yarber - - - 2 - - 2 starting in 1907. NSU went 680 days without Shelton Eppler in his record-breaking career. Jared Pedraza - - - 1 - - 1 football from Nov. 13, 1942, to Sept. 23, 1944 2021 Captains after NSU didn’t field a team in 1943 because Demons mourn former RB coach of increased U.S. involvement in World War II. Former NSU running backs coach Gerald Howse, the only NSU full-time assistant who didn’t return from the 2019 staff, died this past Staff nearly intact in Laird’s third season May at 28. Howse spent two seasons on the Brad Laird is entering his third season as the head coach in Natchitoches, compiling an 8-15 Demons’ staff before taking the same position back record overall and a 7-11 mark in SLC play. in his home state of Tennessee at Tennessee Tech. Both coordinators return this season (offensive In Howse’s first NSU season, he helped running coordinator Brad Smiley and defensive coordi- backs Jared West and Stadford Anderson establish nator Mike Lucas) and all but one position coach career highs. West and Anderson each eclipsed 400 returning. rushing yards in Howse’s second season, with West Smiley, a Natchitoches native, joined Laird’s adding 40 catches out of the backfield. staff upon his arrival after being a head coach at Trinity Valley Community College, and he brought Offense aiming to replace record holders his offensive line coach inJ Pond with him. The NSU offense set numerous records in the Lucas is in his second stint as NSU’s defensive first two seasons of Brad Laird and Brad Smiley coordinator, rejoining the Demons when Laird under the quarterbacking of Shelton Eppler, who assumed the helm in 2018. Lucas spent the 2014 owns 18 single-game, season and career records. season as NSU’s defensive coordinator in which the Despite playing just two seasons, Eppler Purple Swarm ranked fifth in the FCS in takeaways. became NSU’s career record holder with 6,226 Other coaches that have been with Laird passing yards, 54 touchdowns, 540 completions throughout his head coaching tenure have direct and 873 attempts. NSU ties. In all but one of those career categories, Eppler Associate head coach De’Von Lockett was an passed another two-year stalwart in Zach Adkins. NSU receiver and has been part of the Demons staff In the yardage category, Eppler passed current since 2010. Lockett is in charge of the cornerbacks. head coach Brad Laird. Defensive line coach LeDell Love was a Receiver Quan Shorts became NSU’s first two-time All-Southland Conference player, part of 100-catch receiver, snatching 100 passes in 2019 which occurred under Laird at defensive coordina- for 994 yards and 11 touchdowns.. tor. Love also served as a graduate assistant coach Shorts finished his brief tenure ranked second at NSU. in career receptions with 156. Safeties coach Jake Olsen helped Laird transition into the head role as Olsen’s first season was spent alongside Laird when the latter was defensive coordinator in 2017. Olsen was honored 4 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB NOTABLE New signal caller won’t be totally new Pair of All-SLC preseason picks lead D He made 14 stops in those final four games. But the Demons won’t turn to a new sig- NSU’s defense is the more experienced side of Young buck Princeton Malbrue has im- nal-caller with no experience. the ball with seven starters returning, including pressed as a true freshman and will be a starter for Junior Kaleb Fletcher has appeared in 14 both of the Demons’ preseason All-Conference his first collegiate snaps. games, including leading a second-half comeback picks. versus Abilene Christian as a freshman and a come- Senior linebacker Ja’Quay Pough is NSU’s lone Bartholomew’s turnovers come in pairs back win against Houston Baptist as a sophomore. first-team selection, leading NSU with 101 tackles Junior cornerback Shemar Bartholomew has Bryce Rivers was NSU’s No. 2 quarterback this this past season. Pough is the first Demon to top in some ways been an all-or-nothing proposition. past season, appearing in two games in relief. He 100 tackles since 2014. Bartholomew forced seven turnovers in his made two starts at UTSA before transferring to NSU’s other pick is junior cornerback Shemar career with six of those coming in three, two-turn- NSU. Bartholomew. Bartholomew led the team with over games. Zachary Clement is a redshirt freshman who four interceptions, including an INT returned for a The last time he stepped on the field Nov. 21, has been in the program one season. touchdown in the win against Sam Houston. 2019, he picked off Stephen F. Austin twice. The defensive line returns three of four starters Bartholomew had a two-interception game Demons seek other new offensive faces with defensive tackle Damian Thompson the against Sam Houston State on Oct. 13, 2018, Aside from replacing quarterback Shelton most experienced with two seasons of starting. and a two-turnover Oct. 26 at Incarnate Word (1 Eppler, the Demons will be without three of their interception, 1 fumble recovery). top four receivers, the top two running backs and Linebackers backbone of experienced Bartholomew’s lone single turnover game was three multi-year starters on the offensive line from a biggie, scorig his first career touchdown on a this past season. NSU D 96-yard interception return at SHSU on Nov. 16. Receiver Quan Shorts broke the single-season NSU’s defensive strength lies with the lineback- record with 100 receptions. ers with Ja’Quay Pough, Jomard Valsin, Blake Running backs Jared West and Stadford Stephenson and Adrion Robertson. Purple Swarm living up to moniker Anderson are both gone, the former of which Outside of Pough and his 100-plus tackles In the last six games of the 2019 season, the rushed for more than 1,500 career yards and was and All-SLC Preseason Selection, Valsin (9 TFLs) NSU defense has resembled the type of ball-hawk- an accomplished receiver out of the backfield. and Robertson (8 TFLs) lead the team with Blake ing unit defensive coordinator Mike Lucas prides NSU will miss the presence of Chris Zirkle, Stephenson ready to contribute after missing most himself on developing. Jonathan Hubbard and Dustin Burns. All three of 2019 after a spring shoulder injury. The Demons have produced 18 turnovers since linemen had started at least 25 games with Zirkle After starting 11 games as a transfer in 2018, that Oct. 19 game -- 10 interceptions, eight fum- leading the pack with 39 career starts. Stephenson returned for the final four games of bles. That run of turnovers came after the Demons 2019, allowing him to keep his year of eligibility. forced six turnovers in the first six games of the DEMONS IN THE PROS Jonathan Hubbard, OL, Shakeir Ryan, WR/RS, Barry Rubin, Coach, Miami Edmonton (CFL) Kansas City Hubbard, an offensive A two-sport NSU stu- Super Bowl LV champion lineman at NSU from 2016- dent-athlete, Ryan has Rubin finished his eighth 19, finished his first season returned 31 punts for 367 season as the strength on the Miami Dolphins yards, including a 101-yard and conditioning coach for practice squad. touchdown and has added the Chiefs, having joined 18 kick returns for 324 Kansas City in 2013. yards for Montreal. Obinna Iheoma, DL, Jazz Ferguson, WR, BC Bryant Mitchell, WR, Toronto (CFL) Lions (CFL) Winnipeg (CFL) Iheoma will make his The NSU All-American Super Bowl LV champion professional debut this caught a touchdown in Rubin is in his eighth season after the pandemic the 2019 preseason before season as the strength prevented the CFL from its spending half the season and conditioning coach for normal 2020 campaign. He on the practice squad and a the Chiefs, having joined had eight sacks each in his pandemic-shortened stint Kansas City in 2013. two seasons as an NSU Demon. with the XFL’s Dallas Renegades. 5 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB NOTABLE Transfer receivers accustomed to NSU success UNDER BRAD LAIRD Wide receivers coach Alvin Slaughter has NSU’s Record When ... 