McNeese State dominates Texas Wesleyan in 52-0 shutout

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (September 5, 2026)  The McNeese State Cowboys displayed total dominance on Saturday night, shutting out Texas Wesleyan Rams 52-0 at Navarre Stadium in Lake Charles.

The win moved McNeese to 1-1 on the season, while Texas Wesleyan dropped to 0-2. The Cowboys finished the night with 500 total yards, including 280 passing yards and 220 rushing yards.

Quarterback Devin Lippold (No. 19, shown above) made his first career start and delivered a strong performance. The Clear Lake (TX) High School prep star completed 15 of 20 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns before leaving the game midway through the third quarter. His four touchdown passes were the most by a McNeese quarterback in a game since Cody Orgeron threw four in 2021.

Lippold connected with Solo Lewis for a 22-yard touchdown in the first quarter to give McNeese a 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys then added a big play on special teams. Javon Davis blocked a Texas Wesleyan field goal, and Safir Stills-Bey picked up the loose ball and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. It was McNeese's first blocked field goal since 2024 and its first blocked field goal returned for a touchdown since 2002.

McNeese's defense continued to make plays. Sentario Willis intercepted a pass and returned it 37 yards, setting up another touchdown. Willis has now recorded an interception in each of the Cowboys' first two games.

McNeese led 24-0 at halftime and continued to pull away after the break. Backup quarterback Brady Barrier added a touchdown pass to Wyatt Fontenot, while Marquez Davis scored on a 13-yard run late in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys held Texas Wesleyan to just 187 total yards, including 74 rushing yards.

McNeese will return to action Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Cowboys host Tarleton State at 6 p.m. Tarleton enters the game ranked among the top five teams in the FCS.

HCU Huskies fall to McNeese State Cowboys, 27-0

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (October 18, 2025) The Houston Christian University Huskies (HCU) football team faced a tough night on Saturday, as they were shut out 27-0 by the McNeese Cowboys in Lake Charles.

Right from the start, the Huskies showed promise on their opening drive. They moved the ball 44 yards, highlighted by a 16-yard rush from freshman Xai’Shaun Edwards (shown left). However, the drive stalled when a penalty pushed them into a tough third-and-14 situation, and they couldn’t convert. That drive ended HCU’s best chance to score. 

Meanwhile, McNeese took advantage of the momentum. They answered on their first possession with an 80-yard drive, capped by a 7-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jake Strong. Soon the Cowboys were in control of the game. McNeese added a 47-yard field goal just before halftime to make it 10-0 at the break.

In the second half, McNeese kept pressuring. Strong scored again in the third quarter on runs of 7 and then 34 yards to push the lead to 24-0. The Cowboys sealed the win with a field goal in the fourth quarter, making it 27-0.

Despite the loss, HCU had some individual bright spots. Edwards finished with 130 rushing yards on 18 carries, a solid performance on his part.

Receiver Deuce McMillan also reached a personal milestone, catching his 100th career pass for the Huskies. On defense, senior linebacker Rodney Dansby surpassed 400 career tackles, another notable achievement despite the team’s struggles.

But the game as a whole didn’t go HCU’s way. McNeese’s defense held them to 279 total yards, while the Cowboys gained 403. McNeese controlled time of possession and made big plays when it mattered.

Looking ahead, the Huskies will hope to regroup quickly. They will take on Southeastern Louisiana Lions at home next Saturday with a chance to bounce back in conference play.

McNeese Cowboys upset Clemson in NCAA Tournament

Photo courtesy of  Daniel Fritz, Used with Permission

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (March 30, 2025)  In a thrilling NCAA game, the No. 12 seed McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 5 seed Clemson Tigers with a 69-67 victory, marking McNeese's first-ever win in NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament . ​

The Cowboys started strong, taking advantage of Clemson's in the first half; scoring only 13 points, their lowest in the many years. ​

McNeese's defense was relentless, causing Clemson to shoot just 5-of-24 from the field and commit 10 turnovers in the first half. ​

In the second half, Clemson attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap significantly. However, McNeese held firm, with key plays from Javohn Garcia and Christian Shumate. ​

Off the bench, Brandon Murray (shown above) led the Cowboys with 21 points, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.

