Lafayette, La. – The Troy Trojan football team fell behind Sun Belt conference for Louisiana-Lafayette early Saturday night on Cajun Field and were unable to bounce back as the Ragin Cajuns’ took away a 31-17 victory.

“They played awfully well and had a good plan and got it to the point to where they could make us work hard throwing the football,” said head coach Larry Blakeney.

On the opening play of the game Ragin’ Cajun’s quarterback Blain Gautier threw a 49 yard completion to Javone Lawson. After the completion the Cajuns marched down to the Trojans one yard line and after being stopped on three downs converted on a fourth down touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Mason to Larry Pettis, giving the Cajuns an early 7-0 lead.

After the score the Cajuns attempted an onside kick on the kickoff in which they recovered giving them possession yet again.

However, the Trojan defense was able to hold Louisiana to a three and out for a Cajuns punt. Troy’s offense was then finally able to begin their first drive which started from their own 19 yard line. Driving all the way down to Louisiana’s 19 yard line Troy’s offense stalled forcing them to settle for a 36 yard Michael Taylor field goal with 4:40 in the first quarter narrowing the Cajuns lead to 7-3.

Cajuns’ quarterback Chris Mason completed a 26 yard touchdown pass to Javone Lawson building on the Cajuns’ lead to 14-3 over Troy with 6:36 left in the second quarter.

After the kickoff Troy began their next drive on their own 8 yard line. After being held to a three and out and a 53 yard punt the Cajuns’ started their next drive on their own 43 yard line. After working their way down to the Trojans seven yard line, Troy forced the Cajuns to settle for a 24 yard field goal with 1:05 left in the first half. The field goal pushed the Cajuns lead to 17-3.

On the final Trojan drive of the half Cajuns cornerback Melvin White intercepted Troy’s quarterback Corey Robinson’s pass for an 89 yard interception return for a touchdown. Giving Louisiana a 24-3 lead at the half.

Troy received the kickoff to start the second half and began their first second half drive on their own 19 yard line. The Trojans efficiently marched down the field 85 yards in 14 plays to top off the opening second half drive with a six yard pass from quarterback Corey Robinson to wide receiver Jaquon Robinson. With Taylor’s extra point, the Trojans closed in on the Cajuns lead 24-10 with 9:48 left in the third quarter.

The Trojan defense was able to stop the ensuing Cajuns drive, but a Louisiana punt left the Trojans starting their drive on their own four yard line. However, Troy’s second drive of the second half was less efficient causing the Trojans to punt from their own end zone and giving the Cajuns possession on the Trojans own 40 yard line.

The Cajuns capitalized on the field position with a 6 play drive that was topped off with an Alonzo Harris two yard touchdown run extending their lead to 31-10.

On the following drive the Trojans moved the ball well through the air however stalling on the opposing twenty yard line with a turnover on downs. Troy’s defense would stand tall again in the next Cajun drive forcing them to punt with 12:03 left in the game.

Troy’s offense continued to play through the deficit with Robinson connecting to Eric Thomas for a 27 yard touchdown pass with 10:17 left in the game. The score cut into the Cajuns’ lead 31-17.

However, Troy was not able to overcome the 31-17 deficit as they fell to Louisiana-Lafayette for the first time since 2005.

“ULM got us last year at their place and we should have great motivation, not only to recover but to pay a little debt,” said Blakeney.

The Trojans now prepare for Louisiana Monroe when they visit Troy next Saturday in more Sun Belt action on Larry Blakeney field.