Demons set captains, start work for SMU contest
By: Brandon Dunn
Updated: September 12, 2011
NATCHITOCHES - For the second straight game, Northwestern State head football coach Bradley Dale Peveto will know the words to both teams' fight songs when the Demons visit SMU in Dallas Saturday night.
Peveto played at SMU and is a 1986 graduate. He was a standout on special teams, served as a team captain as a senior in 1986 as he earned his fourth letter, and played in bowl games following the 1983 and 1984 seasons.
He was an assistant coach for four seasons (2005-08) at LSU and helped the Tigers win the 2007 BCS national championship.
"They both have special places in my heart, but for one week, I am rooting against SMU just like I was rooting against LSU only last week," said Peveto. "Like LSU, this SMU team presents a lot of challenges on the football field and we're working hard to get ready."
The Mustangs (1-1) won 28-17 at home last week over Texas-El Paso after opening with a 46-14 loss at No. 9 Texas A&M. The Demons (1-1) were beaten by No. 3 LSU 49-3 Saturday night on the heels of a 24-23 home win over Division II power Delta State on Sept. 1.
Monday, the Demons reviewed game tape from the LSU contest before going through an evening practice in Turpin Stadium.
Peveto named three Texans as the Demons' game captains for SMU: running back Sterling Endsley, cornerbacks Cashas Pollard and Jeremy Lane.
He said Shane Abdullah, Matt Friederich and Chase Collins were last week's "Scout Teams Players of the Week" for their outstanding efforts in preparing NSU for the matchup in Tiger Stadium.
Earning the "Big Stick Award" for the most fierce hits of the game were sophomore safety Bert White and freshman defensive end Keland Johnson.
Since the Demons did not win, no player of the game awards were presented.
