A Patriotic Tribute to the American Spirit presented by the Northwestern Symphony Society Tuesday Oct 28, 7:30
Doug Bakenhus invites the public to this, sure to be inspiring tribute to the American Spirit
The event is free to all Veterans and $15 for tickets purchased the day of the event on the campus of NSU at the Magale Hall
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Natchitoches’ historic Trinity Episcopal Church was filled with members of the LGBTQ community, families and allies, for the area’s first Pride Mass Saturday, October 25. The Pride Mass is a regular service with readings and homily geared towards acceptance, healing and God’s love towards all persons. After the service, the church hosted food and fellowship in the church hall.
The service was led by The Rev. Shelley Martin, Curate of Alexandria’s St James Episcopal Church, The Rev Kristen Paul, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, and The Rev Deacon Michael Parham of St. James Episcopal Church.
From the Pride Mass program” “Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you. And loves you unconditionally. Go in peace to follow the good road and may the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, be with you now ands always. Amen.”
The Drumline from the NSU Spirit of Northwestern Band was joined by the NSU Steel Band Pandemonium and Samba Batucada Band in a free concert before a delighted audience on the downtown riverbank stage Friday, October 24. Much of the audience were community members and visitors who found a bit of serendipity on a Front Street. Friday night.
The drumline played a variety of pieces that they normally perform at Demon football games, while the Steel Band Pandemonium played several songs with a Caribbean theme, including the Limbo dance, a traditional feature of each year’s concert. NSU’s Samba Batucada Band was a welcome addition to the 2025 Drums Along the Cane lineup. This band features Brazilian instruments and played several Brazilian pieces,
One of the unique aspects of the Steel Band Pandemonium is that one does not have to be a member of the Spirit of Northwestern Band or even a music major or student, to join. Any community member willing to learn and put in the work is welcome.
The hard working members of the Spirit of Northwestern band are a delightful group of young men and women who contribute much to the quality of life in our community. Fork ‘em Demons!
It was a night of celebration and victory at St. Mary’s High School on Friday, as the Tigers defeated LaSalle 28–6 in their Homecoming game. The win improved St. Mary’s to 3–5 overall and 2–1 in District 3-1A.
Adding to the evening’s festivities, Miss Jenna Sklar was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime. The event also welcomed back alumni from the Classes of 1975, 1985, and 2015, who gathered to celebrate their milestone reunions.
On the field, the Tigers delivered a strong performance on both sides of the ball. JP Thibodaux led the offense with 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns, powering St. Mary’s ground attack. Dennison Morgan added a one-yard touchdown run, while AJ Johnson connected with Chalin Gandy on an 18-yard touchdown reception to round out the scoring.
Defensively, the Tigers made several key plays to keep LaSalle in check. Brady Childress and Michael French each recorded an interception, helping St. Mary’s secure its third win of the season.
The Tigers will look to continue their momentum next week as they host Northwood-Lena on Friday night. The game will also serve as Senior Night, with a pregame recognition ceremony beginning around 6:35 p.m. to honor the school’s senior football players and spirit group members.
The margin for Northwestern State’s young football team remains razor-thin.
A second straight matchup against a Top 20 team included a handful of turnovers, penalties and missed chances by the Demons in a 41-14 loss at the hands of No. 15 Lamar on Saturday at Turpin Stadium. The Cardinals broke open a tight game after halftime.
“We’ve played two top 20 teams in a row and a lot of our young guys found out what championship-level football at this level looks like,” Demons’ coach Blaine McCorkle said. “There are a lot of valuable lessons in that for them. A lot for us to learn as we build this thing.”
Down 3-0 after a 50-yard field goal from Lamar’s Ben Woodard, the Demons were poised to take the lead late in the first quarter after one of the eight chunk plays by the offense.
A 59-yard catch from Jimmie Duncan set NSU up at the Lamar 5-yard line, but three plays later a 24-yard field goal was blocked.
