Cowboys Win Home Opener

McNeese scored early and late to defeat Florida Tech 42-21 Saturday evening in Cowboy Stadium. It was the 13 straight home opening win for the Cowboys. McNeese lead 21-0 before the Panthers made it close at 21-14 in the 3rd quarter. The Pokes outscored FIT 21-7 the rest of the way for the win. Both teams are now 1-1.

QB James Tabary finished 21 of 29 for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Cowboys spread the ball around in the running game with Justin Pratt picking up 83 yards and 3 TDs, while Ben Jones added 82 yards and 1 TD. David Hamm also found the end zone on the ground for the Cowboys. Kent Shelby led the team in receptions with 6 to run his streak to 26 straight games catching a pass.

FIT QB Mark Cato threw for 333 yards and 2 scores, but was sacked 6 times by the McNeese defense. He was intercepted once by Jermaine Antoine. The Panthers were held to just 33 yards rushing.

McNeese will head to Mississippi next Saturday to face the Alcorn State Braves. Airtime will be 5 with kickoff at 6 on 92.9 The Lake, and 929thelake.com.