Senior quarterback D'Shaie Landor came in the game against Nicholls in the second half and finished with 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar

The season came down to a nail biting victory for the Lions football team as they won back the River Bell Classic from Nicholls State 44-42. The victory kept the Lions in the race for the Football Champion Subdivision playoffs. Their 7-4 record however was not enough to make it to the playoffs.

“It’s always good to go out with your possible last game with a bang,” said senior quarterback D’Shaie Landor. “I felt I did well. Missed a few throws here and there, but I can always do better.”

Nicholls won the River Bell Classic last season in Strawberry Stadium. The Lions decided to return the favor.

“It feels good,” said Landor. “Last year, we dropped it late when they won on a field goal. It felt good to come out here and return the trophy back home. It was a close game, but they always play us close. It’s a good old-fashioned rivalry, so we always try to play our best.”

The game came down to a hail mary attempt by Nicholls after coming back from a 16 point deficit. The all-time series against Nicholls is now 13-13.

“That was probably one of the most exciting football games I’ve been in a while,” said Head Coach Ron Roberts. “That really turned out to be a rivalry game. That’s what it’s about. The emotions and swings of the game. Both sides fought their tails off. Hats off to Nicholls. They played great and have nothing to hang their heads about.”

The Lions had several injuries during the game, but the injuries did not slow down the Lions.

“I’m proud of our kids for that,” said Roberts. “Max Lyons went down early. Jacorey Fuller had a head problem, and they didn’t clear him to play. So, we sent out our freshmen and they did a good job.”

Landor subbed in for fellow senior quarterback Justin Alo to start the second half and threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The defense had three interceptions for the game and junior linebacker Jake Jiannoni led the defense with 11 tackles.

“I’m very proud of the defense,” said senior fullback Juwaan Rogers. “They held it together man, and I’m very proud of them.”

It was announced on Sunday, Nov. 20 that the Lions did not qualify for the FCS playoffs. Therefore, this was the last game of the college careers of the seniors on the football team.

“Anybody would want to finish their last game in college on a win,” said Rogers. “If it had to end today, this is a good feeling to go out on.”

The Lions marching onto the field for the 2016 River Classic.
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar

The football game came down to a failed hail mary attempt by Nicholls which ended the game 44-42.  
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar

Students travelled by bus to tailgate before the game and support the Lions.
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar

The Lions lost the River Bell Classic to Nicholls last year in Strawberry Stadium, but the Lions got some payback by beating Nicholls in John L. Guidry Stadium. 
Jonathan Rhodes/The Lion's Roar