This victory propels McNeese into the second round, where they will face the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers, who recently secured a 75-63 win over High Point. ​

McNeese State kicks off 2024 SLC Men's Basketball Championship on Tuesday

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (March 11, 2024) The No. 1 ranked McNeese State Cowboys kick off their journey in the 2024 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championship this Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The Cowboys will face off against No. 4 Lamar Cardinals, who downed No. 8 New Orleans 71-57 on Monday afternoon.

Having clinched the 2024 SLC regular-season championship, McNeese is on a mission to secure its first tournament title in over two decades. This would mark the third overall tournament victory for the team and earn them their third bid to the NCAA Tournament in school history.

The Cowboys have been on fire this season, boasting an impressive 28-3 record, setting a new school record for wins in a single season. Their dominance places them with the second-most regular-season victories in Southland Conference history, just trailing behind Stephen F. Austin's 29 wins in 2013-14.

Within the conference, McNeese has been a force to reckon with, tallying a remarkable 17-1 record. This achievement ties the school record for most league wins in a season, matching their performance from 2000-01 and 2001-02. Furthermore, this places them tied as the second-most in league history, alongside Stephen F. Austin's 18 wins in 2013-14.

Heading into Tuesday's game, McNeese carries a nine-game winning streak, marking the second time this season they have achieved such a feat. This places them among the top teams in the NCAA, with only a select few managing to achieve this level of consistency throughout the season.

HCU Huskies secure historic victory, clinch first-ever winning season

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (November 11, 2023)  In a thrilling Southland Conference showdown at Cowboy Stadium on a chilly Saturday night, the HCU Huskies (6-4, 4-2 SLC) etched their names in the program's history books. Battling from behind at halftime and entering the fourth quarter, the Huskies orchestrated a spectacular comeback, outscoring the McNeese Cowboys 14-0 in the final 15 minutes to seal a 35-24 victory.

The game's tone was set early as senior cornerback Jordan Oliver intercepted McNeese on the fourth play of the game, returning it 53 yards for a touchdown, giving HCU an early 7-0 lead. The first quarter saw both teams trading blows, with standout plays from quarterback Colby Suits and a relentless defensive effort.

Despite a strong start, McNeese (1-9, 1-5 SLC) clawed back, taking a 17-14 lead at halftime. However, the resilient Huskies responded, with Suits connecting with Karl Reynolds for a deep touchdown pass, regaining the lead at 21-17 early in the third quarter.

The see-saw battle continued, with McNeese answering back to take a 24-21 lead, but the Huskies dug deep. Suits orchestrated an 11-play, 80-yard drive, rushing for a crucial touchdown, putting HCU back on top at 28-24. The Huskies' defense stepped up, forcing pivotal stops and recovering a crucial onside kick.

Running back Jesse Valenzuela had a career night, rushing for 171 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries, marking the fifth-highest rushing total in program history. Quarterback Suits contributed both on the ground and through the air, totaling 185 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Huskies were led by Isaiah Cash with 10 tackles, and Rodney Dansby and Jalyx Hunt made game-changing plays. Oliver's interception showcased the Huskies' ability to create turnovers, finishing with four takeaways.

The victory guarantees the Huskies their first-ever winning season, surpassing the previous record of five wins set in 2019. With one game left in the regular season against UIW, Head Coach Braxton Harris's debut season has been nothing short of remarkable.

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY (July 17, 2023) McNeese Volleyball was one of 201 collegiate teams to earn The Unites States Marine Corps/AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2022-23 season, the organization recently announced.

The award, initiated in the 1992–93 academic year, honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.  The award marks the ninth time McNeese has earned the award with the last coming in 2018.

As a team, the Cowgirls posted a 3.48 cumulative GPA for the year with 13 student-athletes earning at least a 3.0 GPA or better.  Senior Lizzy Low was the only Cowgirl to post a perfect 4.0 GPA. 

McNeese Softball advances to Regional Championship game with win over Minnesota

Photo courtesy of McNeese Athletics Communications

SEATTLE, WASINGTON (May 21, 2023) For the second straight year, McNeese softball is headed to the regional championship game after a 1-0 win over Minnesota late Saturday night.  The Cowgirls (46-15) will face the No. 7 overall ranked team in the nation and the regionals No. 1 seed Washington (40-12) at 3 p.m. (CT) Sunday.  The Cowgirls must defeat the Huskies twice if they want to advance to their first Super Regionals in program history.

