Cowboys Cast Out Demons

McNeese capped off a rough week by beating Northwestern State 48-27 Saturday night in Natchitoches. The Cowboys spent most of the week without their head coach Lance Guidry who lost his brother last Saturday and his grandfather on Monday. The team responded with their best game of the season, racking up 601 yards of offense and scoring once on defense.

The Pokes took the opening drive 75 yards with Ryan Ross scoring the game's first touchdown to give McNeese a 7-0 lead. The Demons tied it at 7 before the Cowboys scored 14 straight to make it 21-7. NSU answered with 14 straight to tie it at 21 early in the 3rd quarter. McNeese then outscored Northwestern State 27-10 the rest of the way, the final score coming on a 70 yard interception return by Jermaine Antoine.

Justin Pratt rushed for 124 yards on just 9 carries and scored 1 touchdown. Gunner Raborn had a pair of field goals along with 6 PATs. Kent Shelby had 7 catches for 85 yards and a score. He also extended his game pass receiving streak to 21. Kylon Highshaw and Dylan Long also found the end zone for the Cowboys. QB James Tabary threw for 384 yards, the second most in a game in school history.

McNeese evened their season record at 4-4 and 3-3 in the Southland Conference. It was their 13th straight victory over NSU. Next up is a homecoming date with the Abilene Christian Wildcats next Saturday at 6.