NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) - The Northwestern State Demons hosted Louisiana Christian for the first time since 1968 to open the college football season, and the Wildcats left with a 42-37 upset win.
FIRST QUARTER:
Northwestern State led 3-0 as Louisiana Christian faced third and long. Wildcats quarterback Bryce Perkins’ deep pass was intercepted by Joe Natali, setting the Demons up in the red zone after the return.
Three plays later, Zay Davis took a pitch 8 yards for a touchdown, putting Northwestern State up 10-0.
Louisiana Christian answered with a 75-yard drive capped by a Datlan Cunningham rushing touchdown, making it 10-7.
The Demons added to their lead when Payne Williams, a St. Mary’s alum, made a 48-yard field goal for a 6-point advantage.
SECOND QUARTER:
Louisiana Christian’s Jaterrius Johnson scored on a 2-yard run, giving the Wildcats their first lead, 14-13.
Northwestern State responded when Abram Johnston scored on a rushing touchdown, putting the Demons back in front.
The Demons extended their lead on the next drive when Johnston connected with Jimmie Duncan, a former Ash Trojan, for a 59-yard touchdown. Northwestern State led 27-14 at halftime.
THIRD QUARTER:
Louisiana Christian opened the second half with a 37-yard rushing touchdown from Datlan Cunningham, a former Ash Trojan, making it 27-21.
Later in the third quarter, Ernest Mitchell returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown, putting Louisiana Christian ahead 28-27.
Northwestern State’s defense held the Wildcats on the next possession, and the Demons kicked a 39-yard field goal to lead 30-28.
With five minutes left in the third quarter, Darius Washington, another former Ash Trojan, caught a 24-yard touchdown pass, putting Louisiana Christian ahead 35-30.
FOURTH QUARTER:
Louisiana Christian opened the fourth quarter with a 52-yard touchdown from Omarius Davis, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 12 points.
Late in the fourth quarter, Northwestern State’s Dylan Rhodes scored a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 5 points.
Louisiana Christian held on to win 42-37 in Natchitoches, becoming the 13th NAIA team to beat a NCAA Division I program.
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