Freshman Corine Poncho took advantage of her first start in the regional tournament and provided the game winning RBI in the second inning with a two out single through the left side that scored Mariana Torres from second.  Torres reach base on a one out walk then moved into scoring position on a ground out by Rylie Bouvier.

Ashley Vallejo (19-8) tossed another gem and picked up her seventh shutout of the season.  The shutout by the Cowgirls is the first shutout by a Southland Conference in the NCAA Tournament since 2009.

Vallejo allowed six hits with three strikeouts, and one walk.  The three strikeouts marked 300 for her career.

The other Cowgirl hit of the game came from Chloe Gomez who singled up the middle in the third inning.

Minnesota (38-19) used three pitchers in the game with starter Jacie Hambrick taking the loss to fall to 7-7 on the year.  Hambrick allowed one earned run on one hit with two walks and one strikeout in 2.0 innings.

McNeese State softball punches ticket to NCAA Tournament

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (May 13, 2023) Fans are invited to join the 2023 Southland Conference Tournament Softball Champions, McNeese Cowgirls at Mr. Bill’s Seafood Express on Sunday, May 14 for the NCAA Selection Show that will begin at 6 p.m. (CST) on ESPN2.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The 64-team double-elimination bracket that spreads among 16 regional locations will take place May 19-21.

The Sixteen regional winners will then advance to the super regional, a two-team, best-of-three style format held either May 25-27, or May 26-28.

The eight super regional winners earn spots in the 2023 Women's College World Series that begins on Thursday, June 1. The WCWS begins in double-elimination format, before the final two teams play a best-of-three series for the national championship.

McNeese (44-14) earned the Southland’s automatic bid with a 1-0 (8 inning) win over Southeastern on Saturday to advance to its ninth NCAA Tournament.

McNeese Cowboys stuns No. 12 Nicholls Colonels 43-13

Photo by 
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (April 3, 2021) Coming into the game with a 2-3 record and being listed as a two-touchdown underdog, the McNeese Cowboys stunned the No. 13 Nicholls Colonels by the score of 43-31 on Louis Bonnette Field at Cowboys Stadium In Lake Charles. The win raises the Cowboys season record to 3-3 and their Southland Conference record to 2-3. The loss dropped Nicholls to 4-2  (3-2 in conference) and virtually eliminated them from the FCS playoffs.

After trading fumbles early in the first quarter, the Colonels got on the scoreboard when quarterback Lindsay Scott (Zachary HS, Zachary, Louisiana) connected with wide receiver Dontzae Costly (St. James HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) on a 10-yard pass for the first score of the game. Kicker Gavin Lasseigne (Central Lafourche HS, Raceland, Louisiana) split the uprights for the extra point to give Nicholls a 7-0 lead at the 7:38 mark of the quarter. The Cowboys responded three minutes later with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Jacob Abel (Goddard Eisenhower HS, Goddard; Kansas) to cut the Nicholls lead to four. The Colonels pushed the score to 14-2 with eight seconds remaining in the quarter when Scott found wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon (Edna Karr HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) open; flicking a two-yard pass over the line for their second TD of the game. Again, Lasseigne converted the extra point to end the quarter with a 14-3 score.

Then, something “came over” the Cowboys in the second quarter; scoring 21 unanswered points to take the score to 24-14 in favor of McNeese. Quarterback Cody Orgeron (Mandeville HMS, Mandeville, Louisiana, shown above right, number 8) threw to wide receiver Mason Pierce (Dawson HS, Pearland, Texas shown left, No. 89) for two touchdowns; the first a four-yarder followed by a 95-yard pass. The first TD capped a four-play, 85-yard drive that lasted 32 seconds. The second touchdown lasted eight seconds and consisted of a single play. In between the touchdowns, Wide receiver Walker Wood (Lafayette HS, Lexington, Kentucky) carried the ball the final four yards of an 86-yard, seven play drive that lasted 2:59. Nichols was finally able to stop the Cowboys’ scoring punch with a 26-yard Lasseigne field goal with 4:24 left in the first half, taking the score to 24-17 at the half.

At the 12:08 mark of the third quarter, the Cowboys increased their lead when Orgeron found wide receiver Joshua Matthews (Dunham HS, Baton Rouge, Louisiana) open and connected for a 26-yard touchdown pass to push the score to 30-17. Jacob Abel added the extra point, as he did on all previous McNeese touchdowns, to give the Cowboys a 14-point lead. Nicholls responded with 5:43 left in the third quarter with an eight-yard run by running back Julien Gums (De La Sale HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) to cut the McNeese lead to one possession (24-17).

