NATCHITOCHES  -- Last week's open date, and the infusion of music, has given the Northwestern State football team some extra bounce in its steps as the Demons prepare for Saturday evening's Homecoming game at 6 in Turpin Stadium against in-state Southland Conference rival Nicholls State.

Head coach Bradley Dale Peveto said keeping practice short and fast-paced, and being able to give the players three days off, was very beneficial for the Demons.

“We went Demons on Demons for three days. We worried about the Demons, not about Nicholls State. As a staff we broke them down, but to get our guys fresh, we stayed away from any video, any walk-throughs, and we kept practice short,” said Peveto. “It really was good.”

Senior kicker John Shaughnessy, one of the “Demon Deacons” chosen by players as the squad's leadership council, agreed.

“It was tremendous for us. From a physicality standpoint, it got us back where we need to be, and mentally, it gave us a break that was great for us,” he said.

During last week's workouts, the players were treated to contemporary music throughout the practices.

 “There are a lot of teams doing that now, including Oregon and Texas A&M,” said Peveto. “Throughout the entire practice, there's music. We tried it last week, our guys really liked it, and we'll continue doing it. It helps your focus, because the noise level places a premium on communication.”

Picking a DJ was easy. Peveto turned it over to 2000 Notre Dame graduate, special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Brendan Farrell.

“Coach Farrell is in charge of music. I trust his taste. (Senior defensive end) Wade Williams is going to jump in there and Joey Guarascio, our strength coach, is going to help,” said Peveto. “Those are guys who are a lot more in vogue than I am. If it was up to me, we'd play Merle Haggard and some country tunes.  It's helped me broaden my horizons as far as my musical tastes.”

As competition resumes Saturday, it comes against a longtime rival. The schools have played every year since 1973 with some epic contests in the series, although the Demons won 34-0 last year in Thibodaux – after the Colonels spanked the Demons 37-7 two years ago in Turpin Stadium.

“It's a rivalry, and when we play Nicholls State, it's going to be a battle. That's how it's been through the years,” said Peveto. “You better bring it.”

Adding fuel to the fire is the annual “NSU Challenge” or “Real NSU Rivalry.” Both schools use the acronym NSU in their home regions, and a wooden trophy enscripted with NSU goes to the winning team.

For Shaughnessy, that even surpasses Homecoming activities as a major motivation this week.

“The fact that it's Nicholls, and the Real NSU Rivalry never dies down, makes this one extra special. You get up for that every time,” he said.

Another Demon Deacon, senior safety Jamaal White, said Homecoming is also a spike for the players' emotions.

“The spirit around the campus is exciting, and it all comes down to the football game. Alumni come back, students get pumped up, guys who played with us and before us come to see us play,” he said. “It's special.”