2018 2019 2021 Totals recycled Division I transfers into FCS gold the past All Games 5-6 3-9 8-15 two seasons. Scoring first 3-2 1-3 4-5 In the last two seasons combined, four of NSU’s Leading after the first quarter 2-1 1-3 3-4 top five receivers have been Division I transfers and Tied after the first quarter 2-0 0-0 2-0 Trailing after the first quarter 1-5 2-6 3-11 two have been All-Americans. Leading at halftime 2-1 2-3 4-4 In 2019, Quan Shorts (Texas Tech) became Tied at halftime 0-0 0-1 0-1 the first Demon to catch 100 passes, totaling 11 Trailing at halftime 3-5 1-5 4-10 touchdowns and 994 yards en route to third-team Leading after the third quarter 3-0 2-1 5-1 All-American honors. Akile Davis (BYU) emerged Tied after the third quarter 0-0 0-1 0-1 as the second option, collecting 59 passes for 762 Trailing after the third quarter 2-1 1-7 3-8 yards and four scores. Tied at the end of the fourth quarter 1-0 1-0 2-0 2018 was the year of Jazz Ferguson (LSU), Outgaining opponent 3-1 2-3 5-4 who accumulated single-season records of 1,117 Outrushing opponent 2-1 1-1 3-2 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Southland Confer- Outpassing opponent 4-3 2-5 6-8 More first downs than opponent 3-1 2-3 5-4 ence Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team Winning time of possession 3-2 2-2 5-4 All-American. Winning turnover margin 3-4 2-2 5-6 Shorts checked in as NSU’s third leading receiv- Tying turnover margin 0-1 1-3 1-4 er in 2018, catching 56 passes for 542 yards. Losing turnover margin 2-1 0-4 2-5 Three receivers in the last two seasons have Rushing for 200+ yards 0-0 0-0 0-0 crossed the 50 reception and 500-yard mark. Having a 100+ yard rusher 0-1 0-0 0-1 Before that, Ed Eagan (58-745) in 2015 was Passing for 300+ yards 4-3 1-6 5-9 the last NSU receiver to hit those marks in a single Record in August 0-1 0-1 0-2 season. Record in September 2-1 0-4 2-5 Record in October 1-3 1-2 2-5 Record in November 2-1 2-2 4-3 NSU has leg up with All-American Kicker NSU isn’t unfamiliar with All-American kickers ‘Texas Four’ + 1 leaving Southland front and center, head coach Brad Laird also knows as Chris Moore earned that honor in 2015. After a few months of speculation, five mem- that his team will be playing 18 games in the next Kicker Eddie Godina set an NJCAA record with bers announced they were leaving the Southland nine months. 26 made field goals (on 30 attempts) as a soph- Conference. That means being aware of physical contact in omore and added 37 extra points at Trinity Valley Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and practice and taking precaution. Community College. Abilene Christian are joining the Western Athletic Moore, who is NSU’s first All-American kicker, Conference. Demons to appear on TV for all three set NSU’s career marks in scoring (248 points) and Central Arkansas will be joining the ASUN. home games field goals (45) in just three seasons. The five members were scheduling to leave When the Demons set foot in Turpin Stadium at the league after 2021-22 academic year, but the home, the television cameras will be waiting. Defensive starters shifting positions league’s remaining athletic directors voted to move The March 20 home game against McNeese will Isaiah Longino and Kyle Moore are experienced those members out after the 2020-21 academic be broadcast on Cox Sports. linebackers, but they’ll be lining up at different year. The other two games -- March 6 against positions this season. These members are not currently on the fall Nicholls and Sam Houston on April 1 -- will be Longino bulked up (270 pounds) and will be football schedules. broadcast on ESPN+. a defensive end after appearing in 19 games as a Lamar and Abilene Christian were two of the linebacker. original five founding members in 1963, joining UT The junior received a medical redshirt this past Arlington, Trinity and Arkansas State. season after suffering a season-ending knee injury The other departing SLC member that NSU will in the season opener. play this spring is Sam Houston. Moore is transitioning to safety after starting eight games at outside linebacker this past season. Laird, staff aware of big picture He made 40 tackles with two interceptions this NSU will no doubt be excited about stepping on past season. the football field for the first time in 457 days. While the six-game spring football schedule is 6 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB NOTABLE Turnovers tell tale of Lucas’ tenure In three seasons under defensive coordinator 2019 BIG PLAY TRACKER Mike Lucas, the Purple Swarm has created 80 PASSING (18 YARDS OR MORE) RUSHING (12 YARDS OR MORE) turnovers in 35 games. Players Opponent Yardage Player Opponent Yardage The Demons have produced 44 turnovers in Eppler/Shorts UT Martin 35 Bryce Rivers Midwestern State 19 their 14 wins with Lucas as defensive coordinator Eppler/Smallwood UT Martin 26 Jared West Houston Baptist 12 while forcing 38 turnovers in their 21 losses. Eppler/Smallwood UT Martin 26 (TD) Jared West Houston Baptist 15 Eppler/Smallwood UT Martin 19 Stadford Anderson Houston Baptist 14 Eppler/Davis UT Martin 25 Adrion Robertson Southeastern Louisiana 20 NFLers headline N-Club Hall of Fame class Eppler/Davis LSU 28 Jared West Nicholls 13 All-Pro return specialist Terrance McGee, Eppler/Fitzwater LSU 26 (TD) Jared West Central Arkansas 19 all-time rushing king Tony Taylor and All-American Eppler/Fitzwater LSU 27 Stadford Anderson Incarnate Word 12 defensive end Robert Daniel headline the 2020 Eppler/Davis Houston Baptist 30 (TD) Stadford Anderson McNeese 12 N-Club Hall of Fame class. Eppler/Davis Houston Baptist 26 (TD) Jared West Lamar 14 The class was supposed to be inducted this past Eppler/Anderson Houston Baptist 24 Stadford Anderson Lamar 18 October before the COVID-19 pandemic had other Eppler/Shorts Southeastern Louisiana 26 (TD) Stadford Anderson Lamar 40 (TD) plans, and these inductees are scheduled to be Eppler/Price Southeastern Louisiana 19 (TD) Stadford Anderson Sam Houston State 17 honored during the 2021 fall season. Eppler/Davis Southeastern Louisiana 18 Eppler/Davis Nicholls 56 NOTE: Northwestern State offensive coordinator Brad After McGee set an NCAA record for single-sea- Eppler/Landry Nicholls 22 Smiley considers “explosive plays” as those of 12 or son punt-return average (23.7) in 2000 to earn Eppler/Shorts Nicholls 23 more on a rush and 18 or more in the passing game. All-American honors, he spent all nine years of his Eppler/Shorts Nicholls 25 NFL career with the Buffalo Bills as a returner and a Eppler/Davis Nicholls 38 cornerback. Eppler/Shorts Nicholls 18 He earned the Pro Bowl honor as a kick returner Eppler/Davis Nicholls 30 in 2004 and was a two-time All-Pro honoree who Eppler/Landry Central Arkansas 54 (TD) holds numerous Bills records. Eppler/Davis Central Arkansas 25 McGee owns or shares NSU records for career Eppler/Davis Central Arkansas 26 pass breakups, single season and career punt return Eppler/Shorts Central Arkansas 20 Eppler/Fitzwater Central Arkansas 23 yardage and punt return touchdowns. Eppler/Shorts Incarnate Word 24 Taylor needed just three seasons to set NSU’s Eppler/Shorts Incarnate Word 18 rushing mark (3,997 yards), including the top two Eppler/Ash Incarnate Word 25 single-season rushing totals (1,507 in 2000 and Eppler/Shorts Incarnate Word 18 1,441 in 1999), earning All-American honors in Eppler/Ash Incarnate Word 19 (TD) 2000. Eppler/Price McNeese 22 The Pineville product earned a Super Bowl ring Eppler/Shorts McNeese 28 with Tampa Bay on the 2003 practice squad. Eppler/Shorts McNeese 22 (TD) Daniel was a consensus All-American in 1998 Eppler/Davis McNeese 46 after missing a season because of a knee injury, Eppler/Price McNeese 23 Eppler/Ward Lamar 39 (TD) driving the Purple Swarm defense that helped NSU Eppler/Shorts Lamar 22 to the FCS semifinals. He had 68 tackles, seven sacks Eppler/Price Lamar 28 and four forced fumbles. Eppler/West Lamar 20 His pro career with the Carolina Panthers was cut Eppler/Price Sam Houston State 67 (TD) to just two seasons because of a neck injury. Eppler/Davis Sam Houston State 42 Eppler/Ash Sam Houston State 21 Demons look like Trinity Valley East their junior college careers at Trinity Valley: Demons deep at scholar-athlete From the coaching staff to the roster, the 2020 • LB Ja’Quay Pough Four Northwestern State players enter their Northwestern State football team has deep ties to • LB Blake Stephenson final season of athletic eligibility with undergradu- Trinity Valley Community College. • LB Brandon Floyd ate degrees in hand: Demons offensive coordinatorBrad Smiley • LB Race Moser OL Khalil Corbett-Canada spent 11 seasons as the Cardinals head coach and • OL Jakob Sell LB Blake Stephenson brought with him offensive line coachJ Pond, who • OL Khalil Corbett-Canada WR Gavin Landry held the same role at TVCC. • K Eddie Godina CB Donovan Duvernay Pond wasn’t the only import from the Athens, • NT Keshawn Jackson Texas, junior college. Six Demons players spent 7 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB NOTABLE .Moore pulls off different type of double Milestone Games Roster management Then-junior outside linebacker Kyle Moore did Northwestern State’s 2020 roster is composed something no Northwestern State defender has 300-Yard Passing Games of 13 seniors, 32 juniors, 20 sophomores, 15 accomplished in three years during the Demons’ 100-Yard Rushing Games redshirt freshmen and 27 true freshmen. 