After 2:12 of play into the fourth quarter, Orgeron again found Matthew; this time with a 13-yard pass to allow McNeese to regain a 13-point lead. Unfortunately, Abel’s conversion kick failed, his first miss of the day.  It did not take much time for Nicholls to regain some of the momentum they had in the first quarter. Lindsay again found Dixon on a first-and-ten play, with an 11-yard pass to complete their 75-yard drive in 1:31. Lasseigne again added the conversion to take the score to 37-31 with 11:17 left on the clock. McNeese put the nail in the Colonels’ coffin 56 seconds later with a 67-yard run by running back Deonta McMahon (Frostproof HS, Frostproof, Florida). After the score, Nicholls took possession of the ball but could not find the endzone.

For McNeese, Orgeron completed 20-of-27 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. Parker carried the ball 15 times for 39 yards and three touchdowns while Matthews and Pierce ahd two touchdowns each in the air. Defensive back Enos Lewis (Miami Central HS, Miami, Florida) accounted for 11 total tackles, with nine of them being solo.

Scott completed 26-of-53 passes for 289 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for Nicholls. Dixon caught seven passes for 69 yards and two TDs, with Scott carrying the ball 28 times for 127 yards.

Next up for the Cowboys will be a 4 p.m. CDT matchup on Saturday, April 10, against Sam Houston State (4-0, 4-0 SLC) in Huntsville, Texas while Nicholls will host No. 22 Southeastern Louisiana at 3 p.m. CDT on the same date.

McNeese State downs Northwestern State 21-7 in spring football action

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA (March 20, 2021) McNeese State quarterback Cody Orgeron completed 17-of-22 passes and two touchdown as the Cowboys downed the Northwestern State Demons by the score of 21-7 at Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches.

On their second possession, at the 4:42 mark of the first quarter, the Demons drove 91 yards in eight plays to score the first touchdown of the game. Quarterback Kaleb Fletcher (Poteet HS, Mesquite, Texas) completed a 13-yard pass to wide receiver Kendrick Price, Jr. (Lindale HS, Lindell, Texas) for the score. The Cowboys evened the score 2:35 later when tight end Jama Pettigrew (St. Augustine HS, New Orleans, Louisiana) caught a two-yard pass from Orgeron (Mandeville HS, Mandeville, Louisiana) to cap a 59-yard drove that lasted 2:29. Both teams converted the kicking extra points to tie the score at seven after 15 minutes of play. After a spirited and intense second quarter, neither team was able to find the end zone, with the score remaining tied at seven at halftime.

It did not take long for McNeese to find the end zone in the third quarter. On the third play in the second half; a first-and-ten play, Oregron finds wide receiver Trevor Begue (St. Thomas More HS, Lafayette, Louisiana) open on the right side of the field; connecting with a 75-yard pass for the Cowboys' second TD of the game. Jacob Abel (Goddard Eisenhower HS, Goddard, Kansas) added the extra point to give McNeese a 14-7 lead with 13:45 remaining in the third quarter. Not limiting their scoring to the air, the Cowboys added a rushing touchdown to the scoreboard six minutes later. Backup quarterback Walker Wood (Lafayette HS, Lafayette, Kentucky) kept the ball and plunged over the goal line from the one-yard line for the third touchdown for the Cowboys. Abel again added the kicking conversion to push the McNeese lead to 21-7 and the eventual win, 

For McNeese, Begue led the game with 165 receiving yards, on eight catches and one touchdown.  Freshman Josh Parker (Catholic HS, baton Rouge, Louisiana) rushed for 77 yards  on 16 carries, with Sam Andre accounting for seven tackles). The Demons were paced by Fletcher, completing 13-of-18 for 177 yards, while Javon Antonio (East St. John HS, LaPlace, Louisiana) caught six passes for 103 yards. The Cowboys raised their season record to 2-3, with a 1-3 mark in Southland Conference action. The Demons fall to 0-3 in both their season and conference games.

