After a tough 0-3 start to the season, Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demon football looks to pick up a win against Weber State University this weekend.
NSU’s team lost 31-37 against Prairie View A&M University at their first home game of the season at Turpin Stadium on Sept. 7. The Demons were then defeated by the University of South Alabama with a final score of 87-10 on Sept. 12 at the Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile.
Blaine McCorkle, head football coach, said he believes in the progress being shown on both sides of the ball and wants to claim the season as the team’s own.
He explained that being consistent and technical will lead to success for this upcoming game against the Wildcats and for the future of the season.
“We are looking at constant improvement every day and daily progress,” McCorkle said. “I believe we will be in good shape.”
Norman Joseph, offensive coordinator, discussed the four things that he looks for in practice every day and what he wants to see in games to drive the team to victory.
Before the start of the season, Joseph sat down with the offensive players and explained to them how they needed to approach the game against their opponents. He also referred to this as the Four F’s: focus, fast, physical and fun.
“You need to be focused whether it is execution or just daily practice,” Joseph said. “In the new era of football, speed kills and players on the other side are faster than ever, and you need to keep up with them.”
He shared the importance of playing physically and why having fun can have a huge impact on the game.
“Physical — I know it doesn’t have an F but humor me — players need to be physical and ready for a dog fight,” Joseph said. “At the end of the day, this is a tough and physical game, and if you are not having fun with it, it can weigh on you.”
The coaching staff expects Weber State to bring a physical matchup on both sides of the ball, Joseph said.
Matt Conner, defensive coordinator, discussed what to expect for the team’s defense against the offensive side of Weber State.
“They are a physical defense and big in stature, especially their front five,” Conner said. “We have to be on our A game to beat them and compete with the physicality they are going to bring this Saturday.”
McCorkle acknowledged the Demons are up for a challenge against the Wildcats.
“The fact you can’t point to one side of the ball shows how well-balanced they are,” McCorkle said. “They are a physical team and well-balanced on both offense and defense.”
The Demons coaching staff said they’re ready for their game this Saturday at 6 p.m. as they return home to Turpin Stadium.
