The nationally-ranked Lamar Cardinals continued their winning ways, beating Nicholls State 24-17 to open Southland Conference play, Oct. 4.
The name of the game was electric plays, as two of the Cards’ three touchdowns came from 80-plus yards. The Cards opening score came on the first play from scrimmage, with an 85-yard passing bomb from QB Aiden McCown to receiver Blake Thomas.
However, the Cardinal defense gave up two straight Nicholls touchdowns, with one being a 75-yard rush, to fall behind 14-7.
After the electricity of the opening play, LU’s offense seemed to have stalled with successive scoreless drives. But on their fourth possession, Big Red’s offense showed it could also grind it out with an 80-yard methodical drive ending in a three-yard rush by Aiden McCown.
Lamar tacked on a 21-yard field goal to head into the half with a 17-14 lead.
The second half was slow for both teams. The Cardinals offense stalled drive after drive, but the defense held the Colonels at bay, allowing only score a field goal in the third quarter.
The score was even at 17 entering the fourth quarter as both defenses took over. It was the Cardinals’ D that turned the game, forcing the Colonels to punt. Nicholls’ punter was sending long bombs down the field all game, but Big Red finally capitalized with 3:36 to go in the game.
Returner Kyndon Fuselier fielded the ball and made four Colonels miss, leading to an explosive 88-yard punt return touchdown. The PAT was converted, and the game ended in a 24-17 Cardinal win.
Head Coach Pete Rossomando said a big part of any win depends on the trust and depth of the team.
“In today’s day and age, in the transfer portal windows, our guys are choosing to stay here,” he said. “They’re choosing to build a family. And at some point, they’re going to leave, and I wish them the best because they’ve given everything they have for the red and black of Lamar. We’re building something special. The players have seen the growth of this program and we’re just continuing to get better.”
The Cardinals move to 4-1 on the season and their next game is a conference matchup against East Texas A&M, Oct. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Commerce.