HBU Huskies advanced in SLC Tournament with 74-60 win over McNeese State

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 10, 2021) Paced  by the 20 points of Jilija Vujakovic, the No. 8 HBU Huskies downed the number nine ranked McNeese State Cowgirls by the score of 74-60 to advance to the second round of the 2021 Hercules Tires Southland Conference  Women's Basketball Tournament.

Those in attendance at the Leonard E. Merrell Center saw three Huskies join Vujakovic, who hails from Bereldange, Luxembourg, connect for double digit scoring.   

N'Denasija Collins (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) tallied 18 points, with Timia Jefferson (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) adding 16, and Kennedy Wilson (Timberview HS, Mansfield, Texas) chipping in 10. Head coach Donna Finnie only played eight players in the game, with the four mentioned above accounting for 64 of the Husky's 74 points.

Divine Tanks  (Barbe HS, Lake Charles, LA) and Shaela Gardner (Chipola College, Memphis, TN) led the Cowgirls with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Next up for the Huskies, in the second round, will be the number five ranked Central Arkansas Sugar Bears. The Sugar Bears received a first-round bye in the tournament, with their last game being a 45-40 loss to Northwestern State on March 6. Central Arkansas and HBU did not play each other this season; having last played on January 1, 2020. In that matchup, the Sugar Bears came out on top by the score of 63-39.

McNeese State drops 81-67 decision to Central Arkansas

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (January 2, 2021) Central Arkansas had four starters shoot in double figures as the Bears downed the McNeese State Cowboys 81-67 in the first conference match for both team at Burton Coliseum. The 477 fans in attendance (due to COVID-19 restrictions) witnessed the Cowboys jump out to a nine point lead early in the first half, with the Bears rebounding to take a 43-31 lead into the locker room at the half. McNeese began a comeback in the second half, but the Bears still outscored McNeese 38-36 in the final period in route to the win.

McNeese starting guard Dru Kuxhausen led all scorers with 22 points,. Fellow guard A.L. Lawson (shown left) added 12 points, along with 11 rebounds. Braelon Bush also tallied 12 points. Bears guard Rylan Bergersen scored 18, with Deandre Jones adding 14.  Khaleem Bennett and Jared Chatman accounted for 13 each. Jones led all players with three steals with Churchill Bounds tallying three blocked shots. 

The Bears commanded McNeese in field goals (49%-32%), free throws (73%-66%), in-the-paint scoring (34-16), and bench points (20-16). The Cowboys led in three-pointers (39%-36%) and fast break points (15-12). 

Next up for the Cowboys is a Saturday, January 9 matchup against Northwestern State at Burton Coliseum. The Bears will take on New Orleans on Wednesday, January 6 in Conway, Arkansas.

McNeese State tops Champion Christian College for second game in a row

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (December, 30, 2020) The McNeese State Cowboys took a 15-point lead into the locker room at halftime and expanded that lead to 91-76 to down the Champion Christian College Tigers on Wednesday evening. The win raised the Cowboys record to 6-3 leading up to beginning Southland Conference play of Saturday. The game was played at Burton Coliseum, the long-time home of the Cowboys, due to the unavailability of H&HP Complex as a results of damage sustained during Hurricane Laura.

On Tuesday. McNeese State downs the Tigers 94-36 in the first game of their double header. On Tuesday, Jeremy Harrell led the scoring for McNeese with 16 points. Five other players scored in double figures, while Carlos Rosario (shown right) led the way with nine rebounds. On Wednesday, A.J. Lawson tallied 24 points with Rosario again pulling down nine rebounds.

When the Cowboys begin Southland Conference play on Saturday, January 2, they will face a Central Arkansas team that has a 1-7 record in 2020-2021. Their lone victory this season, a 92-28 win, came against the same Champion Christian College that McNeese State faced the past two games. Last season, the Cowboys dropped both games to the Bears, by the scores of 79-69 on January 4, 2020 in Conway, Arkansas and 82-76 on February 8 in Lake Charles. The Bears were 9-11 in conference play on 2019-2020 and 10-21 overall. The Cowboys were 15-17 for their season and 10-10 in conference.

Game time on Saturday is set for 4 p.m. CST.

