LAWRENCE, Kan.— Coming off an upset win Thursday night at Wichita State, the Northwestern State women’s basketball team fought back from a 20-point deficit in the second half to cut it to single digits in the final quarter, but could not complete the comeback in a 75-60 loss at Kansas on Sunday afternoon at historic Allen Fieldhouse.

Northwestern (1-2) found itself trailing 45-25 early in the second half against a Big 12 team that returned much of its scoring from last year, but the Demons fought back on the strength of last year’s Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Vernell Atamah,  to cut the deficit to seven. A late 13-2 run from the Jayhawks (2-0) put the game away in the final seven minutes of action.

With the Demons trailing by that 20-point margin, Atamah came alive with 15 of her team-high 19 points during an extended 29-16 run to cut the deficit to 61-54 with 7:35 to play.

The sophomore from Mesquite, Texas, has poured in 64 points so far this season to lead the Southland Conference.

Against Kansas, she only needed seven shots to score the 19 points, making 4-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-4 from deep and 8-of-9 from the free throw line.

Her work in the offseason shooting from behind the arc has paid off, as she has made 52 percent from deep so far (13-of-25).

The Jayhawks had a response, holding NSU without a made field goal from Atamah’s basket and foul to cut it to 61-54 all the way until Nya Valentine’s jumper with 16 seconds remaining.

In the first half, Atamah drained a 3-pointer less than three minutes into the game to cut the deficit to 7-5, but that was her only basket of the first half, as she was saddled with foul trouble and was limited to 10 minutes in the opening half.

In the first half, when Atamah was out on the floor, NSU only trailed 18-14, but in the minutes she was out, the Demons were out-scored 21-9, as NSU trailed 39-23 at halftime.

NSU could not stop the Jayhawks inside the arc, as the home team scored 63 of 75 points either from the paint or the free throw line.

Coming back after a three-game Midwest swing, the Demons play in front of the Prather Coliseum crowd for a pair, starting with Saturday’s 6 o’clock home opener with Champion Christian.

VOLLEYBALL  – Saturday in Commerce, Texas, Northwestern State took its first set victory in league play from the East Texas A&M Lions before falling 3-1 in Southland Conference action.

The Demons (1-27, 0-14 SLC) barely missed two chances Thursday night to claim a set win in a homecourt 3-0 loss to the Lions. (9-16, 7-7 SLC) and threatened again in a 25-23 second-set loss. They got over the hump after halftime.

The Demons came out strong in the third set as they had a 15-10 lead following a kill by Samaya Wesson. NSU stretched their lead out to 21-15 late in the third set after two more kills by Wesson and an ace by Reagan Hamm. Wesson and Deja Benjamin’s assisted block closed the third set. The win was the first set victory in conference play for Northwestern.

“I’m glad for the girls,” said first-year head coach Ben Kazeta. “Getting a set win is an improvement. We try to get one percent better each day and we did that today.”

The season ends with home games Thursday night and Saturday afternoon this week in Prather Coliseum.

Northwestern State was unable to keep pace with a balanced offensive attack from visiting UIW on Saturday, falling 38-3 as the reigning Southland Conference football champions took control from the outset at Turpin Stadium.

The Cardinals (4-6, 2-4) piled up more than 200 yards both rushing and passing, scoring touchdowns on four of their five first-half possessions to turn a fast start into a comfortable win.

“We continue to play hard and our kids keep fighting, evidenced in that last drive of the game where we ran the ball and got a few first downs,” second-year Demons’ coach Blaine McCorkle said. “Looked up at the end there and see all those freshmen out there fighting it out. I was very proud of that. Our defense played well in moments and had a few other moments during the game, but we still have to tackle better. Still trying to knock people down with our shoulders instead of throwing your chest on there and wrapping up.”

After missing the past three weeks due to injury, senior receiver Ty Moore provided an early spark with a 56-yard reception on the second drive of the game that set the Demons up at the UIW 2-yard line.

The big play, though did not turn into all the points the Demons were looking for on the drive. A pair of negative plays forced NSU to settle for a 28-yard Grayson Lytton field goal, cutting the deficit to four instead of tying the game.

“The last few weeks we’ve gotten ourselves down there close and not been able to put the ball in the end zone,” McCorkle said. “We’ve tried to approach that a couple of different ways in style of play but when you get down there the game definitely changes. 

