McNeese Hangs On To Beat SFA

After jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, the McNeese Cowboys had to hang on at the end for a 17-10 Southland Conference victory over Stephen F Austin last Saturday evening. The Pokes are now 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the SLC. McNeese sits alone at the top of the conference standings. SFA fell to 1-3 and 1-2 in the conference.

A steady rain throughout the game kept the 2 teams from getting much going on offense. McNeese was held to just 257 total yards, 174 on the ground and 83 through the air. SFA had 288 yards of offense. QBs James Tabery and Cody Orgeron combined to go 12 of 26 and 1 touchdown. Tabery hit Parker Orgeron from 6 yards out to make it 14-0 after the first quarter. David Hamm led the team in rushing with 69 yards on 8 carries including a 55 yard run for the game's first score. TE Austin Nelson had 3 catches for 42 yards to lead all receivers for the Pokes.

Following the first quarter, the 2 teams traded punts for most of the next 2 quarters. Each team punted 10 times. Gunnar Raborn's 29-yard field goal gave the Cowboys a 17-0 lead late in the 3rd. The 4th belonged to SFA. QB Foster Sawyer hit Terian Goree from 5 yards out following a McNeese turnover to make it 17-7. SFA recovered the onside kick but could not score. Storm Ruiz pulled the Jacks within 7 with a 41 yard field goal with 6 minutes left. A Jovan Burris interception ended the last SFA threat with 2:43 left.

The Pokes return home next week to face Abilene Christian. Kickoff will be at 6:00pm.