NSU on the road in attempt at first win

October 10, 2008 07:55 pm

— By Kenton Brooks
Phoenix Sports Writer

Northeastern State University’s special teams were anything but that last Saturday. Coach Kenny Evans looks for that to change today as the RiverHawks continue Lone Star Conference play.
NSU, winless in four regular season and two LSC North Division contests, travels to Weatherford to play the Southwestern Bulldogs (1-5, 0-1) at 3:30 p.m.
In a 38-37 loss to Texas A&M-Commerce last week in Tahlequah, NSU had two punts blocked and returned for touchdowns.
“We had the No. 1 punt return team in the nation (going into the game) and when you have two blocked, you drop down very fast,” Evans said. “Our guys played hard, but we had a couple of letdowns.”
NSU kicker Jared Homer also missed two 52-yard field goals, the latter coming with 40 seconds left in the game, to leave the RiverHawks still searching for their elusive initial win in Evans’ first year as head coach.
NSU, however, had some bright spots. Jarrett Byers returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and set a single-game school record for return yards with 170 against the Lions.
Evans remains optimistic.
“We haven’t quit,” he said. “We’ve been in all six games.”
To get a win in this game, though, won’t be easy for the RiverHawks.
“They are very well-coached and doing a very good job with the talent they have,” Evans said. “They don’t have one guy who jumps out at you.”
Teamwise, Southwestern is tied for seventh in the league in scoring offense at 19.5 points per game and NSU is ninth at 19.3. In scoring defense, Southwestern is eighth (28.5) and NSU is 11th (33.7).
Quarterback Steve Day leads the Bulldogs with 1,393 yards passing or 232.2 yards per game. Kaelin Woods, NSU’s QB, has thrown for 793 yards and 132.2 yards per game.
After today’s game, the RiverHawks return home next Saturday for a non-conference game against Southwest Baptist. They resume league play on Oct. 25 against Southeastern in Durant.
In the meantime, Bacone College (4-2), riding a three-game winning streak, has the week off. It returns to action on Oct. 18 against Southwestern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. The Warriors’ next, and last, home game is Nov. 8 against Northwestern.