Matt Viator Speaks About Preparation For Louisiana Christian

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It is officially game week for the McNeese Cowboys. Head Coach Matt Viator and company are gearing up for a Week One matchup with Louisiana Christian. Monday, Coach Viator met with the media to discuss the start of game week.

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The Wildcats enter the game with two full scrimmages already under their belt, something Viator says gives them an early advantage.

“They’re a tempo, spread-type team on offense,” Viator explained. “They’ve got four starters back on the offensive line and a big running back in Cunningham. Defensively, they like to play man coverage, and their defensive end, No. 99, really stood out on film.”

Viator also noted that in-state games always bring extra energy:

“Our players know their players and vice versa. They’ll be excited to come into Cowboy Stadium, and we know they’ll play hard.”

Cowboys Personnel Updates

McNeese has dealt with injuries up front, losing a few offensive linemen. Despite the setbacks, Viator says the rest of the roster is healthy and ready.

• Quarterback: The Texas Tech transfer Jake Strong will start. “He’s a natural leader and makes good decisions when he runs,” Viator said. Alex Flores did practice on Sunday Evening. Devon Lippold will have a role, and Viator does expect they will get him in the game.
• Running Backs: Bryce Strong, Coleby Hamm, and Trevonte Citizen will share carries, with Jaylen Thompson also in the mix. No starter named yet, but all will rotate. All backs will be heavily involved in the game. including on Special Teams.
• Receivers: Veterans Jonathan Harris, Kameron Senegal, Jessie Campbell, and Matthew McCalister lead the way, with new face Josh Jackson and returner Makai Parish expected to be heavily involved. Curtis Deville missed all of spring and has missed most of camp. Viator says they will see how he progresses moving forward, as he just returned to practice within the last week.
• Defense: Viator says Defensive Line is the deepest position on the team and is expecting to play up to 6 guys throughout the game. Viator says that Sibley and Barret will start at Lineback with Toaston and Lemaire playing a lot and early. Coach praised the young Freshman in the secondary who has stepped up and believes the younger guys will get opportunities to play.
• Special Teams: Fabrizio Pinton will be the place kicker while also handling some of the kickoff duties. Deaglan Camron will also work in at Kicking off as well. Multiple punters are expected to be used for the Cowboys. George Dixon, who has battled injuries, is more of the movement punter, while Pinton will be their pocket punter. Both Jonathan Harris and Kameron Senegal will start as kickoff returners, and Matthew McCallister will begin as the punt returner.

READ MORE: 2025 McNeese Football Schedule

Even though Viator may dismiss the fact, this Saturday Night will be as historical a night as they come. With a win over Louisiana Christian on Saturday, Viator would pass Bobby Keasler and etch his name at the top of McNeese Coaches with the most wins in program history.

In his ten seasons with McNeese before returning, Viator compiled 78 wins. He and Keasler both sit tied at the top, for now...

“I haven’t even thought about it,” Viator said. “I’m obviously going to be excited, but that’s something I’ll deal with when it comes. Right now, all I’m concerned with is practice last night and where we’re going moving forward.”

McNeese will face off against Louisiana Christian on Saturday Night inside Navarre Stadium with a new kickoff time of 6:00. The game can be seen on ESPN+, or you can listen live to the McNeese Sports Network on 92.9 The Lake.