48-21 loss at Houston Baptist on Sept. 21. 100-Yard Receiving Games The Demons hail from eight states: Louisiana, Moore collected his first career sack and his first Kendrick Price (1) Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, career interception against the Huskies, becoming • 114, at Sam Houston State, Nov. 16, 2019 Oklahoma, Nevada, and Mississippi. the first Demons defender to intercept a pass and Nineteen incoming transfers are on the roster, record a full sack in the same game since JeMarcus popular songs. including six who at some point were at FBS Marshall did so against McNeese on Oct. 22, 2016. He has more than 200,000 followers and has schools before arriving in Natchitoches. Moore added his second career interception generated millions of views on his account. The incoming FBS transfers are: CB Donovan Nov. 16 at Sam Houston State where his father Duvernay (Texas), WR Caleb Laboy (ULL), LB played. Spears becomes sixth NSU football num- Josh Clarke (Ole Miss), WR LC Greenwood ber to be retired (Oklahoma State), S Josh Landrum (Rice) and LB Lucas stays in professor mode on sideline Marcus Spears became the sixth NSU jersey Brandon Floyd (Louisiana Tech). At one end of the team area of the Northwest- number to be retired this past summer. ern State sideline is a smattering of chairs arranged The ceremony to honor Spears No. 76 being NSU’s pro legacy a lengthy one like a small classroom. retired will either take place at one of three spring Northwestern State has produced eight NFL That’s where professor Mike Lucas holds home games or during the normal fall season. Pro Bowlers: WR Charlie Hennigan (5x, Oilers); class for his defense between series. It is a Lucas Spears donned the purple from 1991-93, TE Jacke Smith (5x, Cardinals); WR Mark Duper tradition that dates to 1985 when he began doing earning two All-American honors. (3x, Dolphins); FB Charlie Tolar (2x, Oilers); RB Joe so as a defensive cordinator at Eastern New Mexico. The 11-year NFL veteran will have his No. 76 Delaney (1981, Chiefs); RB John Stephens (1988, hang beside Bobby Hebert’s 12, Gary Reasons’ 34, Patriots); QB Bobby Hebert (1993, Falcons); KR Turpin hosted nine La. state title games Al Dodd’s 41, Joe Delaney’s 44 and Jackie Smith’s Terrence McGee (2004, Bills). The Louisiana High School Football state cham- 80. Thirty-four Demons have been drafted, includ- pionships were hosted in NSU’s Turpin Stadium for Spears’ number is the first to be retired under ing seven since 2000. RB John Stephens (1988, the first time ever this December. the new criteria, which incorporated input from Patriots) is the Demons’ lone first-round pick The nine championship games played in late various sources to compile a list of criteria for this while six former Demons have been second-round December were moved to Natchitoches because of honor. selections: RB Sidney Thornton (1976, Steelers); COVID-19 concerns in the regular venue, the indoor A 6-foot-4, 320-pounder from Baton Rouge, OL Petey Perot (1979, Eagles); RB Joe Delaney Superdome in New Orleans. Spears earned All-American honors in 1992 and (1981, Chiefs); WR Mark Duper (1982, Dolphins); NSU staff had just 18 days to prepare for the 1993, becoming just the second FCS-level player to CB Adrian Hardy (1993, 49ers); OT Marcus Spears event. make the Football Writers Association All-American (1994, Bears). Two NSU signees got the chance to test out Team with his 1993 selection. the Turpin Stadium turf as their high school teams The three-time All-Southland Conference Ireland’s career honored played for state titles. selection and All-Louisiana honoree was one of 10 When media members arrive to cover Many’s Cadillac Rhone led the Tigers to a Class semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, presented to Northwestern State football in the 2019 season 2A state title as a quarterback and cornerback. the nation’s best lineman, and is believed to be the and beyond, they will do so from the Doug Ireland Rhone rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown lone FCS player to achieve that honor. Media Level of the Turpin Stadium press box. and added four tackes. Spears, drafted in the second round by the Ireland, a 1986 Northwestern State broadcast Byrd linebacker Makarios Brown Jr. and the Chicago Bears, spent most of his career with the journalism graduate, spent 30-plus years as the Yellow Jackets fell short in the Division I state title Kansas City Chiefs (1997-2003). assistant athletic director for media relations/ game, sports information director at his alma mater before announcing his retirement in April. Thirteen current Demons hailed from one of the Demons’ history includes 2 CFB HOFers 18 programs that played for a state title in Turpin Northwestern State has placed a pair of players Stadium. in the College Football Hall of Fame. Running back NSU nickname stands alone Joe Delaney (1977-80) and linebacker Gary Northwestern State may share a piece of its Reasons (1980-83) are enshrined in Atlanta. name with the Big Ten’s Northwestern University, Williams cultivating extensive social but another part of NSU’s identity is its alone. media following Northwestern State’s use of Demons is unique Sophomore safety Tobias Williams has created among NCAA Division I football teams. quite the following on TikTok. The Many native films funny videos using 8 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB 2020 NORTHWESTERN STATE ROSTER NUMERICAL ALPHABETICAL No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl-Exp. Hometown Previous School(s) 1 Kendrick Price Jr. WR 6-2 205 Sr.-3L Lindale, Texas Lindale HS No. Name Pos. 1 Tobias Williams II CB 5-10 185 So.-RS Many, La. Many HS 25 Scooter Adams RB 2 Kaleb Fletcher QB 5-10 200 Jr.-2L Mesquite, Texas Poteet HS 81 Nick Allen LB 2 PJ Herrington S 5-10 190 Jr.-TR Natchez, Miss. Natchez HS/East Miss. CC 4 Cedric Anderson S 4 Javon Antonio WR 3 LC Greenwood WR 6-3 220 Jr.-TR Dallas, Texas Lakeview Centennial HS/Oklahoma State 45 Kendall Baker LB 3 Shemar Bartholomew CB 6-0 205 Jr.-2L New Orleans, La. Cypress Ranch (TX) HS 16 Jacob Barrett QB 4 Cedric Anderson CB 6-4 195 So.-1L Clinton, La. East Feliciana HS 3 Shemar Bartholomew CB 4 Javon Antonio WR 6-4 220 Jr.-TR Laplace, La. East St. John HS/Hinds CC 57 Riley Birdwell OL 5 Josh Clarke LB 6-3 225 Jr.-TR New Orleans, La. Riverdale HS/Ole Miss/Holmes CC 89 Caleb Bonine TE 5 Cayden Dunn RB 5-9 190 Jr.-TR Los Angeles, Calif. Bishop Alemany HS/College of the Canyons 50 Jesus Bravo K 6 Kunta Hester CB 6-0 170 Fr.-HS Harvey, La. John Ehret HS 30 Bishop Breaux LB 6 Robbie Williams WR 6-4 205 Fr.-RS Tyler, Texas Chapel Hill HS 10 Marquise Bridges WR 7 William Hooper CB 6-0 185 Jr.-2L Montgomery, Ala. Shoemaker HS 60 Logan Canerdy OL 7 Bryce Rivers QB 6-3 225 So.-TR San Antonio, Texas Stevens HS/UTSA 38 Malik Carey CB 8 Levar Gumms WR 6-2 205 Jr.-2L New Orleans, La. Andy Dekaney HS 5 Josh Clarke LB 8 Donovan Duvernay CB 5-9 195 Sr.-TR Garland, Texas Sachse HS/Texas 13 Zachary Clement QB 9 Andy Pierre-Antoine WR 6-1 185 Jr.-TR Miami, Fla. North Miami HS/Reedley College 61 Spencer Cody OL 78 Cody Coleman OL 9 Eddie Godina K 5-11 195 Jr.