Louisiana College Loses in Nail Biter

Louisiana College Loses in Nail Biter

By: Andy Bryson

Louisiana Gridiron Football

This past week I visited Louisiana College (LC) and watched their game against Texas Lutheran University. This was my first experience at a DIII program.  I admit that I was not expecting too much when I walked into Wildcat Stadium. However, my expectations were blown away when I arrived on Louisiana College Campus. The fan experience is certainly impressive.  First they have a tradition much like LSU, where the Wildcat football team walks across campus two by two into the stadium. Their fans line the entire walk cheering for the team and listen to the band play. The next thing I noticed was that this Wildcat team was much bigger and stronger than I had originally expected. Players like Sid Davis who is 6’3 and weighs about 212 lbs, looks like he could be playing at any SEC team instead of a DIII program. Regardless of his size and talent, I can see why he made the choice he did when he went to Louisiana College.  Over the course of my visit, I was really blown away by the hospitality of not only the Coaches and Administration but by the fans.

Easton Melancon (QB) had a good game with 25 completions on 46 attempts and had 377 yards and 3 touchdowns in the loss to Texas Lutheran University (TLU). Easton also had 19 yards rushing. Sid Davis led the team in receiving with 2 receptions for 79 yards with a touchdown. Aurren Cooksey led the team in rushing with a net total of 37 yards. Cole Leflett led the defense with 16 tackles.

I have coached high school football, interned with LSU football, been assistant defensive line coach for Southeastern Louisiana University, coached semi-professional football, and a guest coached for the CFL and NFL teams. Through these experiences I have learned that you can learn a lot about your program after they lose a game.  Even through the loss this past week, Louisiana College played with such heart that the game was never out of reach. It was a pleasure to watch young men who love the game so much play.  Guys like Beau Brewer (LB), who remind me of players like a Zach Thomas, a little undersized but a hard hitter and a tackling machine. Beau, after only 3 games, has 28 tackles and 2 sacks. I am excited to see what Head coach Dennis Dunn can continue to do with this team of Wildcats.