NSU shuts out Assumption, 44-0

Entering the game on a two-game losing streak, and having loss five of its last six games, Nicholls St. was in desperate need of a win last Saturday against Assumption College (3-6 overall). And while the Colonels recorded a 44-0 nothing win over a non-conference opponent, the win left reason for optimism throughout the remainder of the season.

The reason?

In his first career start, freshman quarterback Zach Chauvin led the team with 90 rushing yards on nine attempts, and tossed two touchdowns in a 4-for-7, 116-yard performance. “I thought he did really well,” said coach Jay Thomas. “For a freshman to come in and have his first start of the season, I’m very proud of him. He showed a lot of poise and brought some excitement to us.”

Chauvin’s excitement started with Nicholls’ (3-5 overall; 1-2 SLC) first play from scrimmage. On a first-and-ten from the Colonels’ 43-yard line, Chauvin ran 49 yards to the Greyhounds 8-yard line. Three plays later, Dwayne Jones rushed for his first of two touchdowns on the day.

Jones finished with 42 yards on 10 attempts.

After Alex Romero kicked a field goal and Dwayne Jones scored from five yards out, Chauvin’s arm took center stage. On first-and-ten from the Assumption 45-yard line, Chauvin scrambled to the left and tossed a pass to Michael Okoronkwo. The wide receiver weaved through would-be tacklers on his way to a touchdown and a 24-0 Colonels’ advantage.

With the score 27-0, Chauvin and Okoronkwo hooked up again, this time on a third-and-twelve, 42-yard pass that the receiver caught inside the five-yard line and took into the endzone for a 34-0 lead. “That was just a great throw,” said Okoronkwo of pair’s second hook up. “The ball was right there on my shoulder. And that was good coverage.

“Zach is real good,” Okoronkwo went on. “To say he’s a true freshman, that’s amazing. I’ve never seen a true freshman just go out there and compete, and have so much confidence in himself like that.”

Although Chauvin said he was somewhat nervous in his first start, the nerves were calmed after his opening 49-yard run. “The first play kind of got me going,” said Chauvin. “I was a little surprised. I didn’t think I would break that long on the first play, but you’ve got to be ready.”

With Chauvin’s passing ability, the passing game played a more prominent role in the offense’s gameplan. “I felt good throwing in the passing game,” said Chauvin. “I made one or two mistakes, but overall I did all right. They showed confidence in my to throw the ball, which is good because I like throwing the ball.”

Chauvin, a Thibodaux native, took center stage, but he also received help from a defense that held Assumption to just 64 yards. Nicholls gained 521 yards on the afternoon. Assumption was 0-for-11 on third-down conversions. “I’m very proud of the defense for bouncing back … and playing a good ballgame,” said Thomas.

Senior safety Toney Edison said credit goes to the coaching staff for the dominating performance. “That’s thanks to coach (Steve) Ellis, our defensive coordinator,” said Edison. “He kind of had us prepared and ready for the plays they were going to run. That goes to the head coach and the coordinators for putting us in the right place, and all we’ve got to do is make the play.”

The Colonels did not have an opportunity to dwell on the win, thought. They began preparations for Thursday night’s game at Texas St. on Sunday. “We all know Texas St. is pretty good,” said Edison. “Usually it’s a 24-hour rule (to celebrate a win), but now it’s a 12-hour rule for us.”

Thomas said Chauvin will keep the starting position for the conference matchup.

The Colonels will leave for San Marco on Tuesday evening. After a stop in Houston, they will finish the trip Wednesday and play Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest.

Matt LeBlanc can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or matt@tri-parishtimes.com.