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Playing for the first time at home this season, the No. 15/16 Nicholls State University football team defeated No. 10/11 Central Arkansas, 34-14, Saturday evening on Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium.
With the win, Nicholls (3-2, 2-0 SLC) snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series against Central Arkansas (3-2, 1-1 SLC) in the first meeting between the two schools since 2016. The victory also gave the Colonels their 12th win in their last 13 games at Guidry Stadium.
It was a record day for senior quarterback Chase Fourcade, who picked apart the Bear defense for 327 yards and a touchdown on 24 of 29 passing. Already the program leader in total offense, Fourcade, who added 48 yards rushing and another score, eclipsed the 10,000-yard mark to become just the seventh player in Southland Conference history to reach the milestone.
Julien Gums rushed for 51 yards and tacked on to his team lead in rushing touchdowns with two scores. After Fourcade scored the game’s first touchdown, Gums scored twice in the second quarter from 8 and 36 yards out for a 20-0 lead at the break.
The Colonel defense limited UCA to 98 yards in the first half and had two key turnovers in the opening 30 minutes.
After Fourcade fumbled at the goal line on a 98-yard drive, Nicholls got the ball back three plays later on a forced fumble by Khristian Mims.
After Gums’ seventh rushing touchdown gave Nicholls a 20-0 advantage, Darren Evans ended UCA’s best drive in the half with an interception at the 1-yard line.
Although he did not account for any points in the first half, Dai’Jean Dixon hauled in a career-high 140 yards receiving on five receptions before the intermission for Nicholls. The junior from New Orleans surpassed the 100-catch mark for his career and moved two yards shy of sixth place on the program’s all-time receiving list with 1,723 yards.
UCA scored on the opening drive of the third quarter on a Lujuan Winningham 4-yard touchdown grab from Breylin Smith to make it 20-7. But the Colonel defense held the dynamic duo in check for the most part, limiting Winningham to only two receptions for 21 yards. He entered the game averaging 132.5 yards receiving, and Smith ended his day over 100 yards shy of his passing average.
Midway through the third, Fourcade found an open Darrion Cook for a 30-yard catch, and on the next play, he hit tight end Jordan Talley on a screen. With blockers ahead of him, Talley went 26 yards into the end zone for his third career touchdown and a 27-7 lead.
UCA gambled on its next possession, going for a fourth-and-1 at midfield. Smith completed a pass in the flat to Sam Carmargo, who was immediately met by Mims and tackled for a loss of two yards. Mims led the Colonels with nine tackles and added two for loss.
With the short field, the Colonels chewed 4:30 off the clock on nine plays and ended the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run by Kendall Bussey, stretching the lead to 34-7.
Later in the fourth, UCA went for it again deep in Colonel territory before Brandon Fontenot stopped the drive with a sack.
But the Bears scored on their final possession on a 44-yard pass from Smith to Kylan Robinson with six seconds remaining.
With the 2018 seniors on hand to receive their championship rings, the defense looked like last year’s edition with nine tackles for loss and four sacks against UCA. Sully Laiche had a sack for the second-straight game and totaled three tackles for loss, while Allen Pittman had two stops behind the line, including one sack. Laryon James also had a sack for the Red and Gray.
Central Catholic alums Stefano Guarisco and Garret LeBlanc each played in Saturday’s contest. Guarisco started at wide receiver and had one rush for minus-1 yards.
UP NEXT
The Colonels will take on rival Northwestern State in Thibodaux Saturday, with the N-S-U Trophy up for grabs. Kickoff at John L. Guidry Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game will be televised on Cox Sports TV and will be available on ESPN+ outside of CST’s territory.

A Morgan City man with no driver’s license had a child unrestrained in a vehicle and drove into oncoming traffic hitting another vehicle, Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair said in a news release.
—Daniel Michael Elliot, 20, of Cane Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:52 p.m. Monday on charges of stop sign violation, no driver’s license, no insurance, and no child restraint.
Officers were called to the intersection of Greenwood Street and La. 70 for a motor vehicle crash. The officer learned a vehicle driven by Elliott failed to stop for oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle. The officer observed Elliot had a small child in his vehicle that was not properly restrained. A computer check revealed Elliot did not have a valid driver’s license. The computer check also revealed the vehicle Elliot was driving was uninsured. Elliot was jailed.
Blair also reported the Morgan City Police Department responded to 46 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—Robert Anthony Norris, 30, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:23 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (Alprazolam) and illegal carrying of a weapon. Norris was located and placed under arrest at the Berwick Police Department. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department where he was jailed.
—Alfred Johnson, 54, of Clayton Drive in Baton Rouge, was arrested at 1:15 p.m. Monday on a charge of simple battery.
—Glenn Gregory Johnson, 19, of Clayton Drive in Baton Rouge, was arrested at 1:15 p.m. Monday on a charge of simple battery.
—Caleb Ra’Shawn Givens, 18, of Clayton Drive in Baton Rouge, was arrested at 1:15 p.m. Monday on a charge of simple battery.
