Sports Editor

After blowing out hapless Nicholls State 41-12 for homecoming, the Troy State Trojans (6-2, 3-1) will try to do something this weekend which they’ve never done before.

Win in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Troy State will face Stephen F. Austin (5-3,2-2) on Saturday and for the first time since

before a 24-17 loss to Northwestern State three weeks ago, the Trojans find themselves in control of their own destiny.

Why?

Because even bigger then the Trojans win over the Colonels, was league-leader Northwestern’s surprising 21-10 meltdown

in San Marcos to the Southwest Texas Bobcats.

That loss created a four-way tie for first place in the Southland Football League, with the Trojans, Southwest Texas, McNeese State and Northwestern all holding 3-1 records in conference play.

Which, of course, could change at anytime.

Which means, according to TSU head coach Larry Blakeney, "there’s still a lot of football left to be played."

But first the Trojans have to deal with the Lumberjacks.

"Certainly if we can beat Stephen F. Austin that will set up a huge game next week against McNeese State," said Blakeney, whose team faces the Cowboys on Nov. 11 in Troy. "I figure if we can win the rest of our games we should be able to win the league. Since we’re leaving the SFL this season, it would be great to beat both McNeese and Stephen F., because that would draw us even in the series against both of them in league play."

The Lumberjacks have been a cavity in the collective Trojans’ teeth in recent years and prior to last season’s 27-7 Troy State win, SFA had won the last three meetings between the two schools.

"Last year was one of our best performances of the season," said Blakeney. "Our offensive line just dominated the line of scrimmage and just wore them (SFA) down."

The Trojans rushed for 390 yards and rolled up 505 total yards of offense. The Lumberjacks, however, could manage just 143 yards in the game.

Blakeney expects a stiffer test on Saturday.

"Defensively, they might be a little better then last year," he said. "But what we have to worry about is not going out there and killing ourselves with penalties."

Gone is SFA running back Isiah Stoker, who boldly predicted before last season’s contest that he would "run all over" the Trojans’ defense, but ended the game with just 23 yards. The Lumberjacks, however, have found an adequate replacement in Derric Blaylock. Blaylock has rushed for 1,010 yard this season and scored eight touchdowns.