“We had some missed opportunities today but the biggest might have been on our second drive,” McCorkle said. “Get the ball all the way down inside the five and come away with no points. That’s unacceptable. You’ve got to find a way to come away with points, three at the worst. It’s a whole different feel if we get a score there.”
The defense forced a punt on the ensuing possession to set up the Demons’ lone scoring drive of the first half.
Three straight explosive passing plays got the Demons into scoring position – a 14-yard reception from Duncan, 21-yard completion to Brendan Webb and 13-yard catch-and-run to Amaaz Eugene. The fourth big play of the drive went to Jeremiah James out of the backfield on a wheel route, with the redshirt freshman scampering 40 yard down to the Lamar 1-yard line.
Three plays later, quarterback Abram Johnston, with a little help from his center Caleb Billiot, lunged his way into the end zone to give the Demons a 7-3 lead early in the second.
The Cardinals responded with an eight-play touchdown drive of their own for a 10-7 edge. Lamar padded the lead just before halftime, moving down the field on a 10-play trip to score with 21 seconds left and take a 17-7 lead into the break.
Lamar scored on five of its final seven possessions, and turned back-to-back turnovers into points, as part of four straight scoring drives to put the game away in the second half.
A fumble and interception near midfield on consecutive possession set the Cardinals up with short fields which they converted into 10 points.
The Demons hit a handful more chunk plays in the second half including their longest of the year.
True freshman Brendan Webb beat press coverage at the line for a 78-yard touchdown grab on his second trip to the end zone this year, securing the first 100-yard receiving game for a Demon since Myles Kitt-Denton against Prairie View A&M a year ago.
Webb (126) and Duncan (73), who both finished with career-best receiving days, combined for a pair of 50-plus yard receptions in the game, collecting 199 total receiving yards on six grabs.
“Those are two really good true freshmen receivers that are going to be incredible players here,” McCorkle said. “Didn’t surprise us what they did today, we’ve seen that coming for a while. They stepped up and made some plays and caught all their passes from a redshirt freshman quarterback who was protected by two redshirt freshmen and a sophomore up front.”
McCorkle noted while around the Southland, only five freshmen are starting elsewhere, and Saturday, the Demos had eight freshmen starting.
Johnston threw for 284 yards, a season best, but the scuttled rushing game managed 23 yards against a stout defensive front.
The Demons travel to McNeese next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Lake Charles.
The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team bowed at home to the first-place Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks (25-17, 25-23 and 25-12) Saturday at Prather Coliseum in Southland Conference volleyball action.
The Demons (1-23, 0-10 SLC) came out ready to compete against the conference favorites SFA as the match was tied at 9-9 following a kill by Olivia Bush. However, the Ladyjacks (14-7, 9-1 SLC) went on an 8-2 run to take control.
In the second set, NSU played quite possibly its best frame of the season. The Demons had 13 kills and just six errors. NSU rallied to push SFA to the brink trailing 24-23 following a kill by Bush. However, SFA won the set on a kill by Isabella Ortiz.
“We almost stole that set from them,” said Demons’ first-year coach Ben Kaszeta. “I thought our upperclassmen played really well today which kept us in the game. I thought we passed and served awesomely which helped give us a chance.”
In the third set, the Ladyjacks took control quickly and pulled away.
“That’s a really good team,” said Kaszeta. “I’m glad we were able to compete the way we did but they’re well respected in this conference for a reason, and they showed that in the last set.”
NSU finished with 31 kills led by Samaya Wesson with 10 and Bush with eight.
The Demons go to the University of Incarnate Word Thursday night at 6 p.m. in San Antonio as Southland play continues.
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Natchitoches Central’s football team lost for the first time in four games Thursday night after threatening to erase a 20-point deficit.
The Chiefs (4-4 overall, 2-4 in District 1-5A) fell 41-21 to visiting Airline (5-3, 3-3), the two-time defending district champion, at Turpin Stadium.
