McNeese Gets the Homecoming Win

Sophmore Cody Orgeron made his first collegiate start and led the Cowboys to a 23-21 win over Central Arkansas in a battle for first place in the Southland Conference. The Pokes now sit alone atop the SLC with a 5-1 record, 6-2 overall. UCA falls to 5-3 and 4-2 in the conference. Incarnate Word fell out of first place earlier on Saturday losing to Nicholls State. The Cowboys have now won 11 straight at home.

Orgeron led the Cowboys on a 75 yard game opening drive with David Hamm scoring from 1 yard out to give the Pokes a 7-0 lead. It did not take the Bears long to tie it up. On their first play from scrimmage, QB Luke Hales hit Jakori Dillard near midfield. The 2 Cowboy defenders knocked each other out of the play for a 75 yard TD pass and run. The Cowboys would score on their next possession to regain the lead as Orgeron ran it in from 16 yards out to make it 14-7 Cowboys. Gunnar Raborn added 2 field goals to extend the lead to 20-7. The Bears scored with just over 4 minutes left in the half to cut the lead to 20-14.

The 2nd half was dominated by defense. UCA took their only lead with :13 seconds left in the 3rd quarter at 21-20. McNeese answered with Raborn's third field goal to go back up 23-21 with 7:27 left. UCA would miss a 43 yard FG on their next possession, giving McNeese the win.

Orgeron finished 13-21 for 135 yards. David Hamm had 59 yards on 13 carries and Cyron Sutton and Trevor Begue each had 5 catches. B J Blunt had 8 tackles and 1 QB sack.

The Cowboys are in Hammond next Saturday afternoon to face Southeastern LA. Kickoff has been moved to 2:30pm.