McNeese’s McMahon has huge night in 24-20 win over Lamar

LAKE CHARLES – Deonta McMahon saved the best rushing game of his collegiate game for his last when he rushed for a career-high 239 yards to go along with two touchdowns as he led McNeese to a 24-20 Southland Conference win over Lamar on Senior Day and to capture the Battle of the Border trophy on a cold and rainy night in Cowboy Stadium.

McMahon scored on runs of 79 and 70 yards while linebacker Micah Davey returned a fumble 78 yards for a touchdown marking the first time in school history the Cowboys scored three touchdowns of 70 yards or more.

With the win, the Cowboys (4-7, 2-4) ended the season with three straight wins, marking the first time since 2019 to win three consecutive games. Lamar ended at 1-10 and 1-5 in league play.

McNeese ended the game with 314 total offensive yards – 268 rushing and 46 passing while Lamar totaled 369 yards – 219 rushing.

After a scoreless first quarter, the dams opened up in the second with McNeese outscoring Lamar 21-17 for a halftime lead.

Lamar scored first on a 4-yard run by Khalan Griffin but McNeese scored just 45 seconds later when McMahon burst through for a 79-yard score to tie the game 7-7. Less than two minutes later, Davey caught a fumble that was caused by a hit from Enos Lewis in mid-air and returned it 78 yards to put the Cowboys on top 14-7 with 12:49 to play in the half.

The Cardinals cut the margin to 14-10 after a 23-yard field goal then McMahon added a 70-yard run for a touchdown to give the Cowboys a 21-10 lead with 3:09 to play in the half. Lamar returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-17.

Another field goal by Lamar in the third quarter cut the Cowboy lead to 21-20 but the Cowboys capped the scoring on a 36-yard field goal by Garrison Smith with 10:05 to play.

Notebook:
• McNeese honored its 15 seniors in a pregame ceremony.
• Deonta McMahon ran for over 200 yards for the second time this season and over 100 yards seven times this year.
• Over the last three games, McMahon has rushed for 647 yards, and the last five, rushed for 865 yards.
• Micah Davey started in place of Kordell Williams at LB and responded by recording a career-high 18 tackles on the night.
• McNeese snapped a two-game home losing streak to Lamar with the win and recaptured the Battle of the Border trophy.