“Regardless of how you lighten or load the box the game gets really physical and that’s where we’re getting exposed a little bit with size and strength. We have to keep working and trying to find answers because we’re getting down there and not coming away with points and we can’t do that.”

The defensive stand injected more momentum into the Cardinal sideline after a first-possession touchdown on a 6-yard pass to Jalen Walthall. They got their second score of the day five plays after the Demon field goal, picking up 47 yards on two more Walthall catches plus a Demon penalty.

The star UIW receiver got his second score of the game on the Cardinal’s next drive, after forcing a Demon punt, going untouched on a 46-yard catch-and-run on a bubble screen that made it a 21-3 game midway through the second quarter.

He finished the game with nine grabs for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback E.J. Colson finished 22-for-28 passing for 263 yards.

Running back Timothy Carter added 141 rushing yards and two scores, including a 68-yard burst in the third quarter that capped a quick, two-play scoring drive that followed a Demon punt.

The Demons moved the ball effectively at times, rushing for 68 yards in the fourth quarter alone that included eight carries and 34 yards from redshirt freshman running back Jeremiah James.

He and Hicks combined for 80 of NSU’s 100 rushing yards on the day.

NSU held the ball for the final eight minutes of the game with a 13-play drive that covered 65 yards.

The Demons make their final road trip of the season next weekend when they travel to Nicholls for a 3 p.m. kickoff.

Northwestern State University First Lady Martha Janes Genovese was featured speaker at the NSU Elementary Lab School Veterans Day program, a student-led that honored those who served and are serving in the United States armed forces. The event was hosted by the school’s 4-H Club.

Genovese, daughter of a World War II veteran, left Northwestern State in 1969, the height of the Viet Nam War, to join the U.S. Air Force, against her parents’ wishes. Her three brothers also served in the Air Force at the same time. She retired as staff sergeant. She said her most memorable experiences were working with POWs after they returned to the U.S.

E Lab’s 4-H Club officers and members organized the Veterans Day program that was held in conjunction with Grandparents Day and the school book fair.

The morning began with a reception for veterans in the school garden pavilion. 4-H club members escorted veterans in a procession into the gym for the patriot program of songs and a slide show recognizing students’ family members who are veterans.

Emmitt Maggio read his award-winning Veterans Day essay and art contest winners Jalen Jones, K-1st grade winner; Kynlee Hardison, 2nd-3rd grade winner, and Kennedy Harrell, 4th-5th grade winner, were recognized. Anniston Wilkerson, 3rd grade, received honorable mention. Their work appeared on the event program.

With over 90 members, the Elementary Lab School 4-H Club is one of the largest in the state. Lisa Wiggins is the club sponsor.

The NSU Brass Ensembles will present a concert on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. A livestream will be available at
http://www.nsu.la/CAPA-LIVE.

The concert will feature performances by the NSU Trumpet Studio Ensemble, the NSU Horn Choir, the NSU Trombone Choir and the NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble. The ensembles will combine to conclude the concert

NSU Trumpet Studio Ensemble will perform “If Thou Be Near” by J. S. Bach arranged by Barry Ford and “Dance of the Comedians” from the opera “The Bartered Bride” by Bedrich Smetana and arranged by David Hickman. The ensemble will be directed by Galindo Rodriguez
and Jack Stanley.

Members of the Trumpet Studio Ensemble are Kasin Domingue, Connor Duplechin, Mallory England, Keegan Faulkner, Kaden Finnerty, Anthony Foto, Ever Naum Galeas, Joshua Garcie, Evelyn Gardner, Kaleb Hathaway, Mason Haydell, Fredy Hernandez, Hannah Hughes, Morgan
Hunter, Wolfgang A. Otero, Alyssa Toney and Layton Zeringue

NSU Horn Choir will play “Selections from Suite” by Eugene Bozza, “America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward and arranged by John Jay Hilfiger and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe and arranged by Hilfiger.

Dr. Alexis Sczepanik will direct the Horn Choir. Members are Hannah Bell, Noah Castaneda, Alison Choate, Phillip Coleman, Joseph Duboice, Nyanza Federick, Kevin Juarez, Emily Kahler, Josias Revolledo, Ryan Villarreal

NSU Trombone Choir will perform “Excursions” by David Wilborn. Dr. J. Mark Thompson is the director.

