Assistant football coach for offensive line Travis Mikel trains the players ahead of the Homecoming Game this Saturday against University of the Incarnate Word. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar
Sophomore kick returner Juwan Petit-Frere looks to add to his impressive performances at home. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion's Roar
The team hopes to continue the momentum after registering back-to-back wins. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion’s Roar
With the commencement of Homecoming Week, the countdown towards the Homecoming Game has started. The Lions football team will battle it out against the University of the Incarnate Word this weekend to complete Homecoming Week.
“Homecoming Games over here are always awesome,” said Director of Athletics Jay Artigues. “Friendship Circle’s packed. It’s like a Mardi Gras atmosphere. We always get a good crowd and we’re looking forward to it. Coming back home, every game gets big and magnified, but homecoming’s a little bit more so because you got all the former players coming back, all the former students coming back. So, it’s gonna be exciting.”
Head Coach Ron Roberts hopes for a great turnout at the event.
“It’s a great event,” said Roberts. “Obviously, get to see a lot of alumni come back on campus, a lot of former football players on campus. Looking forward to it. Should be a great event, it usually is, and looking forward for a packed house and a great atmosphere.”
Sophomore kick returner Juwan Petit-Frere has been one of the standout performers at home. He has made career-best 92-yard kickoff returns on two occasions against Bethune-Cookman University and Lamar University at home. For his achievements, he has been named Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week as well as Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week.
Roberts is pleased with the weekly honors received by Petit-Frere.
“Anytime you’re excited when your kids get recognitions,” said Roberts. “I’m excited for him. He’s worked his tail off. It’s exciting to see him get recognized for what he’s done.”
This will be Petit-Frere’s first Homecoming Game. He shared what the game means and also told how he feels about getting recognition for his efforts.
“I’m not really too familiar to the game right now, but I know it’s a big time game for us,” said Petit-Frere. “It’s my first year being here. I’m a transfer student, so I’m looking forward for this Homecoming Game. I’m really excited to be recognized, but I really give it to my teammates. Without them, I won’t be able to do what I had to do.”
Petit-Frere told his plans for the game against Incarnate Word.
“Just trust it,” said Petit-Frere. “Just trust the hole and run as fast as you can.”
After getting a couple of wins in a row, the Lions will be looking to continue the momentum during the Homecoming Game on Saturday, Oct. 7. The game will start at 4 p.m. Artigues believes the Homecoming Game has more to offer than just the games.
“There’s always a lot going on in Friendship Circle,” said Artigues. “The tailgating really starts as soon as the sun comes up. I’d encourage them to get out there and get early. We have a lot of activities out there. We’ve a kids zone in the middle of Friendship Circle. It’s very fan-friendly, very family-oriented. So, hopefully it brings the entire family out there. Hopefully, all the students come out because we’ve always had a great turnout from our student body, and that makes a big difference for us.”
