With a win, Head Coach Ron Roberts remains undefeated in home openers at 5-0. The game was the Lions Faculty and Staff appreciation day  where faculty were able to receive two free tickets to the game. The sidelines were filled with members of the Lions athletics family and former players of the football team.
The Lion's Roar/Tamara Alexander 

The Lions football team ended their six game losing streak from last season by defeating the Northwestern State Demons 34-24 in Strawberry Stadium this past Saturday. 

“It was a big win for us,” said Head Coach Ron Roberts. “We had been on a little skid going back to last year. There were some huge plays tonight. We came out of the gates here early, and the offense was really clicking and doing well. We’re not where we want to be, but I think this was a huge stepping stone. I don’t think there is anything better than a conference win against an in state rival. Really happy for our guys.”  

The game was played in front of a capacity crowd of 6,406. Family and faculty were in attendance as well as former players who returned to see the team play their first home game of the season. One former player that was there was Arizona Cardinals cornerback Harlan Miller.

“It’s good to see all of my old teammates and to see them get the win,” said Miller.

The Lions recorded their fifth straight conference opener win under Coach Roberts. Their record for home openers since the return of the program in 2003 is 13-1.

“It felt good,” said senior wide receiver Brandon Acker. “I couldn’t wait to get back to Strawberry Stadium. We were just glad to be back home where we are comfortable at. The atmosphere was great and the fans were behind us. It couldn’t have been a better thing to pull out the win.”

The offense collected 539 total yards. Senior quarterback Justin Alo achieved 251 passing yards and three touchdowns in his second career start.

“I think he is getting more relaxed the more game experience he gets,” said Roberts. “He throws a good ball and he rushed for 90 yards and that was huge too.”

The two targets for Alo was Acker and junior wide receiver Juwan Dickey who had 96 yards and one touchdown. Acker scored two touchdowns for 90 yards. The highlight for Acker was the diving 42 yard catch at the goal line that set up a touchdown run by sophomore running back Julius Maracalin.

“We just try to execute and make plays for the team and do things right,” said Acker. 

After having a lead of 21-6 at halftime, the Demons tied up the game in the third quarter scoring 15 points.

“Nobody in this conference is going to lay down,” said Roberts. “You have to nail the coffin shut. We’re growing as a football team. I think this is a huge step forward for us.”

The defense caused three turnovers in this game. Two were fumbles and one was an interception. The interception was caught by junior defensive back Javon Tillman and he forced a fumble that led to a field goal. One of the highlights of the game for the defense was when junior defensive back Ryan Sigers stripped a Northwestern receiver as he was heading into the endzone.

“That’s about as a big time play as you can make,” said Roberts. “Getting turnovers are big, especially in a game of this magnitude against a state rival.”

Despite the win, the defense wants to work on not giving up such a large lead down the stretch of a game.

“Coach Roberts is very into the defense,” said senior linebacker Tre’ Bennett. “We got the win today but 24 points is never good. We want a win giving up the least amount of points as possible. We have to come back. Fix the little minor mistakes we had this game and keep the ball rolling.” 

The Lions will play at Lamar in Beaumont, Texas this Saturday at 7 p.m. They will be looking for their second Southland Conference win of the season and their first road victory.

The Lions Athletics Association will be offering a bus trip to the game for any fans that are interested. The trip will cost $60 and they will be traveling back that same night. For more info or to sign up contact Southeastern Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Development Tom Dawsey at (985)-549-5226 or [email protected].

The Lions won their first home game of the season against Northwestern State. The win was a confidence booster after losing the first two non-conference games of the season. There was a celebration of singer Taylor Swift during the halftime show by the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band. The dedication was done because of the millions of donations Swift made to the flood relief effort earlier this month.    
The Lion's Roar/Tamara Alexander 

The Lions won their first home game of the season against Northwestern State. The win was a confidence booster after losing the first two non-conference games of the season. There was a celebration of singer Taylor Swift during the halftime show by the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band. The dedication was done because of the millions of donations Swift made to the flood relief effort earlier this month.    
The Lion's Roar/Tamara Alexander 

The Lions won their first home game of the season against Northwestern State. The win was a confidence booster after losing the first two non-conference games of the season. There was a celebration of singer Taylor Swift during the halftime show by the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band. The dedication was done because of the millions of donations Swift made to the flood relief effort earlier this month.    
The Lion's Roar/Jonathan Rhodes

The Lions won their first home game of the season against Northwestern State. The win was a confidence booster after losing the first two non-conference games of the season. There was a celebration of singer Taylor Swift during the halftime show by the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band. The dedication was done because of the millions of donations Swift made to the flood relief effort earlier this month.    
The Lion's Roar/Jonathan Rhodes 

Harlem Miller of the Arizona Cardinals. 
The Lion's Roar/Jonathan Rhodes