(RV) SFA (1-1) VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE (0-2)
WHEN: Sept. 16, 2023 (Sat.) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: Natchitoches, Louisiana (Turpin Stadium)
TV: ESPN+
SERIES 25-41-0 (but 6-4-0 since 2010)
This will be the 67th meeting between the Demons of Northwestern State and your Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin State, in one of the most heated rivalries of the South, The Battle for Chief Caddo (RIP)
In our last episode, dating back to 2019, the Chief returned back across the Sabine River after a hard fought 32-20 Lumberjack victory at Turpin Stadium, in Coach Carthel's inaugural season at SFA, and the Chief has called Nacogdoches home ever since (and has since been put to pasture)
But back across the river, now in his 8th season as Head Coach, Brad Laird has pretty much overhauled a majority of his NSU's roster from a season ago, with some talented new faces, starting with a 7th year senior QB from Sacramento, California #8 Tyler Waal Vander 6-4; 220.
In what has seemed like an injury plagued college career, the 25 year old QB comes to Natchitoches as a transfer from Idaho State, via the University of Wyoming with a total of 27 starts. In his only two starts at NSU Waal Vander has completed 22 passes for 244 yards and 2 TDs, but both starts have come against FBS competition.
Yesterday against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, the Demons put up 324 total yards (139 pass; 185 rush) against Louisiana Tech, obtaining 20 first downs, but committed 3 turnovers.
With a trailing score of 14-17 and 3:20 remaining on the clock, in the first half Northwestern State gave the Bulldogs all they could handle. The Demons should have scored more, had it not been for a dropped TD pass right before the half.
The NSU offense likes to use up to four running backs, to pound the ball down the field. In the last two games (again against FBS defenses) they have managed 351 yards (3.0 average) and 2 TDs.
The Demons have two big targets in the passing game with sophomore TE #0 Travon Jones 6-6; 220 and Junior WR #88 Stanley King 6-6; 200.
The defense is lead by senior linebacker #8 Jaeden Ward 6-2; 220 who after two games leads the team with 11 tackles and DL #33 Ty Ely 6-2; 255, who recorded 2 TFL and a sack against Louisiana Tech.
Already early in this season, the Northwestern State Demons are a well battle tested team, as they have played back to back FBS opponents on the road, and they have played them well.
The Demons will no doubt be hungry for that first win on Saturday, in this their 2023 home opener, and what better motivation, not only for them, but also for their brother from across the river in a good ole sibling rivalry, and the bragging rights that come with it.
Axe'Em
But not Chief Caddo…😈#AxeEm #RaiseTheAxe in the WAC! https://t.co/8bCt6G6o60 pic.twitter.com/GagiKrxhs7
— Colby Carthel (@CoachCarthel) July 2, 2021