NCHS got a 223-yard rushing performance from Kelton Howard, whose ability to break tackles accounted for probably at least half his production being yards after contact.
The Chiefs fell behind 27-7 at halftime, but rallied. They were in the red zone on the verge of scoring with just under 10 minutes to play, ready to cut a 33-21 deficit, before Airline senior linebacker Kang Noh made a brilliant play. He read a flanker screen perfectly and intercepted inside the 10, returning it nearly to midfield.
The Chiefs didn’t break, however, stopping the Vikings and keeping hopes alive. Airline’s defense stiffened, though, and the visitors salted away the outcome with 4:24 left when senior star Kenny Darby broke four tackles on a 37-yard touchdown.
It was his fifth of the night. Darby, a wide receiver who is committed to LSU, got a lot more action at tailback, running for 175 yards on 15 carries, scoring on runs of 5, 62, 1 and 37 yards, and an 85-yard kickoff return. The Chiefs limited him to only two catches, the fewest he’s had in two seasons.
“Credit (Airline) coach (Justin) Scogin and how he’s found different ways to get him the football,” said NCHS coach Brad Laird. “The more touches he gets, the more dynamic he is. He made big plays to put them over the top. There’s a reason he’s going to LSU.”
Howard looked like he was ready to go to the NFL with his rugged running style, mixed with athletic cuts and speed. He scored on runs of 4 and 36 yards.
“You see him on game nights, and that’s how he is on Monday and Tuesday (in practice),” said Laird. “We’ve got to get more guys like that. He runs hard, has great vision, is strong, and loves playing the game.”
Laird was impressed with his team’s response after Darby dominated the first half with four TDs, including the kickoff return that put the visitors on top for good at 12-7.
“What I was proud of was we put ourselves in a hole, down 27-7, and in the fourth quarter we’re in position to make it a one-score game. But you just can’t make the mistakes we did against a good team,” said the coach.
NCHS will get another 1-5A challenge in a week, going to Independence Stadium next Thursday night to play Huntington. The Chiefs are in contention for a state playoff berth with two games remaining, the last one at Benton.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is announcing that due to the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued to recipients starting November 1. Any unused SNAP benefits from previous months will remain on recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and can be used as usual.
Brought to you by Lance Lopez with Farm Bureau, Harrington Law Firm and the Sharpco Hotel Group.
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A week ago, Northwestern State got a firsthand look at what championship-caliber football feels like. The Demons now hope that experience becomes the foundation for growth as they prepare for another formidable test in Southland Conference play.
The Demons (1-6, 0-3 SLC) welcome No. 15 Lamar (6-1, 3-0) to Turpin Stadium on Saturday, facing a Cardinals team that has thrived in close, physical contests. It marks the first time since 2022 that Northwestern faces ranked opponents in consecutive weeks, after taking on No. 22 Southeastern a week ago.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. but it is possible the game time may be adjusted today if anticipated weather conditions dictate a change. If so, officials will update the NSUDemons.com website and NSU social media platforms today.
The contest can be seen on ESPN+ with a Demon Sports Network broadcast available on 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches, along with Baldridge-Dumas stations in Leesville, Many and Winnfield.
Last week’s loss, according to running back Myion Hicks, offers more than just lessons — it provides a template for what success looks like.
“The best thing we can take away from it is what playing at a high level at this level looks like,” Hicks said. “That’s going to be a really successful team down the line, so I think we can take those lessons of the physicality, the execution, the teamwork that they play with and apply it down the road.”
Those lessons will be put to the test this week against a Lamar team that has mastered the art of winning close games. Five of the Cardinals’ six victories have been decided in the final minutes, with an average margin of victory less than a touchdown.
“When you see that they’ve won all of those close games and last-minute wins, that tells me two things,” Demons’ coach Blaine McCorkle said. “They’ve got a good football team to be in position to win games late, and they’ve got unbelievable character and culture to do it time and time again. That’s a team that believes in each other and their staff — and that’s what happens.”