-TR Whitehouse, Texas Whitehouse HS/Trinity Valley CC 15 Natea Coleman S 10 Ja’Quay Pough LB 6-1 240 Sr.-1L Sherman, Texas Sherman HS/Texas Tech/Trinity Valley CC 67 Jordan Cooper OL 10 Marquise Bridges WR 6-1 200 Jr.-TR Brookhaven, Miss. Petal HS/Miss. Gulf Coast CC 72 Khalil Corbett-Canada OL 11 Jaheim Walters WR 6-2 185 Fr.-HS New Orleans, La. St. Augustine HS 93 Ty Cormier DE 11 Jomard Valsin Jr. OLB 6-1 240 Jr.-2L Port Arthur, Texas Port Arthur Memorial HS 79 Clay Cotten OL 13 Zachary Clement QB 6-0 205 Fr.-RS Broussard, La. Lafayette Christian Academy 48 Johnathan Daigle DE 13 Waylon Washington CB 5-9 160 Jr.-TR Coushatta, La. Red River HS/Itasca CC 26 Kevin Davis Jr. S 14 Josh Landrum S 6-0 170 Fr.-TR Dallas, Texas Cedar Hill HS/Rice 30 Deus Desire RB 14 Coby McGee WR 5-11 190 Jr.-2L Bossier City, La. Airline HS 5 Cayden Dunn RB 15 Natea “Tay” Coleman S 6-0 185 Fr.-HS Beaumont, Texas West Brook HS 8 Donovan Duvernay CB 15 Jalen Willis WR 6-3 190 So.-1L Mandeville, La. Lakeshore HS 85 Gabriel Ernest WR 16 Frederick Lee CB 6-3 200 So.-1L Rayville, La. Rayville HS 17 David Fitzwater TE 2 Kaleb Fletcher QB 16 Jacob Barrett QB 6-0 205 Fr.-HS Highlands Ranch, Colo. Mountain Vista HS 20 Brandon Floyd LB 17 David Fitzwater TE 6-4 235 Sr.-1L Shreveport, La. Calvary Baptist Academy/Tulsa 48 Logan Gabriel RB 18 Dante Thomas DB 6-0 185 Fr.-HS Hammond, La. John Curtis HS 31 Jalen Garrison S 19 Curtis Williams RB 5-5 160 So.-1L Mesquite, Texas West Mesquite HS 55 Evan Gibson LS 20 Trevor Morgan RB 5-8 205 Jr.-2L New Orleans, La. Edna Karr Secondary HS 9 Eddie Godina K 20 Brandon Floyd LB 6-2 220 Sr.-TR New Orleans, La. Denton Ryan HS/La. Tech/Trinity Valley CC 62 Jake Gore OL 21 Jared Pedraza ILB 6-0 215 Fr.-RS Franklin, Texas Franklin HS 92 Donovan Green DL 22 Adrion Robertson ILB 5-9 205 Sr.-1L Houston, Texas Thurgood Marshall HS 88 Mark Green P 23 Keenan Leachman S 5-11 215 So.-1L Baton Rouge, La. Central HS 3 LC Greenwood WR 24 Aubrey Scott RB 5-11 185 Fr.-RS Stonewall, La. North DeSoto HS 84 Justin Greer LB 25 Isaiah Armstrong S 6-2 205 Fr.-RS Bossier City, La. Parkway HS 8 Levar Gumms WR 25 Scooter Adams RB 5-9 185 Jr.-TR Hallettsville, Texas Hallettsville HS/Kilgore College 68 Kendal Harmon DL 26 Kevin Davis S 6-0 190 Fr.-HS Freeport, Texas Brazosport HS 27 Erik Hart RB 86 Patrick Heard WR 27 Erik Hart RB 5-10 190 Fr.-RS Waco, Texas China Springs HS 2 PJ Herrington S 28 Zitavious “Kel” Williams S 5-10 180 So.-TR Starkville, Miss. Starkville HS/East Miss. CC 6 Kunta Hester Jr. CB 29 Trey Williams S 5-11 205 Jr.-2L Plaquemine, La. Plaquemine HS 35 Jewell Holmes WR 30 Bishop Breaux ILB 6-1 225 So.-1L Lafayette, La. Acadiana HS 15 William Hooper CB 30 Deus Desire RB 6-1 200 Fr.-RS Pineville, La. Pineville HS 82 Aaron Howell TE 31 Jalen Garrison CB 5-9 180 So.-1L Ruston, La. Ruston HS 36 Keshawn Jackson NT 32 Landon King OLB 6-1 240 Jr.-2L Pineville, La. Pineville HS 81 Monte Johnson TE 33 Isaiah Longino ILB 6-1 270 Jr.-2L Humble, Texas Humble HS 46 Ray Johnson Jr. CB 33 Torrell Levias RB 6-0 220 Fr.-HS Lake Arthur, La. Lake Arthur HS 37 Daniel Justino K 35 Jewell Holmes WR 6-2 205 Fr.-RS New Orleans, La. Warren Easton HS 32 Landon King LB 35 Kyle Moore OLB 6-2 205 Sr.-2L Magnolia, Texas Magnolia West HS/Navarro College 87 Caleb Laboy WR 36 Keshawn Jackson DL 6-2 290 So.-TR Opelousas, La. Northwest HS/Trinity Valley CC 14 Josh Landrum S 84 Gavin Landry WR 37 Daniel Justino K 5-11 180 Sr.-1L Middleburg, Fla. Middleburg HS/Florida 23 Keenan Leachman S 38 Malik Carey CB 6-2 195 Fr.-HS Shreveport, La. Captain Shreve HS 16 Frederick Lee Jr. CB 39 Chandler Moncrief OLB 6-0 245 So.-1L West Monroe, La. West Monroe HS 33 Torrell Levias RB 40 Princeton Malbrue OLB 6-2 225 Fr.-HS Carencro, La. Lafayette Christian Academy 33 Isaiah Longino DL 40 Jacob Logan TE 6-3 240 Sr.-TR Deer Park, Texas Deer Park HS/McNeese 40 Jacob Logan TE 42 Jaelen Sturgis Rb 5-10 250 Fr.-HS New Orleans, La. Archbishop Rummel HS 40 Princeton Malbrue LB 43 Scotty Roblow K/P 6-5 175 Fr.-RS Shreveport, La. C. E. Byrd HS 75 Jordan McClaine OL 43 Blake Stephenson ILB 6-1 220 Sr.-1L Deer Park, Texas Deer Park HS/Trinity Valley CC 14 Coby McGee WR 9 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB 2020 NORTHWESTERN STATE ROSTER 45 Kendall Baker TE 6-0 215 Fr.-RS New Orleans, La. De La Salle HS No. Name Pos. 45 Malik Williams LB 6-0 205 Fr.-HS Gilmer, Texas Gilmer HS 95 Johnny Mitchell DL 46 Ray Johnson CB 5-11 165 Fr.-RS Jeanerette, La. West St. Mary HS 39 Chandler Moncrief LB 47 Rashuad Powell DL 6-3 240 Jr.-2L Houston, Texas George Bush HS 35 Kyle Moore LB 48 Johnathan Daigle DE 6-2 265 Fr.-RS Welsh, La. Welsh HS 20 Trevor Morgan RB 48 Logan Gabriel RB 5-11 245 Fr.-HS Opelousas, La. Lafayette Christian Academy 49 Race Moser LB 51 Nathalohn Nanai DT 49 Race Moser LB 6-1 220 Jr.-TR Deer Park, Texas Deer Park HS/Trinity Valley CC 54 Matthew Pajinag OLB 50 Jesus Bravo K 5-7 180 Fr.-HS Joaquin, Texas Joaquin HS 97 John-Alex Perkins DE 51 Nathalohn Nanai DT 6-2 290 Jr.-2L Killeen, Texas Shoemaker HS 9 Andy Pierre-Antoine WR 54 Matthew Pajinag OLB 6-1 200 Fr.-RS Leesville, La. Leesville HS 10 Ja’Quay Pough ILB 55 Evan Gibson LS 5-11 205 So.-1L Shreveport, La. Calvary Baptist Academy 47 Rashuad Powell DE 56 Kenny Sheldon OL 6-2 280 Jr.-2L Houston, Texas Langham Creek HS 1 Kendrick Price Jr. WR 57 Riley Birdwell OL 6-4 315 Fr.-HS Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas 7 Bryce Rivers QB 60 Logan Canerdy OL 6-3 295 Jr.-TR Caledonia, Miss. Caledonia HS/Jones CC 22 Adrion Robertson ILB 61 Spencer Cody OL 6-4 315 Fr.-RS Pearland, Texas Dawson HS 25 Isaiah Robinson S 62 Jake Gore OL 6-2 280 Jr.-2L Sugar Land, Texas George Ranch HS 43 Scotty Roblow K 63 Alycha Ulufale-Hentz OL 6-7 305 So.-1L Killeen, Texas Killeen HS 24 Aubrey Scott RB 64 Reggie Young OL 6-4 275 So.-RS New Orleans, La. Edna Karr HS 69 Jakob Sell OL 65 Brayden Staggs OL 6-4 310 Fr.-HS Cypress, Texas Langham Creek HS 56 Kenny Sheldon OL 70 Cooper Smith OL 67 Jordan Cooper OL 6-4 320 Fr.-RS Ennis, Texas Ennis HS 65 Brayden Staggs OL 68 Kendal Harmon DL 6-2 265 Fr.-HS Crowley, La. Crowley HS 43 Blake Stephenson ILB 69 Jakob Sell OL 6-3 285 Jr.-1L Dallas, Texas Lake Highlands HS/Texas/Trinity Valley CC 42 Jay Sturgis RB 70 Cooper Smith OL 6-7 350 So.-TR Oklahoma City, Okla. Putnam City West/Northeastern Oklahoma 18 Dante Thomas CB 72 Khalil Corbett-Canada OL 6-5 290 Jr.-1L Harker Heights, Texas Harker Heights HS/Trinity Valley CC 99 Damian Thompson DE 75 Jordan McClaine OL 6-3 305 Fr.-HS New Orleans, La. Ruston HS 63 Alycha Ulafle-Hentz OL 78 Cody Coleman OL 6-4 250 Jr.-RS Fayetteville, Ark. Fayetteville HS 11 Jomard Valsin Jr. LB 79 Clay Cotten OL 6-7 320 Fr.-RS Olla, La. LaSalle HS 85 Dane Wallace WR 81 Monte Johnson TE 6-5 225 Fr.-HS Burleson, Texas Burleson Centennial HS 11 Jaheim Walters WR 81 Nick Allen LB 6-2 190 Fr.-HS Shreveport, La. Captain Shreve HS 13 Waylon Washington CB 82 Aaron Howell TE 6-2 215 So.-1L Natchitoches, La. St. Mary’s HS 90 Darius Whitfield DE 84 Gavin Landry WR 5-7 185 Sr.-2L White Castle, La. St. John’s HS 38 Quin Whitley LB 19 Curtis Williams Jr. RB 84 Justin Greer LB 5-11 215 Fr.-HS Many, La. Many HS 45 Malik Williams LB 85 Gabriel Ernest WR 6-2 180 So.-RS Chalmette, La. Chalmette HS 6 Robbie Williams III WR 85 Dane Wallace WR 5-8 175 Fr.-HS Broussard, La. Lafayette Christian Academy 1 Tobias Williams II CB 86 Patrick Heard WR 5-8 170 So.-RS Minden, La. Minden HS/Harding 29 Trey Williams CB 87 Caleb Laboy WR 5-10 180 Jr.-TR Bossier City, La. Evangel Christian Academy/ULM/ULL 28 Zitavious ‘Kel’ Williams S 88 Mark Green P 6-6 215 Fr.-HS Bossier City, La. Parkway HS 15 Jalen Willis WR 89 Caleb Bonine TE 6-3 220 Fr.-HS Reno, Nev. Catholic HS (BR) 96 JaBralen Yarber DL 90 Darius Whitfield DE 6-3 275 Sr.-1L Mobile, Ala. St. Paul’s Episcopal School/South Alabama 64 Reggie Young OL 92 Donovan Green NT 6-0 270 Fr.-HS Palmetto, La. Opelousas Catholic HS 93 Ty Cormier DE 6-2 260 So.-1L Beaumont, Texas West Brook Senior HS 95 Johnny Mitchell DL 6-4 340 Fr.-HS Stonewall, La. North DeSoto HS 96 JaBralen Yarber DT/DE 6-2 280 So.-HS Tyler, Texas John Tyler HS 97 John-Alex Perkins DE 6-1 240 Jr.-SQ Shreveport, La. Captain Shreve HS 99 Damian Thompson NT 5-11 310 Sr.-3L Gadsden, Ala. Gadsden City HS