McNeese falls to Rice 81-50 in women's basketball

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (November 27, 2019) The McNeese State Cowgirls jumped out to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but could not contain the Rice Owls' comeback in the final three periods as the dropped a 81-50 non-conference match up to the Owls at the H&HP Complex in Lake Charles. McNeese took control of the game in the first period, with 10 of the points coming in the paint. It was a different matter in the second quarter with Rice outscoring McNeese 21-8, lead to the Owls' 33-27 lead at the half. Rice increased their lead in the third quarter, 25-7 in route to their third win of the season. The Cowgirls shot 53.3% (8-of-15) from the field in the first quarter, but could only manage 34.7% by the end of the game. They scored a scant eight points in the second quarter and seven in the third, as opposed to 21 and 25 for the Owls, respectively. They picked up their scoring with 16 points in the fourth quarter.

The Cowgirls were led by starting guard Regan Bolton (St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Hammond, Louisiana) with 11 points and Damilota Balogun (Bossier Parish CC, Lagos, Nigeria) with nine rebounds. Rive had four players in double-figures; Erica Ogwumike (Cypress Woods HS, Cypress, Texas) and Haylee Swayze (Purcell HS, Purcell, Oklahoma)with 12 points and Lauren Schwartz (Larry A. Ryle HS, Union, Kentucky) and India Bellamy (Eagles Landing Christian Academy, McDonough, Georgia)  with 10 reach.

Last season, the Owls downed McNeese 93-65 at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston on November 11. Rice holds a 8-4 all-time series record against the Cowgirls. The last time McNeese downed Rice was a 61-53 victory an Lake Charles on November 25, 2015.

McNeese State QB Cody Orgeron and DE Chris Livings at 2019 Southland Conference Football Media Day

Video by Kirstin Kelly
Staff Photographer/Videographer
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 20, 2019) McNeese State QB Cody Orgeron and DE Chris Livings at 2019 Southland Conference Football Media Day.

Guidry out as McNeese State head football coach

Photo courtesy of McNeese State University
Sports Information Department
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (November 20, 2018) It is being reported by KPLC TV in Lake Charles that McNeese State University has decided not to renew the contract of head football coach Lance Guidry (shown right). The announcement was made by Bruce Hemphill, who is the Director of Athletics at McNeese.

Guidry has been with the athletic department as a coach since 2013 when he was hired as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach; a role he held until 2015. He was elevated to head coach in 2016, and previously was employed by McNeese from 2000 to 2004 as defensive coordinator. He returned to campus in 2008 as the defensive backs coach. The 47-year-old Guidry was a four-year letterman for McNeese from 1990 to 1993. He was an all-conference defensive back for the Cowboys and part of two conference championship teams (1991, 1993). 

In his three-plus years as head coach, he posted a 22-13 record, including a 6-5 record this season. In conference play, the Cowboys were 5-4 in 2018, with the four losses coming in the final five gam3s of the season. 

Hemphill also announced a national search for Guildy's replacement will begin immediately.

HBU drops hard-fought match to No. 14 McNeese State, 51-34

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 8, 2018) The HBU Huskies put 34 points on the scoreboard, but it was not enough to overcome the offensive punch of  McNeese State quarterback James Tabary. The 6-2, 251-pound senior was shooting bulls eyes; completing 25-of-32 passes for 355 yards and four touchdown as his No. 14 Cowboys downed the Huskies 51-34 at Husky Stadium in Houston,

In their second-ever meeting, HBU and McNeese battled thorough the game, which saw a few missteps, some amazing plays, and an all-out effort from both teams trying to win their second game of the season

The Cowboys were first to find the end zone at the 12:25 mark in the first quarter. The score came after a bizarre change of events that had both sides of the field cheering and moaning, abet at different times.

HBU receive the initial kickoff and were moving the ball well down the field. Husky quarterback Bailey Zappe threw a pass, intended for David Racine, down the field and was quickly picked off by McNeese cornerback Darion Dunn. Dunn returned the ball eight yards before fumbling the ball, which was recovered by Husky wide receiver Nick Sexton. HBU took possession of the ball at midfield and began a fresh set of downs. HBU attempted to rush the ball on first and ten, and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by freshmen defensive lineman Tyrique Gibson at the HBU 23-yard line. Four plays later, Tabary carried the ball the final one-yard of the 23-yard drive for the touchdown. Kicker Gunnar Raborn split the upright for his first extra point of the game; putting the Cowboys up 7-0.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

