A new era is set to begin at Northeastern State where new head coach Kenny Evans will try to resurrect a RiverHawks football program that has not had a winning season in eight years, starting with Thursday’s season opener against Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Ark.

“That’s why I took the job,” said NSU head coach Kenny Evans. “I know NSU is a good football school with good traditions. My goal is to get us back to the teams that were great here.”

The RiverHawks went just 3-7 last year, but have a little momentum going into the season after winning their final two games of the season and clinching a share of the Lone Star Conference North Division title.

“It helps when you’ve been on the field and seen the speed of college football,” said Evans. “A lot of things have changed though; scheme-wise and organization-wise.”

One factor that could aid in the turnaround of NSU is the number of experienced players returning from last season. The RiverHawks return 15 starters on offense and defense including first team LSC North Division performers Broderick Mondy (6-foot-2, 210 pounds, senior), who led the conference with 117 tackles last season, and kicker Jared Homer (6-0, 195, junior), who converted 9-14 field goals last season.

Mondy is the most decorated of the returning players. The senior safety’s resume includes being a Consensus Draft Services second team pre-season All-American, the 2007 LSC North Division defensive back of the year, and a 3-time All-LSC selection.

“He’s stepped up into a leadership role as much as he can in a new system,” said Evans.

Other impact players on defense will be linebacker Jon Evans (6-2, 215, sophomore), who was named LSC Freshman of the Year after recording 80 tackles, defensive back Latauras Sykes (5-11, 200, senior), 64 tackles and two interceptions last season, and defensive end Nick Jones (6-3, 240, senior), 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.

“I think there’s a chance to be pretty good,” said Evans. “There are a lot of question marks in the secondary and at linebacker. The defensive line should be one of our strengths.”

The offense will be led by NSU’s all-time leader in receiving yards, Jarrett Byers (6-0, 195, senior), who returns after receiving a medical hardship. Byers was tabbed as the LSC pre-season Offensive Player of the Year, but had his season cut short when he broke his jaw in the second game of the season.

Running back Josh Lewis (5-9, 190, junior) and receiver Damein Henderson (6-0, 200, senior) also figure to impact the success of the RiverHawks offense.

A big question mark for the offense is the quarterback position where the departure of Joe Hogan leaves NEO transfer Kaelin Woods (6-1, 205, junior) as the new starter.

“He’s the son of a coach,” said Evans. “He has average ability but because of his work ethic, he’s become better than that.”