While Northwestern continues to develop its young core, there were encouraging flashes in last week’s setback.
Freshman cornerback Rahmaan Rinkin, making his first career start, tied for the team lead with six tackles and added a pass breakup. True freshman running back Trevor Allen Jr. and redshirt freshman Jeremiah James combined for 64 total yards of offense on 13 touches, offering a glimpse into the future of the Demons’ backfield.
James’ highlight moment — a 34-yard catch-and-run that set NSU up in the red zone — was part of a late-game surge that showed the offense’s potential when things click.
“Rahmaan did a great job stepping in at corner due to an injury, and he’ll be there again this week,” McCorkle said. “He’s only going to get better as he goes. J.J. and Trevor are really young backs, but there was enough on film from last week that people can see those two guys are going to be really good.
“Once our offense grows around them and they have more opportunities, they’ll get better with every touch. It gives you a lot of confidence for where we’re going in the future.”
For veterans like Hicks, leadership now means helping those young players translate raw ability into steady performance.
“Those guys are very talented and capable, so it’s really just a mindset thing,” Hicks said. “Just reminding them of what makes them feel comfortable and what helps them play free and fast. They know their assignments and how to execute — it’s just helping them slow the game down mentally once they’re out there.”
That discipline will be tested on both sides of the ball, but namely against a Lamar offense built on power and patience. The Cardinals have rushed for more than 150 yards in a game three times this season — including 252 against Texas Southern — and lean heavily on a physical offensive line to control tempo.
“Offensively, they do what everybody in America would love to do,” McCorkle said. “They line up in 11 personnel and beat you up. They’re big and physical up front, and their offensive line can take over a game at any time.
“Our front seven is going to have to be ready to go because it’s going to be a physical fist fight in the box this week.”
Despite strong play and late pushes in both singles and doubles, Northwestern State tennis competitors came up short Thursday in Day 2 action at the Southland Conference Fall Masters.
Head coach Marcos Morelli credited both the level of competition and his team’s continued progress.
“Congrats to them for competing better than us,” Morelli said. “They deserved the wins. I’m still happy about our process. I feel we’re on the right track. We want to be in those close matches, and that’s where growth happens.”
Northwestern’s doubles pairing of Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda could not built on the momentum of a back-and-forth first set with Stephen F. Austin’s Jemma Cave and Ksenia Mamontova, falling 6-4, 6-2.
Senior Zoi Spyrou took McNeese’s Salome Fluri to the limit before falling in three sets 7-5, 2-6, 1-6.
Morelli said the team continues to focus on maintaining high standards against top-tier competition.
“The girls are doing the right things in both doubles and singles,” he said. “Their opponents are some of the best in the league. We did good, but we didn’t do excellent — and to beat the best, you have to be excellent. The standard for us is to be at the top, and that means improving in the little things.”
Despite the results, Morelli said the home crowd helped fuel the team throughout the day.
“It was great to play in front of our fans again,” he said. “The girls felt the support. That’s part of why we wanted to host this event — to give the Natchitoches community a chance to see some of the best tennis in the conference right here at home.”
The Lady Demons take part in their final tournament of the fall season when they head to Beaumont, Texas, to compete in the Joe Pyburn Invitational at Lamar, beginning on Oct. 31.
MILESTONES FOR WESSON IN VOLLEYBALL LOSS: Samaya Wesson recorded her 300th career kill and 200th career block for the Northwestern State Demons in a 3-0 loss (25-14, 25-16 and 25-12) to the Lamar Cardinals (13-11, 6-3 SLC) Thursday night in Southland Conference volleyball action at Prather Coliseum.
The Demons (1-22, 0-9 SLC) were led by Olivia Bush with nine kills while Jade Longlad led the setters with 18 assists. But it was Wesson’s day as she recorded two milestones in the third set with her 300th career kill and 200th block.
