Southland Conference title has collective sense of accomplishment for Colonels

Capturing the Southland Conference football championship with a 37-24 win over Lamar at home meant a collective sense of accomplishment for the Colonels.

It also had different meanings for various members of the Colonels football team.

For sixth-year receiver David Robinson, it meant validation of his decision to return for one more season. Robinson has had a breakthrough season in 2023 with 23 catches for 365 yards and three touchdowns. Among his scoring receptions was a highlight-reel catch that has been among the top efforts in the country this season.

“The decision to come back and fight and the recruits we were able to get, and the boys bought in and fought, they gave us everything that we needed to get out of them. We went out there and tended to our business. Our o-line stepped up. Our defense plays great every week,” said Robinson, who had a 15-yard touchdown catch in the win over Lamar.

For a veteran like defensive lineman Perry Ganci, it was a chance to have bookend conference championships in his career as a Colonel.

“It feels surreal. Our seniors, we came in getting it done in 2019, and we will end it perfect with a fricking championship at home. The trophy, the rings, everything, the playoffs, it’s a dream come true,” said Ganci.

For Nicholls center Evan Roussel, who has had every individual accolade from All-Conference selections and All-American recognition, the Southland Conference was the one thing that was missing.

“I don’t think it hit me yet. I hurt my ankle a little bit and I’m not even feeling it, so guess there’s a little something there. It’s the first chance I get this opportunity. It feels awesome,” Roussel said.

For players like Joe Mason and Pat McQuaide, a conference championship in their first year as Colonels cemented their decision to transfer to Nicholls.

“It’s something I never expected, but we got it done,” said Mason. “We just came in, kept our heads down and put in the work, and everything paid off for itself.”

Mason provided an immediate impact along the Nicholls defensive line, especially with harassing opposing quarterbacks.

A transfer from Louisiana Tech, Mason leads the team through nine games with 5.5 sacks. He’s also second on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5

McQuaide, the Colonel quarterback, transferred to Nicholls after a prolific season at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in which he threw for 2,730 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the junior college ranks in passing yards, yards per game, and passing touchdowns.

In his first year as a Colonels, the sophomore left-hander has thrown for 1,769 yards with 11 touchdowns through nine games.

“This is the goal,” said McQuaide. “This is what we came here to do. We got it done. We’re not done yet.”

Yet to be done for the Colonels is the regular-season finale at rival Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, and then on to the Football College Subdivision playoffs.