Members of the Trombone Choir are tenor trombones Jorge Bravo, Mateo Vela, Niel Higginbotham, Morgan Doerr and Jeremiah Blaze and bass trombones Tristan Davis, Rafael Melgar and Francisco Riego.

The NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble’s program will be “Acropolis” by Hayato Hirose, “Pilgrim’s Chorus” from the opera “Tannhäuser” by Richard Wagner and arranged by Paul Schmidt and “Spain” by Chick Corea and arranged by Norio Maeda.

Dr. Masahito Kuroda will direct the Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble. Taylor Carrell is the graduate assistant.

Members of the ensemble are Daniel Coleman, Bryen Bailey, Reon Bell, Cyrus Blount, Joseph Duboice, Matthew Fussell, Jonas Johnson, Emily Murphy, Dylan Dunn-Peacock, William Self and Dr. John T. Dunn on euphonium, Taylor Carrell, Wesley Hacket, JR Jackson, Jordan
Kirts, Alexander Miller, Zachary Miller, Alex Mills, Brodie Rozema, Travis Sinclair and Dr. Adam Hudlow on tuba. Rafael Melgar Caceres will be on drums. Zachary Miller will be on electric guitar and Kazue Seo will be on piano.

The ensembles will combine to play “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by John Williams and arranged by Peter Graham.

Natchitoches, LA – Turn up the dial and feel the pulse, because 95.9 The Bounce is storming onto the Natchitoches airwaves! Powered by visionary Latorria Freeman, the station is claiming its crown as Natchitoches’ Home for Urban Vibes – a dynamic mix of music, talk, and community energy that’s been missing from local radio. 

The Playlist That Hits Every Note

From sunup to sundown, The Bounce delivers the soundtrack Natchitoches craves:

• Daytime Heat: Old school hip hop, R&B, blues, zydeco, country, and trail ride mix songs – the classics that raised us, from silky slow jams to zydeco and those unbeatable trail ride hits to keep you bouncing.
• Nighttime Fire: When the lights go down, current hip hop and R&B takeover – today’s hottest tracks keep the energy high and the streets buzzing.

Add in tons of fun entertainment – live DJ battles, on-air games, local artist spotlights, giveaways, community shoutouts, and pop-up events – and you’ve got a radio station that doesn’t just play music… It moves people.

Why The Bounce? Why Now?

Connect with us at 959TheBounce on social media for launch updates, behind-the-scenes access, and first listens. 

Natchitoches, your home for urban vibes, is officially here.

95.9 The Bounce: Natchitoches’ Home for Urban Vibes – Where the Beat Lives, the Talk Flows, and the Culture Stays Lit. 

For sponsorships, guest spots, or to get on the air, reach out to Latorria Freeman at (318) 354-7712.

LISTEN LIVE

Miss Merry Christmas and the Christmas Belles joined Carmella Maggio McCart in helping clean and decorate the Santa Claus House for the new Christmas season.

Jeanette Maggio Gunter, Carmella’s aunt, had the original Santa House built in 1959-60 in memory of her son Barry Gunter. Jeanette’s family has been involved with the Santa Claus House every year since.

Jeanette’s dream was to have a Santa House in Natchitoches so that every child in our community would have the opportunity to see Santa. Her vision has grown and inspired thousands of people to come visit the little house along the Cane River.

You will be able to see Miss Merry Christmas and her Belles assisting Santa Claus each night at the Santa Claus House. The Santa House will be open from Dec. 7-23. The hours are 6-8:30 pm Sunday-Friday and 5-8:30 pm on Saturdays.

Pictured from left to right are Anna Weaver, Sienna Henderson, Miss Merry Christmas Maddie Gorum,
Ella Hardee and Jillian Coleman.

November 6, 2025

Dear St. Mary’s Families & Natchitoches Parish Residents,

This Sunday November 2, 2025 at all Masses, Fr. Irion announced that the Diocese of Alexandria is entering and has petitioned for a Chapter 11 reorganization of its financial affairs under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. A letter from Bishop Marshall was included in the bulletin.

Because of this, a rumor began circulating that St. Mary’s School will be closing. This rumor is false. The Diocese’s bankruptcy filing does not affect our parish or St. Mary’s Catholic School. The bankruptcy involves only the diocese itself.  Please read Bishop Marshall’s letter, which explains this in a very clear and transparent way. If you need a copy of the letter, please visit the Diocesan website at www.diocesealex.org or contact us and we will forward you a copy. 

