Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demon football team looks to improve their 0-8 record as they go head-to-head against the Lamar University Cardinals in their annual homecoming game this weekend.
Over the past two weekends, the team lost to two conference competitors. The Demons fell 21-42 to Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) on Oct. 12 at Turpin Stadium and fell 0-20 to Nicholls State University on Oct. 19 in Thibodaux, La.
Norman Joseph, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, explained how the team plans to move the ball this weekend with a new talent.
“Quaterius Hawkins will be stepping up in this upcoming game, and I expect him to play within the offense like he is capable of doing,” Joseph said.
Joseph discussed how having Quaterius under center can bring out new parts of the offense and can elevate his strength at the position.
“The offense does change with a new quarterback because the strength of a quarterback like JT Fayard may not be the same as Quaterius,” Joseph said. “It is my job to see those strengths and implement them within the offense.”
The Demons will have a tough conference matchup against the Cardinals, as the opposing team holds a record of 4-3. Lamar gave up 237 passing yards against TAMUC, but only gave 15 yards in the rushing game.
Joseph explained the Demons are prepared to be ready offensively to break through the Cardinals’ defensive formation this weekend.
“Lamar’s defense is fairly strong and not only that — you add to their essential binding of blitzes and multiple coverages, and they run something called Tampa 2, so we are gearing up for a tough ball game,” Joseph said.
Quaterius Hawkins, senior liberal arts graduate student and quarterback, is motivated after stepping into the new role this season.
“For me, I am willing to do whatever is necessary for us to win,” Hawkins said. “I have to do my job and lead the best way I can.”
He shared the team’s mindset going into the homecoming game.
“I think the energy is pretty high in the players,” Hawkins said. “I mean it has been over a year since the Demons won a game, so I think the energy is pretty high in the locker room.”
Matt Conner, defensive coordinator, described the energy and determination to win that is displayed by the team.
“From what I have seen in the locker room, practices and the film room the energy is never down with these guys,” Conner said. “I’ve never seen a group of guys who could easily pack it up, practice and work so hard, and anyone outside who thinks differently I welcome them into our locker room.”
Conner explained how NSU plans to counteract Lamar’s offensive plays.
“Lamar has a big offense and big players. It starts with their running back who transferred from the University of Rice and their dual-threat quarterback,” Conner said. “Lamar has a lot of really big and technically skilled players, so, for us as a defense, we have to be prepared for what they show and be in the right spot to make a play.”
In their annual homecoming game, the Demons will compete against Lamar University this Saturday at 2 p.m. as they return home to Turpin Stadium.
