Raiders Continue Rolling
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
(Photo By Bobby Ardoin)
Keep making adjustments and formulating an identity.
That’s what the Northwest High football program has done throughout 2026 and as the playoffs approach, the Raiders are maintaining the momentum.
That was evident on Friday night as the Raiders captured a probable second place in District 4-3A with a 35-7 league victory over Church Point.
The win marked the third straight victory over the Bears.
Northwest head coach Chris Edwards said his team gathered some energy early, scoring twice off first quarter Church Point turnovers and then adding one touchdown during each of the subsequent three periods.
The Raiders improved to 6-3 while establishing a 4-1 league record. Northwest ends the regular season next week at Ville Platte.
Edwards said the program has benefitted lately from Sunday night team film studies where his players review the previous week’s game.
“We sit them down and concentrate on taking care of our mistakes, go over fundamentals. We tell our players that you don’t win games. You lose games,” Edwards said.
The victory over Church Point (6-3, 3-2) came after the Raiders lost last Friday night to district leader Eunice High (30-23).
One of the key personnel moves the Raiders have made, said Edwards, was improving a running game that now includes Jaylen Richard and Frederick Nimer.
Both backs made contributions against Church Point. Lazard gained 93 yards on 13 attempts, while Nimer ran eight times for 54 and three touchdowns.
Nimer also recorded six tackles against Church Point.
Wide receiver My’kael Richard, said Edwards, has been a positive late edition to the passing game.
How It Happened
The Raiders put early points on the board when linebacker Markez Davis gathered in a tipped pass and ran the ball back for a 38-yard score.
Edwards thought the Davis interception return played a major role in the win.
“I thought the pick six on third down made a lot of difference in how we started. On the next possession we drove 40 yards and then got a stop,” Edwards added.
Then following a fumble recovery – the second of three Church Point turnovers – the Raiders scored another TD on a 5-yard Frederick Nimer run that led to a 14-0 advantage following a Gavon Fontenot point after kick.
Northwest entered halftime with a 21-0 lead on another Nimer touchdown run augmented by another Fontenot extra point.
The final two touchdowns came on the third Nimer touchdown run and a 12-yard throw from quarterback Chaise Dupre to My’khael Richard.
Statistically
Northwest compiled 366 total offensive yards — with 191 passing.
Richard caught three passes for 101 yards. Chris Cane had five receptions for 58.
Dupre completed 11-of-14 passes.
Church Point was limited to six passing yards. The Bears were 1-of-8 on third down along with two fumbles and an interception.
