McNeese wraps up spring practice with final scrimmage

LAKE CHARLES – McNeese wrapped up the month of March and its spring drills on Thursday night with its final scrimmage as the squad ran through roughly 90 plays under the lights in Cowboy Stadium.

The offense rolled up 516 total yards – 237 through the air and 279 on the ground, and scored four total touchdowns (3 passing and one rushing).

Quarterback Alex Flores took all the snaps behind center due to Kamden Sixkiller being ruled out with an injury he suffered last week and third quarterback Nate Glantz entering the transfer portal on Wednesday.

Flores completed 19 of 38 passes for 237 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. After completing just one of his first five passes that included the interception, as well as taking a sack, he connected on 18 of his next 33 passes and was sacked only once more.

The first score came in the third series when Flores found Jihad Marks for a 19-yard catch and run score which completed a 7-play, 65-yard drive.

The defense kept the offense off the scoreboard five series. During that time, the defense forced and recovered a fumble at the end of a run that would have picked up a first down, and also saw Marques White and Peyton Lemaire team up for a sack on Flores that ended another drive.

The next score for the offense came from running back Bryce Strong who took a hand-off up the middle and left the defense behind with his speed for a 54-yard touchdown. Strong was one of two running back to top the century mark as he led the way with 138 yards on 17 carries. He also caught four passes for 22 yards.

Jo’Shon Barbie added 109 yards on 19 carries and caught two passes for 25 yards.

The third touchdown came from local and Barbe High product Jamaal Levi whose catch from Flores turned into a 50-yard touchdown while Curtis Deville made a 3-yard acrobatic grab in the end zone for a touchdown on the scrimmage’s final play.

The Cowboys connected on both field goals attempted as well – a 36-yarder by Deaglan Camron and 42-yard field goal by Dominick Bjodstrup.

Johnquai Lewis had the interception for the defense while Earenest Grayson III and Welland Williams each collected a half sack. Cejae Ceasar, Cody Smith and Boogsie Silvera each recorded tackles for a loss. Jadden Matthews broke up two passes while Phillip Bradford batted one down at the line.

The defense also blocked an extra point.

McNeese Football Scrimmage Stats | Thursday, March 28, 2024

Passing | Alex Flores 19-38, 237, 3 TD, Int
Rushing | Bryce Strong 17-138, TD; Jo’Shon Barbie 19-109; Eric Beloney 9-40; Alex Flores 6-(-8). Totals 51-279, TD.
Receiving | Bryce Strong 4-22; Jamaal Levi 3-73, TD; Jer’Michael Carter 2-42, TD; Jihad Marks 2-25, TD; Jo’Shon Barbie 2-25; Curtis Deville 2-13, TD; Tyrone Hayes 1-20; Cory O’Bryant 1-9; Eric Beloney 1-(-2).

Total Offense | 91 plays, 516 yards, 4 TD
Passing Offense | 19-38, 237, 3 TD, Int
Rushing Offense | 51 rushes, 279 yards, TD

Scoring Plays | Drives
Jihad Marks 19 yd pass from Alex Flores | 7 plays, 65 yards
Bryce Strong 54 yd run | 3 plays, 65 yards
Deaglan Camron 36 yd field goal | 11 plays, 46 yards
Jamaal Levi 50 yd pass from Alex Flores | 5 plays, 65 yards
Dominick Bjodstrup 42 yd field goal | 6 plays, 40 yards
Curtis Deville 3 yd pass from Alex Flores | 5 plays, 20 yards

Specialty Defense
Interception | Johnquai Lewis
Sacks | Earenest Grayson III 0.5, Welland Williams 0.5, Marques Whits 0.5, Peyton Lemaire 0.5
Tackles For Loss | Cejae Ceasar, Cody Smith, Boogsie Silvera
Pass Break Up | Jadden Matthews (2), Phillip Bradford