Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demon football looks to secure a win as they return home to face Texas A&M University-Commerce in their second Southland Conference game of the season. This weekend is also the annual “Fork Cancer” game for the football team.
The Demons lost 0-39 to Weber State University on Sept. 21 in their second home game of the season at Turpin Stadium. The team then lost 0-19 to Southeast Missouri State University on Sept. 28 in Missouri and 17-59 to Stephen F. Austin State University on Oct. 5 in Texas.
Blaine McCorkle, head football coach, believes that the team is growing in all aspects of the game.
“I think the team has improved steadily in all phases — game by game little by little,” McCorkle said. “You know I can’t name one thing we haven’t improved at.”
With the Lions holding a 0-5 record and the Demons holding a 0-6 record, there are similarities between both teams as they both look to win their first Southland conference game of the season.
On the offensive side, the Lions averaged 14.60 points per game, while NSU has averaged 14.33 points per game this season. Texas A&M has gained 575 yards rushing, and the Demons have gained 663 yards rushing this season.
With these similarities, McCorkle is sure to not underestimate the opponent.
“Every game is a tough and physical game,” McCorkle said. “You know this is football so it doesn’t matter who we play, we always expect and gear up for a tough and physical game.”
At the defensive side of the ball, the Lions’ opponents averaged 34.20 points per game, while the Demons’ opponents scored 50.50 per game. The Lions’ have given up 166 yards rushing to their opposing teams, while the Demons have given up 199 yards rushing to their opponents.
Maurice Stewart, associate and running back coach, discussed how this could be significant for the Demons’ offense.
“We expect a big game from the running game because the guys have shown out,” Stewart said. “We have some really good things going right now in the offense so I’m excited to play.”
Stewart explained the Demons will be prepared this weekend on the running side of the ball.
“Despite their record there is a team that plays with heart and plays physical, so, for our guys, we have to protect the football. It is a good challenge to get to the third level and make some plays,” Stewart said.
McCorkle has been preaching to the Demons’ offensive line how good of an opportunity this game can be for them.
“I mean this is a game for the offensive line to show out, because they have been improving and we can run the football,” McCorkle said.
Cade Camp, offensive line coach, described how this upcoming game will go for the offensive line.
“They have some length and are good at passing, rushing and will give us a lot of looks,” Camp said. “So it will be on us to keep it simple and be very fast.”
Camp explained what it will take for the running game to develop and how the pass block can be important.
“It comes down to executing; you know you can block anything with technique and doing it violently,” Camp said.
The coaching staff has high expectations as the football team competes in the annual “Fork Cancer” game against the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Turpin Stadium.
Fans can donate to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Cancer Center by texting Fork Cancer and whatever amount they choose to 41444, and the first 100 fans will receive a Fork Cancer T-Shirt.
