NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA – September 21, 2024 – Despite a valiant effort on their home turf at Turpin Stadium, the Northwestern State University (NSU) Demons faced a challenging opponent in Weber State, resulting in a 39-0 defeat. The game, which marked NSU’s fourth of the season, saw moments of promise and determination from the Demons, though ultimately, they were unable to secure a victory against the Wildcats.
The matchup began under the sunny skies of Natchitoches, with an enthusiastic crowd of 6,736 fans in attendance, eager to see their team claim a home victory. However, Weber State’s aggressive gameplay and strategic execution dominated from the start, with the Wildcats establishing a solid lead early in the game.
Game Overview:
The Wildcats demonstrated their offensive prowess early in the first quarter with a field goal by Kyle Thompson, quickly followed by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Richie Munoz to Jacob Sharp, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Despite the Demons’ efforts to counter, Weber State’s defense proved formidable, stifling NSU’s advances throughout the game.
Weber State capitalized on every opportunity, extending their lead with a series of successful plays in the second quarter. Damon Bankston’s 7-yard run and subsequent touchdowns by Jaden Thrower and Jayleen Record further solidified their dominance, with the Wildcats entering halftime with a commanding 27-0 lead.
The second half saw continued pressure from Weber State, with the Demons struggling to break through the Wildcats’ defense. Munoz, with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Record, and a safety added by Weber State, compounded the difficulties for NSU. Despite several determined attempts, including a few impressive drives, NSU could not convert these into points.
Key Performances:
- Richie Munoz (Weber State): Munoz had an exceptional game, completing 19 out of 31 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns. His leadership on the field was instrumental in Weber State’s offensive success.
- Kyle Thompson (Weber State): Contributing a significant 29-yard field goal early in the game, Thompson helped to establish the Wildcats’ momentum, maintaining accuracy throughout the match.
- Damon Bankston (Weber State): Bankston showcased his versatility with a 7-yard touchdown run and several crucial receptions, contributing to the Wildcats’ expansive lead.
- JT Fayard (NSU): Fayard demonstrated resilience under pressure, completing 13 of 24 passes. While the results were not in NSU’s favor, Fayard’s persistence and drive were notable.
Defensive Standouts:
On the defensive side, Weber State’s Kemari Munier-Bailey was a standout, recording eight tackles, including six for a loss, and three sacks. His relentless pursuit and tackling prowess were key factors in stalling NSU’s offensive efforts.
For NSU, Blake Gotcher led with 11 tackles, including two sacks, as he fought to keep Weber State at bay. His efforts, alongside those of his defensive teammates, were commendable despite the challenging circumstances.
Looking Ahead:
Despite the loss, NSU remains focused on growth and improvement as they prepare for their upcoming games. Head Coach Brad Laird acknowledged the team’s determination, stating, “While today’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we’re taking this experience and using it to build a stronger, more cohesive team. Our players showed heart and commitment, and we’ll continue to work hard to deliver better results.”
The Demons will regroup and aim to leverage the lessons learned from this tough match as they progress through the season. With the unwavering support of their fans and the Natchitoches community, NSU is determined to bounce back stronger.
NSU’s next game will be on September 28, 2024, where they will face off against their rivals in what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest.
Community Support:
The game, despite the outcome, was a testament to the strong community support that NSU enjoys. The stadium was filled with cheering fans, students, and alumni, all rallying behind the Demons. The university continues to be grateful for the loyalty and passion of its supporters, who play a crucial role in motivating the team.