“It’s nice to be able to make your mark,” said Wesson. “I’ve been playing this game for 11 years and I am glad to achieve something during my career.”
NSU head coach Ben Kaszeta praised his team’s effort and character.
“We may not be getting the results, but this team makes it fun to come to work,” said Kaszeta. “The character that they show despite not having the wins to show for it makes me optimistic long term.”
The Demons will host league-leading Stephen F. Austin (12-7, 7-1 SLC) Saturday at noon in Prather Coliseum. Match time could change if officials decide Friday morning to adjust kickoff time for the home football game that is scheduled to begin at 4, but might be changed due to anticipated approaching storms.
NSU will update the NSUDemons.com website and use social media to announce any schedule changes for Saturday.
BEAUMONT, Texas—Northwestern State struggled to keep possession in a 2-0 loss at Lamar Thursday night, but other results around the Southland Conference earned NSU at least a share of the conference regular season women’s soccer title.
A Stephen F. Austin tie earned the Demons (11-4-3, 6-2-1) at least a share of the regular season championship, as NSU is up three points on SFA and East Texas A&M with one game to play.
“To win a share a share is great,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “Obviously we’ve got one game left, and we’d like to win it outright. That will be our focus going into next week.
“But I am really disappointed with the way we played tonight and the overall level of play. We didn’t really stick to the way we normally play. That was tough, but it was a well-deserved win for Lamar.”
At Lamar, a pair of second half goals from the league’s leading scorer Lauren Smith was too much to overcome in just NSU’s second SLC defeat of the season.
The goals came in the final 13 minutes of the game, as Kam Jalayer sent in a cross that Smith headed home in the 77th minute, and then added one more on the same connection on a breakaway, as Smith chipped it over NSU goalkeeper Kennedy Rist to seal the game.
The game saw an evenly played first half, as the Demons held a 6-4 shots edge in the first 45 minutes.
The second half was controlled by the Cardinals, out-shooting NSU 11-3.
In the 75th minute, Anneliese Switzer had a clean look at the net, but her shot sailed past the top right corner of the goal.
But the pressure Lamar put on NSU all night long took its toll, and the Cardinals broke through with Smith’s header in the 77th minute.
Six minutes later, Smith added another, as the Demons pressed to try for the equalizer, but Lamar found a second goal on a counter-attack, as Smith scored on a breakaway to double the lead.
“I think we take more away from losses than wins in terms of what we learn,” Brophy said. “We’ll probably learn more and grow more from this type of game than if we had won.
“We’re going to have to benefit from that growth and really take that on this week and that will hopefully take us to where we want to be. But we have seen that this year. After every loss, we have seen that growth and that improvement and desire to fix the things we need to fix.”
The Demons aim to rebound and win the conference title outright next Thursday with a victory at Nicholls to end the regular season before coming right back to Beaumont for the SLC Tournament, beginning Nov. 4.
By Journal Staff – Monroe, Louisiana
MONROE, La. — A federal jury has awarded $42.75 million to the family of Erie Moore Sr., ruling that LaSalle Management Company, its privately operated Richwood Correctional Center, and three of its employees were liable for Moore’s death following an incident inside the Monroe-area jail nearly a decade ago.
The verdict, returned Oct. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, found that LaSalle and its staff used excessive force and failed to ensure Moore’s safety while he was in custody. The award includes $19.5 million in compensatory damages and $23.25 million in punitive damages.
Moore’s family filed suit in 2016, alleging that the correctional staff’s actions and the facility’s policies violated his constitutional rights. The case endured nearly ten years of motions, appeals, and procedural delays before reaching a two-week jury trial.
Court documents show that Moore was arrested by Monroe police on Oct. 12, 2015, for disturbing the peace — a misdemeanor charge — and booked into Richwood Correctional Center that morning. Surveillance video presented at trial reportedly showed Moore placed in an isolation cell and later joined by another detainee, Vernon White, who had been involved in a separate fight elsewhere in the jail.
