Family

Family

By: Dustin Nothnagel

Intern, Louisiana Gridiron Football

Many football programs attempt to build a theme around their team. At Louisiana College, that theme is family. On Saturday, October 25, LGF traveled to Pineville, Louisiana to cover the Border Claw match-up, a rivalry game between LC and East Texas Baptist University. Saturday also marked the day for LC homecoming and induction day for new members of the LC Hall of Fame.

The festivities began Saturday with the inaugural induction ceremonies for the new Hall of Fame members; a great way to honor those men and women that have helped build a tradition of excellence around the college. Shortly thereafter, fans, families, and some of the team proceeded to a large tailgating area where they enjoyed good food and music. Tailgating is very different at LC than what most people are used to at football games. There is no loud, unbecoming music, no drinking, and no insanely inappropriate outfits. The atmosphere around the campus is always positive and uplifting, a great place for kids and family to hang out and enjoy themselves. Hours before the game the players and coaches proceed to the football building to prepare for the evening’s game.

LC football has a tradition of the “white shirts,” a tradition that a former defensive player comes and talks to the defense before the game. This Saturday, a new Hall of Fame inductee gave a speech about passion and how much playing for LC meant to him. All of the alumnus who spoke talked about how playing for LC is like playing with a family, each member contributing in their own way. Afterward, Coach Dennis Dunn gathered the team for their few pre-game words and prayer. Senior linebacker Beau Brewer led the team on their march to the Stadium. During pre-game warm-ups, there was just something different about this LC team. The Wildcats just had a different type of confidence; you could see the passion in their eyes as they ran around the field. In Division III college football, players certainly must love to play the game for different reasons than most college athletes. The boys at Louisiana College play for more than glory or stats, they are playing for each other and what their team represents. LC strives to be the best to glorify God and to forge a bond within that team that will never be broken. Saturday would be a true test of that bond as they faced a stiff ETBU team.

The game begins with the players ‘running over the hill’ onto the field, a tradition that has marked LC football for years; only this time, the Border Claw trophy was carried by the team as a reminder of what the kids were playing for. Play began in exciting fashion with a total of 42 points scored in the first quarter by LC taking a 28-14 lead. A pair of first quarter touchdowns for QB Easton Melancon sparked the Wildcat offense. Big plays on special teams set the pace of the game for the Wildcats as senior cornerback Ira Jewitt returned the longest punt in LC history for a score and blocked a Tiger punt inside their own territory that was scooped up for a Wildcat touchdown. Big plays continued for both teams as the Wildcats went into half-time with a 42 to 29 lead over the Tigers. The Wildcats took the field in the second half prepared for an ETBU resurgence and were able to hold their ground outscoring ETBU in the 3rd quarter 10 to 6 building on their lead. The Tiger defense held firm in the 4thquarter not allowing a lot of room to operate for the LC offense. The Wildcat defense attempted to hold on late in the game despite ETBU possessing so much of the games momentum. ETBU was able to score twice in the 4th, with one score coming with less than 2 minutes left in the game. With a 3 point lead the Wildcats were given the ball after an unsuccessful onside kick attempt. After 3 kneel-downs, the Wildcats were forced to punt the ball with only 7 seconds remaining in the game. Once again, the special teams unit flexed its muscles as punter Tim Willett kicked the ball high and allowed the coverage team to surround the ETBU returner to secure the game for the Wildcats. An impressive 52-49 victory for LC will surely create some momentum for this team as they continue down their journey. The Wildcats take on Howard Payne at home on November 1st; Dad’s Day for LC should create a fun and exciting atmosphere, go out and support this remarkably entertaining team.

As a staff, LGF felt that the ETBU v. LC game was one of the most fun games we had been to all season. The atmosphere around campus and that team is truly remarkable. The people around the team and the coaching staff could not have been more hospitable. For those coaches, the game is more than just football, they want to prepare their guys for life. I encourage you to take a visit to LC on game day and experience a true team atmosphere.