McNeese routs Texas Wesleyan for first win of 2026 season

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The McNeese Cowboys are in the win column for the first time this year, defeating the Texas Wesleyan Rams 52-0 on Saturday night.

The Cowboys got off to something of a slow start, only scoring seven points in the first quarter. However, the floodgates opened soon after, thanks in part to a blocked field goal that Safir Stills-Bey took all the way back for a McNeese touchdown.

Taking a 24-0 lead into the halftime break, the Cowboys picked up right where they left off in the third quarter. Devin Lippold connected with Elisha Edwards for a pair of touchdowns, including a 36-yard deep ball connection to put the Cowboys up by 38.

Lippold’s first career start for the Cowboys proved to be a good one. The sophomore snap caller completed 15 of his 20 passes for 199 yards and four touchdowns. Edwards finished with a strong statline on the night as well, hauling in five catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

Up next for the Cowboys is another Saturday night showdown, this time against Tarleton State on Sept. 12.

FIRST

4:14 - McNeese touchdown: Devin Lippold 22-yard pass to Solo Lewis (McNeese 7, Texas Wesleyan 0)

SECOND

11:48 - McNeese touchdown: Texas Wesleyan field goal attempt blocked, Safir Stills-Bey return for touchdown (McNeese 14, Texas Wesleyan 0)

5:28 - McNeese touchdown: Devin Lippold 10-yard pass to Curtis Deville Jr. (McNeese 21, Texas Wesleyan 0)

1:48 - McNeese 41-yard field goal by Deaglan Camron (McNeese 24, Texas Wesleyan 0)

THIRD

10:52 - McNeese touchdown: Devin Lippold 8-yard pass to Elisha Edwards (McNeese 31, Texas Wesleyan 0)

8:38 - McNeese touchdown: Devin Lippold 36-yard pass to Elisha Edwards (McNeese 38, Texas Wesleyan 0)

FOURTH

12:09 - McNeese touchdown: Brady Barrier 46-yard pass to Wyatt Fontenot (McNeese 45, Texas Wesleyan 0)

4:07 - McNeese touchdown: Marquez Davis 13-yard rush (McNeese 52, Texas Wesleyan 0)