To be clear, the bankruptcy applies only to the Diocese itself.  Parishes and schools and other Catholic entities are separately incorporated under state law and are not affected by this filing.

Please be assured that the rumor that St. Mary’s may close is false. We have no intention of closing St. Mary’s school. Together, let us dispel this rumor and move forward.  Please pray for our school community as we continue to advance and make our school a safe place for our children as they advance spiritually, academically and socially, with Jesus Christ as their foundation. 

Sincerely, With Faith in Christ and Mary through prayers,

Fr. Irion St. Romain, Chancellor
Stephen Wren, M.S. Ed., Principal

Louisiana State Police Troop G Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Nov. 5 around 4:30 am on Interstate 49 near Louisiana Highway 177. The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Lawrence Irchirl of Natchitoches.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer traveling north on Interstate 49 during reported dense fog conditions were involved in a crash, resulting in the tractor-trailer overturning on the roadway. For reasons still under investigation, this crash subsequently began a series of additional crashes in the northbound lane of Interstate 49. Moments later, a 2002 Ford F-350, driven by Irchirl, approached the location of the crash and collided with an 18-wheeler parked on the roadway and occupied by another motorist.

Irchirl, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other drivers involved were properly restrained, with several sustaining minor injuries and receiving treatment at the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists that visibility is significantly reduced when driving in dense fog and low-light conditions. During these times, reducing your speed, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe following distance is imperative. While not all crashes are survivable, taking these simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board’s committee met on Nov. 4 to review ongoing district projects, upcoming calendar adjustments, and updates on initiatives aimed at supporting families and staff.

Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi opened the meeting with updates on the upcoming bond election, noting the community’s engagement and the district’s ongoing efforts to share factual information. He expressed appreciation for the support and communication from employees and families as the election approaches.

The board also reviewed the district calendar, highlighting a staggered start schedule for the second semester. The adjusted return dates will allow time for professional development and classroom preparation following the holiday break. Board members discussed ensuring families receive clear communication about the schedule changes before winter break.

A report on the annual food drive was presented, which has been successful in past years and continues to serve as a valuable community partnership. The district will again collect nonperishable food items for distribution to local families in need.

Discussion then turned to the district’s after-school care programs. Board members reviewed the challenges faced by schools that operate extended-day services, particularly in staffing and maintaining consistent participation. The administration is exploring possible adjustments to better meet family needs while ensuring financial and logistical sustainability.

An update on budget performance through October was presented, noting that expenditures remain within projected limits and revenue collections are on target for the current fiscal year. Routine reports were submitted for review, including accounts payable and sales tax updates.

An overview of ongoing maintenance and improvement projects was presented, including HVAC system work, roofing repairs, and routine safety checks. The district continues to focus on preventive maintenance to extend the lifespan of major equipment and infrastructure.

The board also briefly discussed upcoming recognition events for staff and students and continued its preparations for the regular board meeting, where several items discussed in committee will return for final action. The next regular meeting of the Natchitoches Parish School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. in the central office boardroom.

Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. served as a judge at the 68th Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Pageant held at Northwestern State University.

The City of Natchitoches and Mayor Williams extended congratulations to Nilah Pollard, who was crowned the 68th Miss Lady of the Bracelet during the event.

The pageant, one of NSU’s longest-running traditions, recognizes student leadership, scholarship, and service. Pollard will represent the university throughout the coming year at campus and community events.

Mayor Williams commended all participants for their dedication and expressed his appreciation for being part of a tradition that highlights the achievements of Northwestern State students.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a medical emergency involving a fall on Nov. 6 around 11:12 am in the 100 block of Posey Road near Natchitoches, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Paramedics assessed the patient at the scene and requested air medical support for transport.

Lifeteam Air Evac #160 landed on the Posey Road Overpass, where the patient was transferred to the helicopter and airlifted to a regional trauma center for treatment.

NPSO Deputies assisted with the landing zone for safety. Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #6 assisted with traffic control.

The City of Natchitoches Fire Department was dispatched to 816 Whitfield for a reported structure fire.  Fire Engines and crews from Central Fire Station and Station 2 were dispatched to the incident.  Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the roof and fire venting through the attic vents.  Fire crews made access to the attic space and extinguished the fire.  There were no reported injuries to the occupants or emergency responders.  The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Please remember when working smoke alarms are present in your home, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by 60 percent, according to the latest NFPA research. 