According to evidence and witness accounts introduced by the plaintiffs, correctional officers used chemical spray multiple times and employed impact weapons during their response to a confrontation between Moore and White. The video evidence allegedly showed Moore being sprayed, struck, and thrown head-first to the floor.
The Ouachita Parish coroner ruled Moore’s death a homicide caused by blunt-force trauma. He died from a hematoma on Nov. 14, 2015, about a month after the incident.
During closing arguments, attorneys for Moore’s family argued that LaSalle and Richwood staff acted with disregard for inmate safety and that supervisors failed to enforce use-of-force policies or monitor correctional practices. They asserted that a lack of oversight and accountability contributed directly to Moore’s fatal injuries.
Defense attorneys countered that Moore was combative and non-compliant with officers and that the cause and timing of his injury were unclear. They claimed the trauma could have occurred during his altercation with the other inmate. Attorneys for LaSalle also argued that the company, as a private operator, should not automatically be held liable under federal civil-rights standards typically applied to public agencies.
After deliberating, jurors held LaSalle, Richwood, and three employees civilly responsible for Moore’s death. Plaintiffs’ attorney Cameron Nelson said the verdict “vindicated” Moore’s life and underscored the need for reform within Louisiana’s for-profit prison system.
Trial lawyer Max Schoening called the outcome “a light shined on ten years of darkness,” crediting Moore’s children for pursuing justice over the long course of litigation.
A member of Moore’s family said after the verdict that they hoped the decision would send a message to correctional officials statewide: “Everybody’s human. You shouldn’t use authority on people who can’t defend themselves.”
LaSalle Management, headquartered in Ruston, operates several correctional facilities across Louisiana and other southern states. The company has faced prior lawsuits and congressional scrutiny regarding inmate care and use-of-force policies. As of publication, no public statement from LaSalle or Richwood addressing the verdict has been located.
Note: LaSalle operates the Natchitoches Detention Center in Natchitoches Parish.
By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information Director
Typically, Cam George is seen before he is heard.
One morning during Northwestern State’s preseason football camp, however, George’s message to his teammates spoke loudly.
George, a senior defensive end and team captain, stood on the Turpin Stadium turf and told his teammates his mother, Miranda Thomas, was in a battle with pancreatic cancer. For the often-stoic George, revealing the fact to his teammates and coaching staff was liberating.
“It was like a weight off my shoulders,” George said. “For a long time, I feel like I was keeping it in. I also feel like it was a testimony to others who are going through things and don’t usually speak up – showing them it’s OK to seek help or support from others and you can battle through anything and still succeed on and off the field no matter what’s going on in your life.”
The Demons (1-6, 0-3 Southland Conference) return home Saturday at 4 p.m. to face Lamar in Northwestern’s annual #ForkCancer game – one that will have even more meaning for George.
It will be his first such game since learning of his mother’s cancer battle, which began in March.
For George, a 6-foot-2, 245-pounder, Saturday’s game takes on a deeper significance.
“I feel like I’m playing for her,” George said. “Her seeing me out there gives her hope and gives her some joy in a tough time. This game will make her very happy. It definitely drives me. Anytime I’m out there and facing adversity or I feel like the team needs me to step it up, I remember she’s going through a fight that is much worse. I always lean into that and give it my all.”
Happiness often is tied to George and comes, in his estimation, from his mother.
“Honestly, we’re like twins,” George said. “We are very patient, loveable people who are always going to look out for others. I feel like I definitely get that from her.”
Second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle can back up George’s assertion of his similarities to his mother.
Thomas, who lives in Houston, was able to take in the Demons’ Oct. 11 game at HCU where she crossed paths with McCorkle.
“They have the same demeanor, put off the same presence,” McCorkle said. “You can tell he’s definitely his mother’s child for sure.”