The Morgan City jail staff was alerted to a fight in the inmate recreational area within the housing facility of the Morgan City jail. During the investigation, A. Johnson, G. Johnson and Givens were identified as persons involved. They were booked and remained jailed.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 complaints and the following arrests were made:
—Sidney J. Bourque Jr., 64, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:10 a.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of issuing worthless checks of $1,500 or more. A deputy was at a local business in Amelia when he observed Bourque, who he knew held an active warrant.
After confirming the warrant through dispatch, the deputy made contact with Bourque and advised him of the active warrant. Bourque was jailed with no bail set.
—Donald James Busse, 52, of Watkins Street in Berwick, was arrested at 1:09 p.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender or child predator. A deputy traveled to a business in Morgan City in reference to locating Busse who held an active warrant for his arrest. The deputy made contact with Busse and advised him of the active warrant. Busse was jailed and released on a $1,000 bond.
—Burkin Jerome Dupre, 33, of Cross Road 2 in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended/ revoked/ canceled, and no seat belt. Dupre also held warrants through the Morgan City Police Department on the charges of possession of marijuana, three counts of contempt of court for fines, two counts of terms of probation, three counts of probation fees, and contempt of court review.
A deputy traveled to a residence on Cross Road 2 in reference to locating Dupre, who held active warrants for his arrest. The deputy made contact with Dupre and advised him of the active warrants. Dupre was jailed with no bail set and a hold is placed on him for another agency.
—Lance Joseph Leonard, 46, of U.S. 90 in Pierre Part, was arrested at 9:26 p.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear for a drug court conference on the charge of possession of methamphetamine. A deputy working in booking made contact with Leonard when he was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center from another agency. Leonard was jailed with no bail set.
—Antonio Michael Giandelone, 32, of Sunny Street in Lafayette, was arrested at 10:26 p.m. Monday on charges of two counts turning movements and required signals, possession of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, two counts possession of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, transaction involving proceeds from drug offenses, and possession of controlled dangerous substances in a drug-free zone.
A deputy was patrolling the area of Middle Road in Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle fail to use a proper turning signal at two separate intersections. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Giandelone. During the stop, drugs were found. Giandelone was jailed with no bond set.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:
—Tayler J. Davis, 21, of Natalie Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 9 p.m. Saturday on a charge of remaining on premises after being forbidden. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Darius Brown, 41, of Clements Street in Patterson, was arrested at 7:10 a.m. Saturday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Travis J. Morin, 36, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 4:46 p.m. Sunday on charges of disturbing the peace and possession of methamphetamine. He was jailed with no bond set.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported no arrests.

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
6:07 a.m. 2400 block of Apple street; Medical.
7:47 a.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; Patrol request.
9:42 a.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Open door.
10:16 a.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Criminal damage to property.
10:18 a.m. La. 182 West; Complaint.
10:26 a.m. 800 block of Freret Street; Animal complaint.
11:28 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
11:37 a.m. 1000 block of First Street; Complaint.
11:53 a.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Theft.
12:41 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Theft.
12:47 p.m. Red Roof Inn; Complaint.
12:54 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Animal complaint.
1:48 p.m. 500 block of Fourth Street; Hang up call.
1:55 p.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Accident.
2:54 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Smelled weed.
3:02 p.m. 700 block of Levee Road; Dead cat.
3:31 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Stalled vehicle.
4:08 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Narcotics.
4:27 p.m. Colonial Plaza; Possible drunk.
5:02 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Complaint.
5:06 p.m. Allison Street; Complaint.
8:19 p.m. 500 block of Third Street; Criminal trespassing.
9:14 p.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; Recovery.
11:42 p.m. 1400 block of Lakewood Drive; Welfare concern.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
1:13 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
2:01 a.m. 2100 block of Sixth Street; Phone harassment.

A Morgan City woman was stopped for swerving while driving and found to have drugs, no driver’s license and a child that was unrestrained in the vehicle, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said in a news release.
—Felicia Lanette Soto, 26, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:30 p.m. Sunday on charges of illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in presence of person under 17 years of age, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, no child restraint, driver must be licensed and driving on roadway lined for traffic.
A deputy was patrolling La. 317 near Alice C Road when he observed a vehicle swerve onto the grassy area and then cross over the centerline. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Soto. During the stop, the deputy located drugs and drug paraphernalia belonging to Soto, Smith said. Soto had no driver’s license and a child was in the vehicle without being properly restrained. She was jailed with no bond set.
Smith also advised that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 112 complaints and the following arrests were made:
—Hurbert Terrell Lovett, 56, of Wilson Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Friday on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled.
A deputy received a tip due to the “Warrant Wednesday” post on social media from someone who knew the location of Lovett. The deputy traveled to a location on Marguerite Street in Morgan City and made contact with Lovett. Lovett was advised of the active warrants and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Giovanni Landero Munoz, 26, of Charlotte Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 5:09 a.m. Saturday for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A deputy was dispatched to a residence in Cypremort Point in reference to a female subject who was intoxicated and had been injured by falling. The deputy made contact with the female, three juveniles, and two male subjects, one who was later identified as Munoz. Through the investigation, Munoz was developed as the person who purchased alcohol for the group. She was jailed and released on a $2,500 bond.