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE NATHALOHN NANAI = Nah-THAL-ahn nuh-NYE PLACES PLAYERS Andy PIERRE-ANTOINE = Pee-air An-twan BOSSIER City = BOSE-sure JAVON Antonio = Jay-von Matthew PAJINAG = PUH-hee-nuh CARENCRO = CARE-in-cro Caleb BONINE = Bo-nine Jared PEDRAZA = PUH-drah-zuh CHALMETTE = Shall-met Bishop BREAUX = BRO Ja’Quay POUGH = POGE JOAQUIN, Texas = Whah-keen Logan CANERDY = Can-ner-dy RASHUAD Powell = Rah-SHAD LAFAYETTE = LAFF-ee-yet Tyree CORMIER = CORE-me-ay Scotty ROBLOW = ROB-low NATCHITOCHES = NACK-uh-dish Johnathan DAIGLE = DAY-gull ALYZCHA ULULFALE-Hentz= UH-lye-jah OO-lu-fal-ay MANY = Man-knee Torrell LEVIAS = Luh-vy-us JOMARD VALSIN Jr. = JUH-mard VAL-sin Eddie GODINA = Guh-deen-a KUNTA Hester Jr. = KOON-tuh Isaiah LONGINO = Lahn-GEE-no 10 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB A DEMON BY ANY OTHER NAME ... Numerical Alphabetical # First Last Name Nickname # First Last Name Nickname # First Last Name Nickname # First Last Name Nickname 1 Kendrick Price Jr. KP, Tank 49 Race Moser 25 Scooter Adams 39 Chandler Moncrief Crief, Moncrief 1 Tobias Williams II 50 Jesus Bravo 81 Nick Allen 35 Kyle Moore 2 Kaleb Fletcher 51 Nathalohn Nanai Nate 4 Cedric Anderson 20 Trevor Morgan Trev 2 PJ Herrington 54 Matthew Pajinag Papajohn 4 Javon Antonio 49 Race Moser 3 Shemar Bartholomew Mar mar 55 Evan Gibson 45 Kendall Baker 51 Nathalohn Nanai Nate 3 LC Greenwood 56 Kenny Sheldon Captain Ken 16 Jacob Barrett 54 Matthew Pajinag Papajohn 4 Cedric Anderson 57 Riley Birdwell 3 Shemar Bartholomew Mar mar 21 Jared Pedraza JP 4 Javon Antonio 60 Logan Canerdy 67 Riley Birdwell 9 Andy Pierre-Antoine 5 Josh Clarke 61 Spencer Cody Cody 89 Caleb Bonine 97 John-Alex Perkins John 5 Cayden Dunn 62 Jake Gore 50 Jesus Bravo 10 Ja’Quay Pough Quay 6 Kunta Hester Jr. 63 Alyzcha Ulufale-Hentz Hentz 30 Bishop Breaux Bish 47 Rashuad Powell Shuad 6 Robbie Williams III Mijo 64 Reggie Young Reggie 10 Marquise Bridges 1 Kendrick Price Jr. KP, Tank 7 William Hooper Hoop 65 Brayden Staggs 60 Logan Canerdy 7 Bryce Rivers B Riv 7 Bryce Rivers B Riv 67 Jordan Cooper 38 Malik Carey 22 Adrion Robertson Adro 8 Levar Gumms 68 Kendal Harmon 5 Josh Clarke 25 Isaiah Robinson 8 Donovan Duvernay 69 Jakob Sell 13 Zachary Clement Zach 43 Scotty Roblow Scotty 9 Andy Pierre-Antoine 70 Cooper Smith Big Coop 61 Spencer Cody Cody 24 Aubrey Scott 9 Eddie Godina 72 Khalil Corbett-Canada KCC 78 Cody Coleman Code 69 Jakob Sell 10 Marquise Bridges 75 Jordan McClaine 15 Natea “Tay” Coleman 56 Kenny Sheldon Captain Ken 10 Ja’Quay Pough Quay 78 Cody Coleman Code 67 Jordan Cooper 70 Cooper Smith Big Coop 11 Jomard Valsin Jr. Smooth 79 Clayton Cotten 72 Khalil Corbett-Canada KCC 65 Brayden Staggs 11 Jaheim Walters 81 Monte Johnson 93 Ty Cormier Ty, Ree 42 Jaelen Sturgis 13 Zachary Clement Zach 81 Nick Allen 79 Clayton Cotten 18 Dante Thomas 13 Waylon Washington 82 Aaron Howell 48 Johnathan Daigle John 43 Blake Stephenson 14 Coby McGee Juice 84 Gavin Landry Gee 26 Kevin Davis 99 Damian Thompson DT 14 Josh Landrum 84 Justin Greer 30 Deus Desire 63 Alyzcha Ulufale-Hentz Hentz 15 Natea Coleman Tay 85 Gabriel Ernest Gabe 5 Cayden Dunn 11 Jomard Valsin Jr. Smooth 15 Jalen Willis Jwill 85 Dane Wallace Xavier 8 Donovan Duvernay 85 Dane Wallace Xavier 16 Frederick Lee Jr. Fred 88 Mark Green 85 Gabriel Ernest Gabe 11 Jaheim Walters 16 Jacob Barrett 89 Caleb Bonine 17 David Fitzwater 13 Waylon Washington 17 David Fitzwater 90 Darius Whitfield Dee 2 Kaleb Fletcher 90 Darius Whitfield Dee 18 Dante Thomas 92 Donovan Green 20 Brandon Floyd 19 Curtis Williams Jr. CJ 19 Curtis Williams Jr. CJ 93 Ty Cormier Ty, Ree 48 Logan Gabriel 30boylo 45 Malik Williams 20 Trevor Morgan Trev 95 Johnny Mitchell 31 Jalen Garrison 6 Robbie Williams III Mijo 20 Brandon Floyd 96 JaBralen Yarber Bird 55 Evan Gibson 1 Tobias Williams II 21 Jared Pedraza JP 97 John-Alex Perkins John 9 Eddie Godina 29 Trey Williams Twill 22 Adrion Robertson 99 Damian Thompson DT 62 Jake Gore 28 Zitavious Williams Kel 23 Keenan Leachman Leachman 92 Donovan Green 15 Jalen Willis Jwill 24 Aubrey Scott 88 Mark Green 96 JaBralen Yarber Bird 25 Scooter Adams 3 LC Greenwood 64 Reggie Young Reggie 26 Kevin Davis 84 Justin Greer 27 Erik Hart 8 Levar Gumms 28 Zitavious Williams Kel 68 Kendal Harmon 29 Trey Williams Twill 27 Erik Hart 30 Bishop Breaux Bish 86 Patrick Heard 30 Deus Desire 2 PJ Herrington 31 Jalen Garrison 6 Kunta Hester Jr. 32 Landon King Lando 35 Jewell Holmes 33 Isaiah Longino Gino 7 William Hooper Hoop 33 Torrell Levias 82 Aaron Howell 35 Kyle Moore 36 Keshawn Jackson 35 Jewell Holmes 81 Monte Johnson 36 Keshawn Jackson 46 Ray Johnson Jr. 37 Daniel Justino Danny 37 Daniel Justino Danny 38 Malik Carey 32 Landon King Lando 39 Chandler Moncrief Crief, Moncrief 87 Caleb Laboy 40 Princeton Malbrue 14 Josh Landrum 40 Jacob Logan Jake 84 Gavin Landry Gee 42 Jaelen Sturgis 23 Keenan Leachman Leachman 43 Scott Roblow Scotty 16 Frederick Lee Jr. Fred 43 Blake Stephenson 33 Torrell Levias 45 Kendall Baker 40 Jacob Logan Jake 45 Malik Williams 33 Isaiah Longino Gino 46 Ray Johnson Jr. 40 Princeton Malbrue 47 Rashuad Powell Shuad 75 Jordan McClaine 48 Johnathan Daigle John 14 Coby McGee Juice 48 Logan Gabriel 30boylo 95 Johnny Mitchell 11 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB DEMON DEPTH CHART OFFENSE (Multiple) DEFENSE (Multiple, 3-4 base) WR 1 Kendrick Price (6-2, 205, Sr.-3L) DE 48 Johnathan Daigle (6-2, 265, Fr.-RS) 6 Robbie Williams (6-4, 205, Fr-RS) 33 Isaiah Longino (6-1, 270, Jr.-2L)