Statistics

• Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Source: NFPA Research

Safety Tips

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. 
• Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. 

Continue your article here…

St. Mary’s Catholic School will honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans with a special Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. in the St. Mary’s School gymnasium.

The event will feature a celebration recognizing veterans and their contributions to the country. Families of St. Mary’s students are invited to attend, and the school is extending a special invitation to veterans within the community to join as honored guests.

Families who have a veteran planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by emailing eyopp@smstigers.org or by calling the school’s front office.

St. Mary’s looks forward to welcoming veterans, students, and families for this meaningful tribute on November 11.

The Natchitoches Central Chiefs football team is on the verge of reaching the state playoffs, if it was win tonight at Benton.

Meanwhile, local District 3-1A rivals St. Mary’s and Lakeview collide in the season finale for Gators and a playoff tuneup for the Tigers.

NCHS (5-4 overall, 3-4 in District 1-5A) goes to Benton (2-7, 1-6) needing to win to earn a playoff spot, although it is possible with the LHSAA power points system and a series of losses by other teams in contention that the Chiefs might move on anyway.

St. Mary’s (4-5 overall, 2-1 in district) is in good shape to reach the Select Division IV playoffs with a No. 19 power ranking. Lakeview (0-9, 0-3) is not in contention for postseason.

The LHSAA playoff brackets will be released Sunday afternoon on LHSAAonline.org.

WICHITA, Kan. – A tone-setting first quarter set the stage for a signature win for the Northwestern State women’s basketball team Thursday night.

The Demons (1-1) forced nine Wichita State (1-1) turnovers and turned their precision offensive execution on the other end into a double-digit lead that carried them to a 55-42 win, the first road victory against an American Conference team in program history.

“From the tip the girls were incredibly locked into the scout and on the defensive end,” head coach Anna Nimz said. “We guarded well. We found people in transition. We rebounded well. I told the girls after the game that if I had to pick a player of the game I absolutely couldn’t. So many people had standout nights. They trusted the plan, stayed true to the plan and I was just proud of their overall attention to detail.”

Vernell Atamah’s quick eight points that included a pair of triples in the first quarter. The early range was just the beginning for the reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year.

Atamah obliterated her previous career high for made 3-pointers in a game by knocking down seven, two in each quarter but the third, on the way to a 25-point night.

She becomes the first NSU player with consecutive 20-point games against Division I opponents to start a season in more than 25 years. 

Atamah’s second triple of the second quarter gave the Demons their largest lead of the first half at 31-13 with just over four minutes remaining. The bucket followed a blocked shot on the defensive end and ended with Atamah’s triple on an assist from center Clarence Djuela, who had two helpers on Atamah buckets alone. Djuela filled the stat sheet with a team-leading 12 rebounds, six points, two steals and a block.

The Demons stretched their lead to as much as 22 points early in the fourth quarter.

NSU travels to Kansas for a 2 p.m. Sunday tipoff against the Jayhawks.

NORTH TEXAS MEN 80, NSU 53:  In Denton, Texas, North Texas exploded late and pulled away inside The Super Pit.

“We competed and gave ourselves a chance for about 30 to 34 minutes,” third-year head coach Rick Cabrera said. “But the last seven minutes of the game, I thought we quit. That’s not the team I’m known for coaching, and we’ll fix that and get better.”

The Demons (0–2) led early, 16-15, and were down 28-20 at halftime.

“Our guys play hard,” Cabrera said. “We don’t talk as much as we should on defense, and that’s something we have to fix. When you’re down seven with eight minutes to go and end up losing by 30, that’s frustrating. It’s unacceptable.”

The Mean Green hit 68 percent from the field and 73 percent from 3 in the second half, stringing together an extended 33–12 run. The Demons went scoreless from the field over the final 9:36 as the Mean Green closed strong.

EAST TEXAS A&M VOLLEYBALL 3, NSU 0: Jade Longlad had a season-high 30 assists but Northwestern couldn’t get over the hump in two hard-fought sets, falling 25-17, 25-23 and 25-21 Thursday night in Southland Conference play at Prather Coliseum.

The Demons (1-26, 0-13 SLC) and the Lions (8-16, 6-7 SLC) meet again Saturday in Commerce, Texas.

