LSU rolls, but players left unsatisfied
September 25, 2013Card released for Houma fight
September 25, 2013
One of the unexpected stars for Nicholls State last Saturday was a quiet receiver who had made only one catch on the season coming into the weekend.
While Josh Hanberry caught just two passes on the night totaling 30 yards, both receptions went for touchdowns in Nicholls State’s 42-22 victory over Langston College at John L. Guidry Stadium.
Hanberry hauled in a 19-yard pass from quarterback Beaux Hebert in the first quarter to give the Colonels a 7-0 lead, and midway through the second period he added an 11-yard catch from Hebert to provide the Colonels’ second score.
All he does is catch touchdown passes, right?
Well, maybe not exactly.
“When we scored, it wasn’t anything we were surprised by,” said Hanberry. “It’s something we practiced all through the week. We were just thankful to have the opportunity to make the plays and execute them like we practiced. It was nothing special I guess, but it helped jumpstart the offense, which led to a win.”
That offense ran 64 plays and finished with 449 yards and 22 first downs in the victory.
According to Nicholls coach Charlie Stubbs, Hanberry is someone the Colonels have been looking to get more involved in their offense in numerous ways.
“He’s gotten speed sweeps. We’ve done everything we can possibly do to try and put it in guys’ hands, so we’re making progress,” Stubbs said.
With only one catch for seven yards on the season entering the night, Hanberry wasn’t quite sure what to expect as he suited up for Saturday’s game.
But when the opportunities were provided, Hanberry made sure to make the plays.
“It’s the same thing as always, just doing whatever you can to help the team as any other player, whether it’s blocking or catching,” he said.
Hanberry came to Nicholls State from powerhouse John Curtis High in 2011 as a freshman and caught 22 passes a season ago for 308 yards, good for second on the team.
His older brother, Jordan Hanberry, had arrived at Nicholls a year earlier as a defensive back, and the fact that his sibling had already committed to the Colonels made Nicholls an easy decision for the youngest Hanberry.
“It was one of the main reasons I came here,” he said. “Obviously I love the school and all the coaches, but I grew up with my brother my whole life so it was just something I was going to feel comfortable with, and playing with him is that much better.”
Particularly after wins such as the one Hanberry and his teammates enjoyed Saturday.
While Hanberry is no stranger to touches, Saturday was the first time in his college career that he’d caught a touchdown pass.
Hebert, who threw a career-high three touchdown passes and added 142 yards in the air in the victory, said he’d like to get the ball in Hanberry’s hands more often, especially since his hands and quickness make him an attractive option in the passing game.
“The first touchdown (Saturday), he really used his quickness,” Hebert said. “They had a linebacker on him and he just went right by him. It was an easy pass for me. His main thing is he’s a very good route-runner. He’s very quick, so it’s easy to get him the ball.
“With somebody like Josh that hasn’t produced yet and hasn’t been able to because we haven’t given him really a chance, it’s good to know that when he gets that chance, he’s going to take advantage of it and make plays.”
For his part, Stubbs said he’s learned what to expect from Hanberry and said the junior receiver has been nothing if not an all-around team player.
“He knows everything that goes on (from) team reads and everything,” he said. “He works his (tail) off. None of our guys are really selfish. They know we just call it and they execute it and when they get the opportunity to make a play, they do.”
Hanberry and the Colonels will have their next chance to shine this Saturday when the Colonels host Arkansas Tech at John L. Guidry Stadium.
Kickoff for that game is set for 6 p.m.
The game will be Nicholls’ homecoming contest.
Homecoming festivities are planned throughout the campus to honor the celebration.
If victorious, the Colonels would be above .500 for the first time since Sept. 1, 2011.
During that season, Nicholls won its first game of the year to open up 1-0.
Nicholls State receiver Josh Hanberry turns up the field during a game last season. The Colonels’ wide receiver shined in this past Saturday’s win against Langston, scoring two touchdowns on the game. The Colonels return home again this weekend to take on Arkansas Tech. Kickoff for that game is set for 6 p.m.