IR 84 Gavin Landry (5-7, 185, Sr.-3L) NT 96 JaBralen Yarber (6-2, 280, So.-1L) 10 Marquise Bridges (6-1, 200, Jr.-TR) 36 Keshawn Jackson (6-2, 290, So.-TR)

IR 3 LC Greenwood (6-3, 220, Jr.-TR) DT 51 Nathalon Nanai (6-2, 290, Jr.-2L) 87 Caleb Laboy (5-10, 180, Jr.-TR) 90 Darius Whitfield (6-3, 275, Sr.-1L)

WR 4 Javon Antonio (6-4, 220, Jr.-TR) OLB 11 Jomard Valsin Jr. (6-1, 240, Jr.-2L) 14 Coby McGee (5-11, 190, Jr.-2L) 30 Bishop Breaux (6-1, 225, So.-1L)

TE 17 David Fitzwater (6-4, 235, Sr.-2L) MLB 43 Blake Stephenson (6-1, 220, Sr.-3L) or 40 Jacob Logan (6-3, 240, Sr.-TR) 49 Race Moser (6-1, 220, Jr.-TR)

LT 72 Khalil Corbett-Canada (6-5, 290, Jr.-1L) WLB 10 Ja’Quay Pough (6-1, 240, Sr.-1L) 63 Alyzcha Ulufale-Hentz (6-7, 305, So.-1L) 45 Malik Williams (6-0, 205, Fr.-HS)

LG 60 Logan Canerdy (6-3, 295, Jr.-TR) OLB 40 Princeton Malbrue (6-2, 225, Fr.-HS) 67 Jordan Cooper (6-4, 320, Fr.-RS) 5 Josh Clarke (6-3, 235, Jr.-TR)

C 69 Jakob Sell (6-3, 285, Jr.-1L) CB 3 Shemar Bartholomew (6-0, 205, Jr.-2L) 61 Spencer Cody (6-4, 315, Fr.-RS) 8 Donovan Duvernay (5-9, 188, Sr.-TR)

RG 56 Kenny Sheldon (6-2, 280, So.-1L) S 2 PJ Herrington (5-10, 190, Jr.-TR) 61 Spencer Cody (6-4, 315, Fr.-RS) 26 Kevin Davis Jr. (6-0, 190, Fr.-HS)

RT 62 Jake Gore (6-2, 280, Jr.-2L) S 35 Kyle Moore (6-2, 205, Sr.-1L) 65 Brayden Staggs (6-4, 310, Fr.-HS) 23 Keenan Leachman (5-11, 215, So.-1L)

QB 2 Kaleb Fletcher (5-10, 200, Jr.-2L) CB 7 William Hooper (6-0, 185, Jr.-2L) 13 Zach Clement (6-0, 205, Fr.-RS) 4 Cedric Anderson (6-4, 195, So.-1L)

RB 25 Scooter Adams (5-9, 195, Jr.-TR) 24 Aubrey Scott (5-11, 185, Fr.-RS)

SPECIALISTS K 9 Eddie Godina (5-11, 195, Jr.-TR) SS 55 Evan Gibson (5-11, 205, So.-1L) 37 Daniel Justino (5-11, 180, Sr.-1L) KR 8 Donovan Duvernay (5-9, 195, Sr.-TR) P 43 Scotty Roblow (6-5, 175, So.-1L) 14 Coby McGee (5-11, 190, Jr.-2L)

DS 55 Evan Gibson (5-11, 205, So.-1L) PR 8 Donovan Duvernay (5-9, 195, Sr.-TR) 2 PJ Herrington (5-10, 190, Jr.-TR)

12 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB THE LAST TIME ... 100-YARD RUSHER 10+ RECEPTIONS IN A GAME By NSU: 137, Jared West at Southeastern Louisiana, 9/29/2018 By NSU: Quan Shorts, 11, at Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019 By Opponent: 158, Josh Brown, Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Terian Goree/Remi Simmons, 10, Stephen F. Austin, 11/15/2018