“The fact that we can play with that kind of passion is awesome,” said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. “I love that we play with this kind of grit game in and game out. We just are young and learning how to make the big plays when we need to make them.”

NSU was led by Deja Benjamin with 13 kills while Olivia Bush finished with 10. Longlad’s 30 assists helped pace the offense while Emmarie McFarland had 14 digs.

BEAUMONT, Texas — A goal in the final seven minutes from Houston Christian was too much to overcome for regular-season champion Northwestern State Thursday evening, making the difference in a 2-1 loss by the top-seeded Demons in the Southland Conference Soccer Tournament semifinals.

A goal on a header from Paisley Barela in the 83rd minute broke a 1-1 deadlock.

HCU (11-8-2) held the Demons (13-5-2) without a shot the remainder of the game to seal the outcome.

“It’s a tough game,” head coach Ian Brophy said. “I thought we played really well. I feel we were a little unlucky in the end. Sometimes you need the bounces to go your way and they didn’t tonight.”

Like in the regular season meeting won by HCU, the Huskies took the lead early in the second half. This one came on a penalty kick by Alexia Murillo.

In the first meeting, the Demons could not find the equalizer. In this one, they did, thanks to freshman Kendall Hemperley once again.

Two days after scoring the winning goal in overtime against McNeese, she tied the game with a blistering drive of a shot from the right side of the box in the 61st minute, going to the top left corner.

It came off an assist from Emily Senatore, who finishes her season with sensational junior campaign with 12 goals and 26 points, both of which finished in the top 10 for a single season in school history.

The game saw the NSU careers of Madison Murphy, Emily Mougia and Jessica Spitzer come to a close.

“They’ve been awesome,” Brophy said. “We’ve got a really special group of seniors, the way they’ve poured into the program and believing into what we could do here and buying into everything I threw at them. They’ve gone through a lot of changes here and they’ve been incredible people, incredible players and incredible leaders and I am grateful for everything they’ve done, and I’ll be forever thankful.”

The youth movement inside Northwestern State’s locker room continues to show itself each week, and Saturday’s home matchup with UIW will bring another chance for growth.

The Demons (1-8, 0-5) have seen plenty of players earn valuable experience this season. Injuries and scheme changes have opened the door for even more to step into bigger roles, and the results have shown a steady progression for a team learning on the fly.

“There’s an understanding of having that ‘next man up’ mentality,” said defensive back Kolbe Cage, the lone member of his position group to start every game this year. “There are a lot of young guys in the room so it’s a great opportunity for them to get on the field and gain that experience. If an opportunity for them reveals itself you have to take it. I was telling Joe Natali that same thing the other day. He’s a guy that does a great job of seizing his opportunities.”

NSU will be put to the test once again on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. in Turpin Stadium against UIW (3-6, 1-4), which upset 15^th-ranked Lamar 24-17 last week. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and will broadcast live in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL, and on Baldridge-Dumas Communications stations in Leesville, Many and Winnfield.

Fans attending Saturday’s game can also support NSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s annual food drive. Those who bring three or more canned goods to the game will receive $5 off general admission tickets.

A senior transfer from New Orleans, Cage has become one of the steady voices in a secondary that’s featured a number of first-time starters and contributors.

“I try to lead by example for those guys,” Cage said. “Just doing the right things all the time. Doing what you’re supposed to do. Going to workouts whether it’s voluntary or not. Do the things that you need to do and all of that will show itself on the field.”

That approach extends across the roster. 

The backup quarterback must prepare like a starter and stay locked in throughout the game, exactly what senior transfer Eli Anderson has done all season. He started and played the full game at Southeastern and has made appearances, most times with short notice, in five other games including last week at McNeese. 

“I think that comes from Coach (Blaine) McCorkle,” Anderson said. “He does a good job during practice of getting everybody ready to play. But it also comes from the meeting rooms with our coaches. Every play, just because you’re not in, doesn’t mean you’re not locked in and focused on that play. It comes from coaching but also from within yourself too, making sure your mind is right and being prepared when your name is called.”

The Demons will need that same collective focus against a UIW program that remains one of the most talented in the Southland, despite a down season by their standards.

