Box Score Natchitoches, La.-- It was a tale of two halves at Turpin Stadium as the Delta State football team (1-1) took on the Northwestern State Demons (1-0). While the Statesmen let a first half lead slip away, they came back with a chance to win the game. Unfortunately the Statesmen's two point conversion attempt fell short and the Demons came away with a 24-23 victory.

The Statesmen came out of the gates strong scoring the game's first points. Senior quarterback Micah Davis finished off a 98-yard drive with a one yard touchdown run. The statesmen were not done in the first half as Junior Lavon Downs caught an eight yard strike from Davis to put Delta State up 14-0. A field goal by Senior Matt Dean gave the Statesmen a 17-0 lead at halftime.

The Demons rallied in the second half running off 24 unanswered points. Junior quarterback Brad Henderson replaced starting quarterback Paul Harris in the first half, and got the Demons back into the game. Henderson completed 8-of-9 passes in the second half and threw for one touchdown.

The Statesmen found themselves down 24-17 late in the first quarter. Davis who had been battered and bruised all game long took his team down the field with an 11-play 71 yard drive. Davis connected with senior wide out Tim Smith for the touchdown with 10 seconds left. Head coach Ron Roberts elected to keep Davis on the field and go for the two-point conversion. Davis attempted to get the ball to Senior wide out Chance Dennis, but the ball fell incomplete, and the Demons were able to get away with the victory.

The Statesmen put together 421 yards of offense. Davis was 19-of-42 for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Sophomore running back Richard Freelon led the team in rushing, gaining 48 yards on 10 carries. The Statesmen defense recorded three sacks, two from Senior linebacker Robert Hogan. Delta State also forced and recovered two fumbles.

The Demons gained 355 yards of total offense. Senior running back Sterling Endsley carried the team on the ground with 21 yards and two touchdowns.

The yellow flags were out in mass, as the two team combined for 32 penalties for 171 yards. The Statesmen committed 15 penalties for 117 yards.

The Statesmen now turn towards their next opponent. The Statesmen will hit the road again next week, as they travel to Fort Valley State. That game will take place Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Wildcats Stadium.