George had a tackle for loss and a pass breakup in the Demons’ visit to HCU while playing in front of his mom. With George being in season and his mother an approximate four-hour drive away, George has learned to rely even deeper on family.
“It’s been challenging, but the great thing is I have a family and a great support system that can help me as well as help her, so we’re never alone,” George said. “That’s definitely a blessing.”
Whether it is in the locker room or in the coaches’ offices on the third floor of the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex’s fieldhouse, George knows he has a place to find that same feeling at Northwestern.
McCorkle’s decades of college football coaching experience have helped him craft a playbook for how to strike a balance for situations George has found himself in during his senior season.
“Cam came to see me in the spring and told me where she was and what she was going through,” McCorkle said. “When you go through that as a coach, you want to be there to support them. You don’t want to wear them out, you don’t want to hound them, but you let them know you love them, you pray for them and every so often, you ask, ‘Hey, how’s mom doing?’ That’s one of the most important things you can do is let him know, we’re busy. We’re game-planning, and we have his program we’re trying to run, but we haven’t forgotten. Hopefully, he appreciates that you him a little distance, but you love him through it at the same time.”
Equally important for George and for his mother is their faith.
With Thomas recently completing her final radiation and chemotherapy treatments, that shared belief has been reinforced, especially in their daily communication.
“It all comes back to having faith and belief that things will be OK,” George said. “We usually talk every day. If we can’t reach each other on the phone, we’ll send a text saying, ‘I love you.’ She’ll send me a prayer each and every day. If it’s a few minutes reaching out to each other, we try our best to stay in touch and keep that love intact.
“She’s a very strong woman, so I know she can handle anything and she’ll get through it. As a family, we’ve reassured her, we’re here for her and will fight for her and do whatever it takes to help her on this journey.”
BEAUMONT, Texas — Going into the season, the Northwestern State soccer team had many goals.
Two — a Southland Conference regular season championship and a Southland Tournament championship — stand above the rest.
Northwestern (11-3-3, 6-1-1) has a chance to capture the first objective at Lamar (5-6-5, 2-2-4) tonight at the LU Soccer Complex.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with ESPN+ coverage.
“It is going to be a tough game,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “Lamar is a very good team with some very dangerous players, especially the league’s leading scorer. We know if we give up an opportunity, they can put it away.
“For us, it’s about doing the things we have done, and obviously clean sheets give us a real opportunity to do well and win matches. If we can get out of there with a clean sheet, it should be a step closer for us in terms of winning a title.”
The Demons can claim the conference regular season crown with a win, the first of three they aim to earn in Beaumont, as the field is where the conference tournament is being held.
Northwestern can either clinch with a triumph at Lamar or a loss by second-place Stephen F. Austin at UIW. The Demons have a four-point lead with two matches left, with wins counting three points. NSU’s regular season concludes next Thursday at Nicholls.
NSU was in a similar position last season, as it could have won the 2024 SLC title with a victory at Stephen F. Austin in the regular season finale, but the Lumberjacks came away with a 5-0 win.
The Demons remember that experience and are prepared to handle the moment this time around.
“This team has learned a lot from that experience last year and coming up just short,” Brophy said. “The hope is to use that as fuel to make sure it doesn’t happen again. For us, we need to stay focused on the little things and doing all the things we know are going to lead to success.”
NSU is coming off a strong weekend, finishing off an unbeaten home schedule with shutout victories over McNeese and UIW. The Demons have won five straight.
The Cardinals are aiming to hold on to their tournament spot, as they are in a jumbled mess within the SLC standings, as fourth-place Southeastern Louisiana is just three points ahead of ninth-place Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
With 10 points, Lamar is three points ahead of last-place UTRGV.
The Northwestern State Demons host the Lamar Cardinals tonight at 6:30 in Prather Coliseum in Southland Conference volleyball action with a “Volleyween” theme.
Fans are encouraged to attend the Halloween-themed match dressed in their best costumes for a chance to win a $100 Super One gift card.
