HCU dominates Northwestern State to end season with a big win

Story and photos by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 23, 2024) The HCU Huskies finished their 2024 football season in style, beating Northwestern State Demons 62-24 on "Senior Day" at Husky Stadium. The Huskies put on a show with over 600 yards of offense, making it a game to remember for their fans.

The game started with a big play by the HCU defense. They stopped the Demons on fourth down and got the ball at the Demons’ 43-yard line. That led to a 23-yard field goal by Dillon Fedor to give HCU an early 3-0 lead. After that, the Huskies couldn’t be stopped.

Quarterback Cutter Stewart connected with AJ Wilson for a 32-yard touchdown, while Calvin Hill added a two-yard rushing score, and Darryle Evans broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run. Just like that, HCU was up 24-7 early in the second quarter.

Northwestern State tried to fight back. Quarterback JT Fayard found Zay Davis for a nine-yard touchdown pass, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 24-14 before halftime. HCU had a chance to score again, but an interception by the Demons ended the drive.

After the break, HCU came out strong. On their first drive of the third quarter, Hill broke free for a 25-yard touchdown, capping a quick 79-yard drive. D.J. Harris then picked off a pass from the Demons and returned it to the 15-yard line. Stewart took advantage, hitting Deuce McMillan for an 11-yard touchdown. The Huskies led 38-14 just three minutes into the second half.

HCU’s dominance continued. After forcing a quick three-and-out, Champ Dozier ran in a three-yard touchdown to push the lead to 45-14. Northwestern State’s Myles Kitt-Denton responded with an 87-yard kickoff return, but the Demons could only manage a field goal. On the next kickoff, Jesse Valenzuela returned the ball 98 yards for a touchdown, putting HCU up 52-17.

In the fourth quarter, Stewart found Ismael Fuller for a 36-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 59-17. The Demons scored one last time early in the quarter, but HCU sealed the win with a long, time-eating drive that ended with a 27-yard field goal by Fedor.

HCU’s 617 total yards of offense was the fourth-highest in school history, and their 332 rushing yards ranked third. Calvin Hill led the ground game with 109 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Wilson had another big game, catching three passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, marking his fourth straight 100-yard game. Stewart finished with 296 passing yards and three touchdowns.

The Huskies’ defense was just as impressive, holding Northwestern State to only 211 yards and 10 first downs. Harris had nine tackles and his first career interception, while Joe Cadette added six tackles, a sack, and 1.5 tackles for loss.

With the win, HCU finished the season 5-7 overall and 3-4 in the Southland Conference. Northwestern State ended their season winless at 0-12.

HCU fans have a lot to be excited about as the team looks to carry this momentum into next year.