TWO 100-YARD RUSHERS IN A GAME 3+ RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS IN A GAME By NSU: De’Mard Llorens (211) and Ronald Green (126), at Lamar, 10/15/2016 By NSU: Jazz Ferguson, 3, at Abilene Christian. 11/3/2018 By Opponent: Chase Fourcade (135) and Kendall Bussey (102), at Nicholls, 10/12/2019 By Opponent: Davion Davis, 4, Sam Houston State, 10/13/2018

200-YARD RUSHING GAME 300-YARD PASSING GAME By NSU: De’Mard Llorens at Lamar (211 yards, 25 attempts), 10/15/2016 By NSU: 333 (27-50-2 TD), Shelton Eppler, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M (240 yards, 20 attempts), 8/30/2018 By Opponent: 344 (24-32-1 TD), Chason Virgil, Southeastern Louisiana, 9/28/2019

60-YARD RUSH PLAY 400-YARD PASSING GAME By NSU: Chris Jones, at Sam Houston State, 90 yards, 10/14/2017 By NSU: 474 (27-48-6 TD), Shelton Eppler, at Lamar, 9/15/2018 By Opponent: Kendall Bussey, Nicholls, 65 yards, 10/19/2019 By Opponent: 509 (33-57-4), Jeremiah Briscoe, Sam Houston State, 10/14/2017

70-YARD RUSH PLAY 100-YARD RECEIVING GAME By NSU: Chris Jones, at Sam Houston State, 90 yards, 10/14/2017 By NSU: 132, Quan Shorts, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M, 73 yards, 8/30/2018 By Opponent: 108, Chandler Harvin, at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019

80-YARD RUSH PLAY 200-YARD RECEIVING GAME By NSU: Chris Jones, at Sam Houston State, 90 yards, 10/14/2017 By NSU: 212 (13 rec.), Ed Eagan, vs. Abilene Christian, 11/7/2015 By Opponent: Elijah McGuire, UL Lafayette, 88 yards, 9/12/2015 By Opponent: 247 (8 rec), Nathan Stewart, Sam Houston State, 10/14/2017

3+ RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS (PLAYER) AT LEAST 25 FIRST DOWNS IN A GAME By NSU: Jared West, 3, at Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019 By NSU: 27, vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 9/28/2019 By Opponent: Dontrell Taylor, 3, Nicholls, 10/12/2019 By Opponent: 28, Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019

TEAM RUSHED FOR 300+ YARDS 500 YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE By NSU: 390, at Lamar, 10/15/2016 By NSU: vs. Lamar, 562, 9/15/2018 By Opponent: 349, Nicholls, 10/12/2019 By Opponent: Southeastern Louisiana, 537, 9/28/2019

50+ YARD SCORING PASS SCORED 50+ POINTS IN A GAME By NSU: Kendrick Price, 67 yards, at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019 By NSU: 51, vs. Southern, 9/13/2014 By Opponent: Xavier Gipson, 55 yards, Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponents: 65, LSU, 9/14/2019

25 COMPLETIONS (PLAYER) 2+ INTERCEPTIONS IN A GAME By NSU: Shemar Bartholomew, 2, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By NSU: Shelton Eppler, 27, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Darion Dunn, 2, at McNeese, 11/2/2019 By Opponent: Breylin Smith, 30, Central Arkansas, 10/19/2019

40+ PASS ATTEMPTS IN A GAME (PLAYER) 15+ TACKLES IN A GAME By NSU: Ja’Quay Pough, 21, at Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019 By NSU: Shelton Eppler, 50 pass attempts, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/19 By Opponent: David Crosley, 15, Lamar, 9/16/2017 By Opponent: Breylin Smith, 43 pass attempts, Central Arkansas, 10/19/2019

3 OR MORE TD PASSES IN A GAME (PLAYER) 3+ FIELD GOALS IN A GAME By NSU: Eric Piccione, 4, vs. Abilene Christian, 11/4/2017 By NSU: Shelton Eppler, 4, vs. Lamar, 11/9/2019 By Opponent: Storm Ruiz, 3, Stephen F. Austin, 11/15/2018 By Opponent: Breylin Smith, 3, Central Arkansas, 10/19/2019 50+ YARD FIELD GOAL 4 OR MORE TD PASSES IN A GAME (PLAYER) By NSU: Chris Moore, 52, vs. Abilene Christian, 11/7/2015 By NSU: Shelton Eppler, 4, vs. Lamar, 11/9/2019 By Opponent: Storm Ruiz, 54, vs. Stephen F. Austin, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Bailey Zappe 4, at Houston Baptist, 9/21/2019 PUNT RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN TWO 100-YARD RECEIVERS IN A GAME By NSU: Ed Eagan, 80 yards, at Stephen F. Austin, 11/22/2014 By NSU: Akile Davis (155) and Quan Shorts (155) at Nicholls, 10/12/2019 By Opponent: Trey Palmer, 54 yards, at LSU, 9/14/2019 By Opponent: Terian Goree (138) and Tamrick Pace (128), Stephen F. Austin, 11/15/2018 13 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB THE LAST TIME ... KICKOFF RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN SHUT OUT D-I OPPONENT By NSU: Myles Ward, 94 yds, at Stephen F. Austin, 11/15/2018 By NSU: at Nicholls,34-0,9/24/2011 By Opponent: D’Andre Hicks, 96 yds, at McNeese, 11/2/2019 By Opponent: by SFA, 33-0, 11/19/2011

INTERCEPTION RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN SHUT OUT CONSECUTIVE OPPONENTS By NSU: Shemar Bartholomew, 96 yds., at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019 By NSU: West Alabama (64-0)/Southeastern Louisiana (7-0), 11/15-11/22, 1958 By Opponent: Dwayne Williams, 23 yds., at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019 By Opponents: Jacksonville State (21-0)/Troy (24-0), 10-25-11/1, 1975

BLOCKED PUNT RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN 30-POINT MARGIN OF VICTORY By NSU: Kedon Franklin, 0 yards off blocked punt, at Texas State, 10/23/2010 By NSU: 37 over UIW, 49-12, 10/11/2014 By Opponent: Joe Pack, Southeasten Louisiana, 0 yards off blocked punt, 9/30/2017 By Opponent: 51, LSU, 65-14, 9/14/2019

FUMBLE RECOVERY FOR TOUCHDOWN ONSIDE KICK RECOVERY By NSU: Blake Stephenson, at Southeastern Louisiana, 9/29/2018 By NSU: Brice Borgeson, vs. Nicholls, 10/29/2016 By Opponent: Trent Jackson, McNeese, 11/11/2017 By Opponent: Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas, 10/19/2019

FUMBLE RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN COMPLETED 10 CONSECUTIVE PASSES By NSU: Adam Jones, 95 yards, vs. Lamar, 10/17/2015 By NSU: 11, Shelton Eppler, vs. Lamar, 11/9/2019 By Opponent: James Barnes, Missouri State, 12 yds, 8/28/2014 By Opponent: 12, Jon Copeland, Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019

SAFETY RECORDED TEAM FAILED TO RUSH FOR 100 YARDS By NSU: Team (blocked punt) vs. UIW, 9/8/2016 By NSU: vs. Stephen F. Austin, 56, 11/21/2019 By Opponent: Derick Roberson, Sam Houston State, 10/13/2018 By Opponent: Lamar, 93, 11/9/2019

BLOCKED A KICK TEAM FAILED TO PASS FOR 100 YARDS By NSU: Shemar Bartholomew, at McNeese, 11/2/2019 (XP) By NSU: vs. Abilene Christian, 86, 11/4/2017 By Opponent: Joseph McWilliams, Grambling, 9/8/2018 (FG) By Opponent: Southeastern Louisiana, 15, 9/3/2015

BLOCKED A PUNT COMMITTED 10 OR MORE PENALTIES By NSU: Dez Gray, at McNeese, 11/11/2017 By NSU: 13, vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 9/28/2019 By Opponent: Cecil Cherry (UT Martin), 8/29/2019 By Opponent: 11, Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019

60-YARD PUNT 100+ PENALTY YARDS By NSU: 68 by Parker Pastorello vs. Sam Houston State, 10/13/2018 By NSU: 100, at Incarnate Word, 10/26/2019 By Opponent: 70 by Winston Jones, Nicholls, 10/6/2018 By Opponent: 130, Southeastern Louisiana, 9/28/2019