The Demons (1-21, 0-8 SLC) enter on the heels of a loss Saturday at Nicholls. Northwestern was led by junior Samaya Wesson with eight kills. The Euless, Texas native comes into Thursday’s contest with 295 career kills.
NSU’s Jade Longlad continues to lead the Southland with 40 aces. The junior had three aces against Nicholls to keep the lead over UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Isabella Constantini, who has 39.
The Cardinals (12-11, 5-3 SLC) come in with a five-game winning streak led by the reigning Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week, Maja Malinowska, and the Setter of the Week, Alexa Gonzalez.
Malinowska, a sophomore, had 44 kills last week in a pair of wins over UIW and Houston Christian. Gonzalez, also a sophomore, had a combined 104 assists in the two matches last week.
Lamar leads the all-time series over NSU 25-20 including a 3-0 win over the Demons on Oct. 24, 2024. However, the Demons have won eight of the last 10 meetings.
The Northwestern tennis team had a successful opening day Wednesday as the Southland Conference Fall Masters commenced at the Lady Demons Tennis Complex, featuring both women’s and men’s singles and doubles play.
Juniors Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda mounted a 2-set comeback, winning the second set 6-3, and finishing off their foes from Nicholls in the final set, prevailing in a 12-10 thriller.
Farina and Umeda will play SFA’s reigning SLC champions, Jemma Cave and Ksenia Mamontova, today at 11 a.m.
In singles action, senior Zoi Spyrou outlasted Nicholls’ Noemie Piquet 6-0, 5-7, 6-4.
Second-year Lady Demons’ coach Marcos Morelli was thrilled with how his players bounced back
“I think that is why they won,” says Morelli. “They played to win; they wanted to win. I do think they need to commit to the process more. At this level, if you’re not doing the right things, you will find yourself down and losing very quickly.”
The Fall Masters continues as mens’ competition kicks off at 9 a.m. today, with the Lady Demons pairing beginning at 11 a.m., and Spyrou following at 3 p.m.
“We want to play against the best,” says Morelli. “We are excited for the opportunity. We’re going to play to win. Commit to the process, and let’s see what happens.
Session Begins October 23, Runs Through November 13
Gov. Jeff Landry has called a special session of the Louisiana Legislature to convene October 23 and continue through November 13. The stated purpose is to consider revisions to the state’s election code, upcoming election dates and deadlines, and to ensure the 2026 election cycle proceeds smoothly—including authorization of any required funding.
A member of the State House of Representatives explained that lawmakers are awaiting a decision by the United States Supreme Court regarding Louisiana’s congressional redistricting map. That ruling, expected sometime in 2025, could require the state to redraw its districts.
The legislator said the upcoming special session provides an opportunity to align the election schedule and related technical provisions in advance of any possible court action. “We’re preparing the 2026 election framework under existing law,” the representative noted, “so that the state’s deadlines and procedures remain intact regardless of when the Court ultimately rules.”
Congressional map challenge: Louisiana’s current map contains two majority-Black districts, created under a prior federal court order. That plan remains under appeal for alleged racial gerrymandering.
Potential need for redistricting: If the Supreme Court invalidates the map, the Legislature could be required to redraw districts, which might disrupt the 2026 election calendar.
Preventing administrative chaos: Adjusting the election code, filing deadlines, and budget allocations now may help the state avoid confusion such as invalid ballots, missed qualification periods, or candidate uncertainty.
Addressing unfinished business: Louisiana governors often use special sessions to handle measures that failed in the regular session or require timely attention before the next one convenes.
If the Supreme Court overturns the current map, Louisiana will already have established updated timelines and procedures to reduce disruption.
Redistricting debates could spark partisan conflict given the political stakes tied to district boundaries.
Adjustments to deadlines could affect candidate qualifying, voter registration windows, and ballot preparation.
Because special sessions are limited to items listed in the governor’s call, lawmakers will be restricted to election-related legislation rather than broader policy matters.
