Stop Medicaid fraud
March 29, 2016
Faye Pizani
March 30, 2016
Tim Rebowe said he needed a running back to step up in spring practices.
As it turns out, several answered the bell, setting up a competition-filled summer for the Nicholls State University offense.
The Colonels wrapped up spring practices last week, holding their annual spring game at John L. Guidry Stadium.
When it was done, the Red Team had trumped the White by a 30-10 margin.
But of greater importance to Rebowe was the 177 rushing yards the victorious team mustered – led by Kaleb Kador, who had 11 carries for 80 yards and a score. Also successful was C.J. Okpalobi, who rushed for 58 yards.
Both players are expected to compete into the fall for the wide-open halfback position that is vacant after two-year starter Mike Henry completed his eligibility last fall.
Rebowe said he’s pleased with how the challengers competed for the spot throughout the spring.
“We really have to find ourselves in the running game, and we know that,” Rebowe said “Our two top guys at halfback are gone now, but you know, we always tell the guys that the beauty of this game is that there’s always an opportunity for someone else to step up and show they’re capable of shining. It’s going to be competitive, and a lot of guys will have a shot to show what they can do. We’re pleased with the attitude and the effort we’ve seen so far.”
Kador’s emergence was an awfully pleasant surprise.
A rising sophomore from Baton Rouge, the halfback showcased his versatility throughout the night, exhibiting an ability to get yardage both on the edges and in between the tackles.
The Red Team dominated the action throughout the four-quarter game, owning a 16-0 advantage after the first quarter, then a 23-0 lead at the half.
Kador’s touchdown came with 25 seconds left in the first – a 5-yard scamper that capped a six-play, 62-yard drive. Rebowe said he was pleased with the efficiency and ease with which the Red Team ran the football throughout the night.
“We have to run the football to be successful,” Rebowe said. “That’s the one thing I’ve always seen in my years as a coach. If you run the football, block ‘em pretty good and attack the football defensively, you’re tough to beat usually.”
Incumbent starting quarterback Tuskani Figaro was pretty good, too.
In his final spring with the Colonels, the fifth-year senior showed his moxie and experience throughout the game, bruising the White Team with both his arm and legs in the game.
Figaro scored the game’s first touchdown – a 36-yard scamper in the early minutes of the game.
He also tossed a touchdown in the third quarter, connecting with Miguel Harris on a bomb – a 75-yard strike that put the Red Team up 30-3 midway through the third.
The White Team got their lone touchdown as time expired – a 1-yard pass from Victor Gaines to C.J. Bates.
Figaro finished the game 11-of-19 with 177 yards and a score.
The duo of Gaines and Brooks combined to go 9-of-22 for 118 yards and a touchdown on the White Team.
“We like what we have going on at the quarterback position,” Rebowe said. “Tuskani is continuing to come along, and we’re happy to see that. But we like the competition and the work our other guys at the position are putting in. It’s a nice mix and a nice battle.”
Defensively, the Colonels starters shined for the Red Team, controlling the line of scrimmage and making things tough for their White Team foes.
The Red Team recorded three sacks in the game, while also allowing just 57 yards rushing on 28 tries.
The main culprit was returning linebacker Ronnie Walker, who had five tackles.
Patrick Riley, Terrel Encalade and Jair Joseph recorded the team’s sacks.
Rebowe said he thinks Nicholls will be solid on that side of the ball.
In his first season with the team, the Colonels improved in every defensive category.
“We have experience on that side, and we think we’re better this year than we were heading into the summer last year,” Rebowe said.
The Colonels open the 2016 season on Sept. 10 at Georgia – a perennial Top 10 power.