—Robin Gossett Hebert, 56, of Three B’s Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:47 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of driving while intoxicated and no license plate.
A deputy was dispatched to a traffic incident at a local business in Bayou Vista. The deputy made contact with one of the drivers, identified as Hebert. Through the investigation, dispatch advised the deputy of the active warrant for Hebert. She was jailed with bail set at $10,000.
—Effie Latessia Wiltz, 35, of Arlington Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:41 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving on roadway lined for traffic and possession of marijuana.
—Tikisia Garrett Young, 42, of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:42 a.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana.
A deputy was patrolling U.S. 90 East in Centerville when he observed a vehicle cross the centerline and travel in the middle of the roadway for a short period of time.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Wiltz, and a passenger, Young. Through the stop, drugs belonging to both women were found. Both were arrested and released on a summons to appear on Jan. 10.
—Robert D. Gray Jr., 58, of Ursuline Street in Lafayette, was arrested at 7:33 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and speeding. A deputy was stationary on U.S. 90 facing east in Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Gray. Through the stop, drugs and drug paraphernalia were found. He was arrested and released on a summons to appear on Jan. 10.
—Donald Anthony Lahoste, 53, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:36 a.m. Sunday for a charge of driving while intoxicated. A deputy was dispatched to La. 182 West in Patterson in reference to a reckless driver. The deputy observed the vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop making contact with the driver identified as Lahoste.. During the stop, Lahoste, exhibited signs of intoxication. The deputy conducted field sobriety in which Lahoste performed poorly. Lahoste was transported to the Berwick Police Department for chemical testing which showed his blood alcohol content at .152 g/%. Lahoste was jailed and released on a $5,000 bond.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 110 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—John P. Yates, 39, of Aucoin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:27 p.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated, possession of methamphetamine (2-28 grams), second offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant for failure to appear. An officer on patrol observed Yates in an intoxicated condition at a local business on La. 182.
A warrants check revealed 16th District Court held an active warrant for his arrest. During his arrest, the officer located suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in his possession, Blair said. Yates was jailed.
—Marquita Craft, 35, of Apple Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4 p.m. Saturday on a charge of theft under $1,000 (value at $162.60) and a warrant for the charge of failure to appear. Officers responded to a call of a theft at a local business on La. 182. Officers were advised by management they witnessed Craft attempt to exit the store with merchandise she did not purchase valued at $93.78. The officer also located $70.10 in merchandise still concealed in a bag that was in Craft’s possession. A warrants check revealed the 16th District Court held an active warrant for her arrest. She was jailed.
—Dezzie Jane Booty, 40, of Maple Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:22 p.m. Saturday on charges of introduction of contraband into a penal institute and possession of a legend drug.
—Leeann Nicole Jones, 33, of Azalia Drive in Donner, was arrested at 8:22 p.m. Saturday on charges of introduction of contraband into a peanl institute and possession of a legend drug.
The correctional staff at the Morgan City Police Department conducted a contraband search of the jail facility. During the search, inmate Jones was located concealing contraband on her person. She was found concealing tobacco, lighter, and 3 pills identified as Hydroxyzine Pamoate 50 mg. During the investigation it was learned that when the contraband search began,inmate Booty had Jones conceal the contraband from officers. Both Booty and Jones were arrested, booked, and remain jailed.
—Kade Simon, 27, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 2 a.m. Saturday on a charge of driving under suspension. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of La. 70 and Greenwood Street The driver was identified as Simon. A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. He was jailed.
—Seth Allen Lovett, 32, of Duke Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Sunday on a charge of attempted vehicle burglary and a warrant for failure to appear. A witness observed Lovett pulling on door handles attempting to gain entry into vehicles in a shopping center on La. 182, Blair said. The witness alerted an officer working an off-duty detail at a local business. The officer located and detain Lovett until patrol units arrived. A warrant check revealed 16th District Court held an active warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.
—Charles Herman Pittman, 49, of Uranus Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:28 a.m. Monday on charges of first offense possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine (under 2 grams) and introduction of contraband into a penal institute. An officer on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a closed business on Brashear Avenue. The officer made contact with the two occupants of the vehicle.
One of the occupants was identified as Pitman. While the officer was speaking to Pittman, the officer observed suspected methamphetamine residue in plain view, Blair said.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 was called to the scene. The K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. Officers located suspected marijuana inside the vehicle where Pittman was sitting. Pittman was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department. Once at the Morgan City Police Department Pittman was found to have two baggies of suspected methamphetamine concealed on his person. He was jailed.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported the following arrests:
—Robert Norris, 30, of Sixth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on the charge of theft of a motor vehicle. Officers were dispatched to a residence on Rose Street in Berwick in reference to a disturbance. Officers made contact in the residence with Norris. A warrants check was conducted and officer’s learned that Norris had an outstanding warrant for his arrest through St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office for theft of a motor vehicle. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Alysha Carlton, 29, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 6:18 p.m. Sunday on a warrant for the charge of theft. Officers responded to a residence on Oregon Street in an attempt to locate Carlton who had an active warrant for her arrest held by the Berwick Police Department. She was jailed with bond set at $1500.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported no arrests.