Ariel Lynn Guidry
November 11, 2008
Southern Smith
November 13, 2008
“Playing for pride” aren’t exactly the words fans or players of any team want to hear as the season draws to a conclusion.
But it’s exactly where the Nicholls State Colonels find themselves.
After a 47-37 loss at home Saturday to the Sam Houston State Bearkats, the Colonels are all but eliminated from conference and playoff contention with two games left.
Even after the roller coaster season they’ve experienced, this season has still been a learning experience and something the team hopes to build on in the near future.
Head coach Jay Thomas said inexperience played a key part in the Colonels’ woes. The Colonels turned the ball over five times and fell behind 24-0 in the first quarter.
“We had the same practice as last week and prepared the same way,” the coach said. “I don’t think our team is mature enough to handle success. We have to be able to handle success and we didn’t show enough maturity in handling that.”
Heading into Saturday’s game against the Texas State Bobcats, the Colonels do have bright spots they can highlight.
Despite falling behind by double digits early, the team rallied on two scores by senior Isa Hines and another by senior quarterback Vince Montgomery.
In fact, Hines’ 66-yard scoring reception from senior Chris Bunch pulled the Colonels within eight – 31-23.
While he’s not pleased with the loss, senior cornerback Lardarius Webb said he is honored that his teammates won’t quit.
“I’m proud of the way this team fought hard and didn’t give up,” he noted. “Knowing that my team will not give up on me means a lot to me as a senior. It shows that they really wanted to win these last three games for the seniors. We’re just going to come out and win these next two games and start next year off right for the younger guys.”
He added, “We want to teach these young guys that we don’t lose here. We win. I want to instill that just because we’ve been losing this year doesn’t mean we lose. We’re supposed to win and we’re going to win.”
If the Colonels want to lay the foundation for next season, Hines said it’ll be important for everyone to realize their mistakes and take charge in practice.
“It was disappointing,” he said of the loss to the Bearkats. “We started off slow and we can’t do that. Our coaches do a good job of getting us to come out and work our hardest. Every Tuesday is ‘Rock in the Shoe Day’ where everyone comes to practice with a chip on their shoulder. That’s what we have to do from here on out.”
One of the bright spots from Saturday’s game was the offense.
When they didn’t turn the ball over, the Colonels were successful in moving the ball.
By day’s end, the Colonels had compiled 303 yards (196 rushing, 107 passing), but they also gave up 576 yards to a potent Bearkat offense that features former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Rhett Bhomar.
Thomas said when it comes to Southland Conference play, anyone can beat anyone. The Bearkats were living proof.
“Like I told them, just because they were 1-3 doesn’t make them a bad team,” he said. “We can’t turn the ball over to them and we can’t bust assignments and expect to beat a good football team.”
Thomas concluded saying, “They (the young guys) understand what the Southland Conference is all about now. What we were preaching all week, they understand. We can’t have an off week with anyone. I’m proud of the way we competed but we have to play smart, can’t turn the ball over.”
Whether or not they learn from that lesson will be determined in the “Battle for the Paddle” against the Bobcats. The Colonels have won seven of their last nine against Texas State including the last three in a row.
Sam Houston State tight end Paul Mansfield tries to elude Nicholls State cornerback Lance Moore Saturday. The Colonels’ playoff hopes are likely shattered after the 47-37 loss. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF
