Cowboys Back in the Saddle- McNeese Preview

By Jim Gazzolo

Once dominant, the Cowboys have fallen on hard times.

Stuck on a treadmill, they haven’t posted a winning season since 2019 and haven’t won a Southland Conference crown since 2015.

So they dipped into their history books and came up with an answer: Matt Viator.

The all-time winningest coach in McNeese history is headed back to the sidelines after a nine-year absence. He is currently tied for the top spot with Bobby Keaser at 78 victories.

He will easily pass him by this season.

“I really haven’t thought about that,” said Viator. “I am excited to be back, but I’m thinking about this team and these players.”

The Cowboys are coming off a 6-6 campaign that showed improvement but also left a lot to be desired. So McNeese hit the reset button, again.

Since Viator last coached the Cowboys in 2015, they have gone through four coaches with none lasting longer than three seasons. Viator isn’t here to bring back the past, though, but rather to rejump McNeese into the future.

“I want to see us get back to McNeese football,” Viator said. “Play the game the way it was supposed to be played. Go out there and play the football game the right way.” 

The Cowboys added a solid class of newcomers, led by the transfer portal and from junior colleges. 

The top transfer is Jake Strong, who takes over at quarterback from Texas Tech after a tough fight in camp. Strong started one game at Tech in his two seasons and is ready for his chance.

“I’m excited to get out there and play,” Strong said. “All you want to do is get a chance to show what you are capable of. We got a lot of talent, guys who can make plays.”

The Cowboys have three solid running backs returning, two of whom were limited last season due to injuries. Tre’Vonte Citizen and Coleby Hamm are healthy and join Bryce Strong as a trio of different types of backs.

Strong ran for 100 yards in two of the last three games last fall when he finally got his chance.

“It was hard to be patient,” said Bryce Strong, now a junior. “You want to be out there playing. You want to be helping your team.  “You think you can help, but you just have to wait for your chance.”

Getting back a healthy Makhi Paris and Curtis Deville should help the passing game as they will join transfers Josh Jackson (UAB) and Treyman Echols (Kent State) at receiver. Jonathan Harris brings experience to the group.

On the offensive line, Will Bressie returns to anchor a group that will need to stay healthy to have the type of season they want.

On defense, A.J. Thomas and Masey Lewis lead a deep and strong defensive line. 

“I really like this line,” said McNeese defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro. “We have guys on defense who can make plays.”

Landon Barrett and Emauri Sibley are a pair of bookend linebackers who can make plays all over the field. The secondary only returns safety Javon Davis, but that’s where a lot of newcomers will see action. 

Mason Edwards and Marquel Price will lead the corner spots, while Johnquai Lewis and Jermaine Hargraves will be the safeties.

All that gives McNeese a buzz it hasn’t had in recent seasons as the Cowboys try to climb back into the playoff picture.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers sports in Southwest Louisiana. He is also the host of Poke Nation, which airs weekly on CBS-Lake Charles.