They added two more scores in the first quarter to push their lead to 21-0 after only nine minutes, 24 seconds of play. Tabary completed two passes, one to Austin Nelson and another to Cyron Sutton for the two touchdowns. The Cowboys finished the first quarter with a 21-7 lead. HBU scored on a one-yard run by Dreshawn Minniweather (No. 28, shown above) and a Alec Chadwick extra points. The Huskies added four more touchdowns and three extra points to compelet their scoring for the evening. McNeese scored an additional 24 points after the first quarter to secure their win

Minniweather tallied 146 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns, while Zappe threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns. HBU put 493 yards of total offense on the field with David Racine catching three passes for 108 yards and one TD. Next up for the Huskies is a Saturday, September 15 home match up versus Southland Conference foe Abilene Christian. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT in Houston.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi downs McNeese State in first round of Southland Women's Tourney

Story and Photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (March 8, 2018) The No. 5 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders jumped out to a one-point lead (18-17) after the first period and increased that lead to 37-24 at the half in route to a 75-52 win over the No. 8 McNeese State Cowgirls in the first game of the 2018 Southland Conference Women's Basketball Tournament.

TAMU-CC faced McNeese earlier in the season; dropping a 70-64 decision at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles Louisiana. The tournament win raised the Islanders record to 7-7 against the Cowgirls.

The win pushed the Islanders record to 19-11 for the season and sets up a quarterfinal game against No. 4 Nicholls State on Friday, March 9. 

With four ladies scoring in double figures,; Brittany Mbamalu (Dulles HS, Houston, Texas) set the pace for the Islanders with 22 points, followed by Kre'Ana Henry (Moberly Area CC, Toledo, Ohio) with 16 points, with Dae Dae Evans (Bellaire HS, Bellaire, Texas) and Emma Young (East Jessamine HS, Nicholasville, Kentucky) each chipping in 10. Henry also led the Islanders with nine rebounds.

For the Cowgirls, Dede Sheppard (North Caddo HS, Vivian, Louisiana) scored 20 points with Jasmyn Carswell (Airline HS, Bossier City, Louisiana) pulling down nine rebounds.

Corpus Christi outscored McNeese 24-10 in the third period with the Cowgirls taking the final period 18-12. The Islanders shot 38% from the field, 35% from three-point range and 85% from the line. McNeese countered with 32%  from the field, 35% from the arc and 70% from the line.

McNeese State Cowgirls take 69-47 win over Southeastern Lady Lions

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018, All Rights Reserved 

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (February 10, 2018) The McNeese State Cowgirls trailed Southeastern Louisiana by one point at halftime, but came roaring back in the second half, outscoring the Lady Lions 40-17 in route to a 69-47 win at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. They The win pushed the Cowgirls' Southland record to 7-5 as  they remain in the hunt for a conference tournament berth. The Lions held a slim 16-13 lead after 10 minutes of play, with the Cowgirls pouring it on late in the game for the much-needed win.

Starting guard Dede Sheppard (Vivian, LA) (shown above, No. 4) led the way for McNeese, tallying 16 point in 16 minutes of play, while shooting 6-for-16 from the floor, including a 2-for-5 effort from the arc. Also hitting double-figures was Caitlin Davis (Breaux Bridge, LA) with 13 points, Regan Bolton (Hammond, LA) with 11, and Mercedes Rogers (Crowley, LA) with 10. This was the seventh game this season with four Cowgirls scoring in double figures, with sall even games being wins. For the Lions, Charliee Dugas (Rayne, LA) chipped in 13 with Taylin Underwood (Livingston, LA) adding 11.

Next up for the Cowgirls is a Wednesday, February 14 home game against Central Arkansas

Late game surge pushes McNeese State past HBU 86-81

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 20, 2018) In a run and gun game that saw 10 lead changes, the HBU Huskies fell to the McNeese State Cowboys by the score of 86-81 in a packed Sharp Gymnasium in Houston. David Caraher pumped in 30 points in the effort while Jalon Gates added 26. The 30-point performance for Caraher was the second of the season while Gates effort was a career-best. Caraher also tallied 12 rebounds to give him his third double-double of the season. Braxton Bonds added 13 points to the HBU total, along with seven assists. McNeese's Quatarrius Wilson had a career-high 17 rebounds to go with  his 11 points  while Kalob Ledoux added 20 for the Cowboys.

The Huskies will host Incarnate Word  in Sharp Gym on Wednesday, January. 24, at 7:00 p.m.