70-YARD PUNT PLAYED TO A TIE By NSU: Parker Pastorello, 71, at Nicholls, 10/7/2017 NSU vs. Stephen F. Austin, 17-17, 11/18/1989 By Opponent: Winston Jones, 70, Nicholls, 10/6/2018 PLAYED AN OVERTIME GAME 3+TDS IN A GAME (RUSH, PASS, RECEVING) Win: at UIW, 44-41, 10/26/2019 By NSU: 3, Shelton Eppler (2 pass, 1 rush), at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019 Loss: vs. McNeese, 29-26, 11/11/2006 By Opponent: 3, Donovan Williams (3 rush) at Sam Houston State, 11/16/2019 DEFEATED A RANKED TEAM 4+TDS IN A GAME (RUSH, PASS, RECEVING) Oct. 26, 2019, at No. 20 UIW, 44-41, OT By NSU: 4, Shelton Eppler (4 pass), vs. Lamar, 11/9/2019 By Opponent: 4, Bailey Zappe (4 pass), at Houston Baptist, 9/21/2019

SHUT OUT AT TURPIN STADIUM By NSU: vs. Langston, 37-0, 9/28/2013 By Opponent: by SFA, 33-0, 11/19/2011

SHUT OUT ON THE ROAD By NSU: at Nicholls, 34-0, 9/24/2011 By Opponent: by Nicholls, 58-0, 10/6/2007

14 #FORKEM Northwestern State vs. Nicholls March 6, 2021 @NSUDemonsFB LAST TIME VS. NICHOLLS Northwestern State 35 NSU (0-6, 0-3) 0 7 14 14 - 35 DEMONS INDIVIDUAL STATS Rushing: Jared West 10-38 1 TD; Nicholls 45 Nicholls (4-2, 3-0) 14 10 7 14 - 45 Stafford Anderson 4-10; Shelton Oct. 12, 2019 • Thibodaux Eppler 3-(-2). 1 12:25 NICH-Chase Fourcade 13 run (Gunnar Jones kick) 4-32, 1:50 0-7 Passing: Shelton Eppler 27-37-0, 387 Guidry Stadium • 8,103 1 1:33 NICH-Dontrel Taylor 1 run (Jones kick), 12-74, 6:43 0-14 yards, 4 TDs. 2 14:56 NSU-Jared West 1 run (Gremillion kick), 5-75, 1:37 7-14 Receiving: Akile Davis 7-155, 1 TD; 2 4:57 NICH-Fourcade 29 run (Jones kick), 11-77, 5:15 7-21 Quan Shorts 9-135 2 TDs; Gavin Landry NATCHITOCHES – Slow starts in each half put the Northwestern State 2 :00 NICH - Jones 20 field goal, 8-60, 3:21 7-24 6-54 TD; Myles Ward 1-13; Stafford 3 11:27 NICH-Julien Gums 10 pass from Fourcade (Jones kick), 7-33, 3:21 7-31 Anderson 1-12; Levar Gumms 1-10; football team in a hole Saturday afternoon at Southland Conference foe 3 10:13 NSU-Quan Shorts 23 pass from Shelton Eppler (Gremillion kick), 4-69, 1:09 14-31 Jared West 3-8. 3 3:12 NSU-Gavin Landry 6 pass from Eppler (Gremmilion kick), 7-67, 2:40 21-31 Defense: Ryan Reed 8 tackles 1 Nicholls. 4 14:23 NICH-Taylor 27 run (Jones kick), 8-75, 3:49 21-38 PBU; Brice Borgeson 8 tackles 1 PBU; 4 10:09 NSU-Akile Davis 9 pass from Eppler (Gremillion kick), 8-75, 4:08 28-38 Jomard Valsin 6 tackles .5 TFL 1 PBU; 4 2:31 NICH-Taylor 3 run (Jones kick), 8-62, 3:32 28-45 Nick Forde 5 tackles; Landon King 5 4 :32 NSU-Shorts 1 pass fro Eppler (Gremillion kick), 7-77, 1:51 35-45 tackles; Ja’Quay Pough 4 tackles; Cedric Despite digging themselves a 14-point deficit in the first half, the Anderson 4 tackles 1 INT; Shemar Yardstick NSU NICH Bartholomew 3 tackles; Dylan Wilson Demons put themselves in position to tie things early in the second 3 tackles 1 TFL; Kyle Moore 3 tackles; First Downs 21 29 Tyrus Butler 3 tackles; Damian Thomp- quarter. Similarly, after a field goal as the clock hit 0:00 at halftime and Rushing Yards 41 349 son 3 tackles; Jalen Angelle 2 tackles; Passing Yards 387 188 William Hooper 2 tackles; Malik Sonnier an early third-quarter Nicholls touchdown put the Demons behind 31- Comp.-Att.-Int. 27-37-0 19-28-1 2 tackles; Rashuad Powell 2 tackles Total Offense 428 537 2 TFL; Devin Gabriel 2 tackles 1 TFL; 7, Northwestern State found itself with a pair of second-half chances to Jared Pedraza 1 tackle; Ian Edwards 1 Total Offensive Plays 54 76 tackle, Hayden Bourgeois 1 tackle; Quin make it a one-score game. Average Gain Per Play 7.9 7.1 Whitley 1 tackle; Keenan Leachman 1 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 0-0 tackle; O’Shea Jackson 1 tackle; Tyree Penalties-Yards 6-65 7-63 Cormier 1 tackle; JaBralen Yarber 1 Punts-Avg. 3-42.0 0-0 tackle 0.5 TFL; The next step for the Demons will be to convert on those opportuni- Punt Returns-Avg-TD 0-0-0 1-20-0 Captains: ties. Kickoff Returns-Avg-TD 5-23.4-0 2-40.5-0 Interceptions-Yards-TD 1-0-0 0-0-0 Fumble Returns-Yards-TD 0-0-0 1-24-0 Time of Possession 22:32 37:28 “Those are opportunities that we, in all three phases, have yet to Third-Down Conversions 4-9 8-11 Fourth-Down Conversions 0-1 1-2 take advantage of,” second-year head coach Brad Laird said. “You get an Red Zone Scores-Chances 4-4 5-6 opportunity in the first half to tie the game up and sustain momentum. Sacks-Yards 2-15 1-6 PAT Kicks 5-5 6-6 Instead, they stop us, make a field goal and it’s 24-7 at halftime. Field Goals 0-0 1-2

“You come out and want to start fast in the second half, and they get pen Saturday. Those are the same plays they make in practice during the the big (60-yard) kickoff return for a short field and score. Then it’s 31-7. week.” Twice in the second half, we cut it to 10. They miss a field goal, and we get a turnover on downs. We could never convert those to put Nicholls on Despite Eppler’s second 387-yard passing game of the season – and their heels. On the road against a good team, you have to do that. It goes four second-half touchdown passes – the Demons were unable to over- back to the consistency we’ve talked about.” come the slow starts and were left to rue the missed opportunities.

For the second time in the first three Southland Conference games of “That’s the thing that’s tough,” Laird said. “You can’t start each half the season, Northwestern State’s offense strung together three consecu- the way we did. Our guys battled in both halves, but you look at the two tive second-half touchdown drives. starts we had in each half.

Saturday’s string of scores twice turned what had been a 24-point “Week in and week out, when you look at our conference, you have deficit to 10 points at 31-21 on Gavin Landry’s first career touchdown the opportunity to win games. Starting fast is a key. We’ve shown what catch – a 6-yarder in the third quarter – and 38-28 on Akile Davis’ we’re capable of doing whether it was the first half at LSU, the first half one-handed, 9-yard scoring grab. against Southeastern or what we did offensively in the second half (at Nicholls). We’ve shown what we’re capable of. Now we have to put it to- Those scores were part of a 4-for-4 afternoon in the red zone for gether for 60 minutes in all three phases, and I’m looking forward to the Northwestern State, which scored touchdowns on each of its trips inside opportunity to do that Saturday (against Central Arkansas). the Nicholls 20.

“You look at Shelton Eppler in the second half, wow,” Laird said. “He made great decision, put the ball where it had to be, and the receivers made plays. Akile had the big night and Quan, too. It was good to see Gavin with a touchdown. Those guys, you see that in practice from them, and it’s great to see it come to fruition in a game. That didn’t just hap- 15 #FORKEM