“They’ve had some unusual losses this year and losses they’re not used to, but it’s still UIW,” head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “When you turn on the film they are fast and athletic. Their offensive line can move and really do some things. They’ve got a linebacker that’s as good as anybody in the conference. They’re the same old UIW regardless of record and that showed up last week against Lamar.”

UIW entered the season ranked in the top five in both major FCS polls.

The last time the Demons played at home they built some confidence against one conclave of Southland Conference Cardinals. But the ground-and-pound style of Lamar is a stark contrast to what the Demons expect to see from the Cardinals out of San Antonio.

“They’re polar opposites,” McCorkle said. “They’ve been known to throw it all over the yard and they’ve got some guys on the edge that can go. The quarterback is pretty athletic and he can sling it. He’s a redshirt freshman transfer that is very capable and has some weapons that he can go to and guys in front of him that are going to protect and let him go.”

UIW boasts four receivers with more than 40 catches, led by Jameson Garcia (546 yards, 3 TDs) and Jalen Walthall(510 yards, 5 TDs). That will put NSU’s young defensive backs right back in the spotlight.

“You just have to focus on your job at hand and your technique,” Cage said. “At the end of the day they’re human just like you, and you have to have that dog mindset that you’re not going to let them catch that ball. I’ve seen our guys make plays. I’ve seen it in practice, in games. I believe in them and this whole unit.”

A public meeting will be held as follows: The Cane River Waterway Commission pursuant to RS 42:14/42:19A will allow a public comment period prior to action on an agenda item upon which a vote is to be taken.

DATE: November 12, 2025
TIME: 6:00 pm
PLACE OF MEETING: 1483 HWY 119, Natchez Louisiana 71456

AGENDA:
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes from last meeting, October 20, 2025.
Introduction of guest
Treasure’s Report
Executive Session
Old Business
Pump Station
New Office

New Business:
City of Natchitoches/NHF Roque House
Proclamation 012025

CRWC Director of Operations Jason Adcock
Cane River Waterway Commission
1483 HYW 119, Natchez Louisiana 71456
318-663-8815

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jason Adcock at 318-663-8815 describing the assistance that is necessary.

Paid Content

Inside stories about the production of the 1989 box office hit movie “Steel Magnolias,” filmed on location in Natchitoches, will be shared during a Thursday evening, Nov. 13 program at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Louisiana’s oldest city.

The “Steel Magnolias Memories with Tom Whitehead and Friends” event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Natchitoches museum includes a reception and panel discussion with audience participation, recounting memories of the beloved classic film with a star-studded cast.

Written by Natchitoches native Robert Harling Jr. and originally produced on stage, it was adapted for the screen and featured the breakout performance by future Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts, alongside Oscar winners Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis, superstar entertainer and actress Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah, with acclaimed actors Tom Skerritt and Dylan McDermott in key supporting roles.

The comedy/drama continues to resonate four decades later, inspiring thousands of stage adaptations around the world and a 2012 Lifetime Network movie remake, and is treasured for its themes of friendship and reliance and its portrayal of Southern small-town charm.

Harling wrote about the life and 1985 passing of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, a young mother who died from complications with diabetes.

After he persuaded TriStar Pictures executives to shoot the movie in Natchitoches, the production was a seminal event for the community, with many locals working behind the scenes and appearing as extras or even with small speaking parts in the film. Its release and reception sparked a stream of visitors to Natchitoches to see the film’s location and soak in the ambiance of the city, a phenomenon that continues today.

Whitehead, a professor at Northwestern State University, was the second local person hired by the production company, assisting in logistics and hosting the stars in the cast throughout their stays in Natchitoches.

He will be joined on the panel by others involved in the production.

Tickets are $20 for the public, $10 for NSU students, and free for FLASH members. Enjoy complimentary refreshments during the event.

The event is a fundraiser for FLASH, Friends of Louisiana Sports and History, the local support group for the museum, which is part of the Louisiana State Museum system.

For more information or to join FLASH, call the museum at 318-357-2492. It is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with modest admission prices topping out at $6.

BOM Bank is honored to support the Brianna Guillory Benefit. Brianna is bravely battling Chiari Malformation, a serious condition where the brain is pushed into the spinal canal. She’s been approved for life-changing surgery at the Institute Chiari & Scoliosis in Barcelona, Spain—and we’re proud to stand behind her journey.

Pictured from left are BOM’s Gracie Borders, Brianna Guillory, Carolyn Wells, and BOM’s Alexis Phillips.