McNeese loses close one in Playoffs

By: Dave Parks, Intern

LAKE CHARLES – The McNeese State Cowboys undefeated season ended in heartbreaking fashion, as they fell to the Sam Houston State Bearkats in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, 34-29. The Cowboys finished the season with a 10-1 record and held the #4 seed in the FCS Playoffs.    

The Cowboys were able to get on the board first with an early field goal, but the Bearkats quickly answered with a touchdown midway through the first quarter. McNeese grabbed the lead back with a Daniel Sams touchdown pass to Kent Shelby with only 39 seconds left in the first quarter.

Daniel Sams found David Bush in the end zone for another McNeese score early in the second quarter to expand their lead to 17-7. Sam Houston took over however, and scored 17 unanswered points before the half to take a 24-17 lead on the Cowboys going into the third quarter.

In the third quarter, Sam Houston added another field goal before McNeese’s Sams hit Zach Hetrick for a touchdown,  making the score 27-23. The Bearkats once again answered with a touchdown of their own before the third quarter was over and went into the fourth leading 34-23. The fourth quarter’s lone score was a 43-yard touchdown pass from Sams to Tavarious Battiste making the final 34-29.

Daniel Sams may have saved his best for his last game as he went 12/23 for 225 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 57 yards rushing. Derrick Milton Led the team with 71 yards on the ground. Shelby had two receptions for 93 yards and a score. Bush, Battiste, and Hetrick each had a touchdown grab, as well.

On defense, Wallace Scott collected 10 tackles and grabbed an interception. Brent Spikes and Cameron Smith also had 10 tackles. Josh Robinson added a sack and Jermaine Antoine had an interception.

Photo Courtesy of McNeese State Athletics