Colonels excel in final camp scrimmage

THIBODAUX, La. – While the defense had the upper hand for most of the first fall camp scrimmage, both sides of the ball had success on Saturday as the Nicholls State University football team held its final scrimmage of fall camp at John L. Guidry Stadium.

The offense found the end zone four times on the day, with two coming in the live drives session. On the other side of the ball, the defense came up with four interceptions and six sacks.

Chase Fourcade orchestrated a 70-yard scoring drive right out of the gate, capping it with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Mason Roberts down the middle of the field. But the defense quickly responded with three straight three-and-outs. On the last one, Darryl Adams Jr. had an interception at midfield for the first turnover of the day.

Running back Jeremy Rounds broke the streak with an 18-yard reception from Kohen Granier. Granier then found fellow freshman Dontaze Costly for 22- and 12-yard catches to setup a 37-yard field goal by David McKey.

With Tuskani Figaro in at quarterback, the defense brought pressure and was able to record two sacks in a span of three plays. Sully Laiche was credited with the first one and Tevin Lawson got the second on third down.

Starting from midfield, Nick Conley put together the second touchdown drive of the day for the offense. Curtis Anderson moved the chains with a 14-yard reception on third down and following a nice run by Tahj Smith for 12 yards that put the ball in the red zone, Conley rolled left on a play-action and hit Anderson in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown.

The next part of the scrimmage placed the ball on the defense’s 40. On the first drive, Fourcade and Roberts connected for 13- and 15-yard receptions to put the ball at the 7. But two plays later, a pass on a quick slant was batted into the air by Jay Jay Smith, and Evan Veron hauled it in for an interception.

On the first play of the next drive, Granier went deep down the sideline and found an open Raheem Falkins for a 40-yard touchdown.

The final three drives of the session saw a 37-yard field goal and a punt by Fonseca, and an interception by Moroni Pointer.

The offense then started from their 35 and had two three-and-outs, helped by a sack from linebacker Laryon James. On the third drive, Fourcade and Roberts hooked up for two catches for 20 yards to move the ball across the 50. Jarrell Rogers made a short grab on third down to keep the drive going, but a false start would ultimately stall it. However, Fonseca capped the drive with a 46-yard field goal.

For the final drive, freshman Donnell Adair stole the show as he broke free from a pair of defenders and ran for a 47-yard touchdown.

In the goal line situation, Khristian Mims picked off an overthrow to end the day on a high note for the defense.

UP NEXT

The Colonels will open the season on Thursday, Aug. 31 against rival McNeese at 7 p.m. at John L. Guidry Stadium. Single game and season tickets are available by calling 985-448-4790 or by visiting nichollstickets.com.

For the latest news on Colonel football, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_FB.