Sams shines as Cowboys win

By: Dave Parks, Intern 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The 21st ranked McNeese State Cowboys took care of business Saturday night with a 28-14 win over Stephen F. Austin to improve to 2-0 on the year.

The Cowboys’ defense stepped up in the first quarter when linebacker Bo Brown met the SFA quarterback in the air as he tried to go over the top for the score, knocking the ball loose. . McNeese’s Wallace Scott picked the fumble up and took it 97 yards for the game’s first touchdown. Stephen F. Austin answered that score with two touchdowns of their own by the time the opening quarter ended making it 14-7.

The Cowboys’ offense took over scoring in the second quarter starting with a Daniel Sams touchdown pass to David Bush. After Sams had to leave the game for a short time, backup QB Grant Ashcraft came in and deliver a touchdown pass of his own to Kent Shelby giving McNeese the lead for good at 21-14.

Both defenses were strong in the second half with only allowing one score total. In the fourth quarter Sams broke away for a 76-yard touchdown run making it 28-14.

Sams led the way rushing for 164 yards and one touchdown. He also threw for 134 and another score. Ashcraft added a touchdown pass, and David Hamm added 44 yards on the ground. Kent Shelby had a career-high in receptions and yards with seven for 81 and a touchdown. Bush had three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown. Ashari Goins led the defense with seven tackles and two sacks. Kicker Trent Manuel was 4-for-4 on extra points.

The Cowboys will face the Mississippi College Choctaws next week. The Choctaws are 2-1 on the year and averaging 40 points a game giving the Cowboys’ defense a tough test. The Cowboys are looking strong at 2-0 and will look to continue this winning streak. Geaux Pokes!