Standing tall in the end zone of Harry S. Turpin Stadium, the largest trophy in college football looms over two purple-clad teams vying to win the 7 feet 5 inches, 330-pound Native American trophy.
Chief Caddo has taken trips between Natchitoches, Louisiana and Nacogdoches, Texas ever since Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin decided in the early ’60s to award a trophy to the winner of the rivalry game.
During the last football game of the season, the Demons were able to not just lift the 330-pound trophy but send 17 seniors and Head Coach Jay Thomas off with one more win.
To senior wide receiver Cameron Lazare, winning Chief Caddo means more than other wins.
Senior running back Chris Jones said dashing to the trophy was one of his best sprints of the night.
For Laird, the trophy is more than a win for the team; it’s a win for the community.
“It’s not just [a win for] Northwestern State football. It’s about the university, and it’s about the community of Natchitoches as well,” he said.
Bringing Chief Caddo back home was the icing on a hard-fought season for the Demons who went 4-7 overall and 4-5 in conference play.
Lazare and Jones agreed with the future NSU head coach about the season being a roller coaster of sorts.
Throughout their years as Demons, Jones and Lazare have created memories and learned more about themselves.
“It’s been great. I grew as a person,” Lazare said. [My coaches] had an impact on me and Natchitoches is a homely place. It’s a great place to be.
This season home win closes the play book for a handful of players and staff, but a new door opens as Laird takes command of the head coach position and opens a new playbook for those to come.