No program in the country has had it worse than Northwestern State over the last few seasons.

The Demons have had little to celebrate, especially last year.

They had not won a game when tragedy hit the program. Northwestern State canceled the rest of its season after an 0-6 start after the shooting death of junior safety Ronnie Caldwell. 

The first game they called off was at McNeese State, leading to a forfeit and the cancellation of the Cowboys’ Homecoming. The Demons would finish 0-10 with the four forfeits, though the exact record is debatable.

NWSU says the games were canceled while their opponents say they were forfeited and count them as wins. Either way, it was as bad a season as anyone could have.

The incident led to the resignation of six-year head coach Bruck Laird. Nose tackle Maurice Campbell II was arrested on charges connected to the Caldwell death.

All this led to a reset of the program that continues to be on shaky ground. The Demons are 0-10 and have lost 18 straight on the field, 22 including forfeits, as they get set to host rival McNeese Saturday in Natchitoches.

“Very sad situation on what happened up there last year,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “We know what they are going through.

“They have a new staff now.”

After last season the Demons turned their football program over to Blaine McCorkle, who comes to them after spending the last six seasons at Division III Belhaven in Jackson, Mississippi.

“I’m excited to be back at that level. I’m also excited for the challenge of rebuilding – not building – Northwestern State because Northwestern State has been there before,” McConkle said when he was announced as the new Demon head coach. “The campus has a lot to offer. The town has a lot to offer. I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to restore a program a lot of people take a lot of pride in.”

As expected, a big portion of the team left and McConkle had to start over, leading to new struggles this year.

“They’ve been through as much as any college football player should ever have to go through,” McCorkle said. “They’re still reeling and hurting from missed opportunities last year. One of the best things these guys can do is go out and play some football. That’s the best medicine for them.”

This year has been a long one. The Demons allow almost 45 points a game, the worst in the Southland. They also score the least at just under 12. They are last in rushing, passing offense, and defense. 

The only major category that NSU isn’t last in the league is in rushing defense. They allow one less yard a game than Houston Christian.

“They have some talent there,” said Goff. “They play hard. I know their record doesn’t show it but they have been in some games.”

Despite all the young players and newcomers, the Demons are still looking to find the winning formula.

“You do have to put the whole thing together,” McCorkle said recently. “If you’re lacking in one area, it affects everybody. It is a team game, and complementary football is a real thing. It’s something we’re still searching for.” 

McNeese hopes they don’t find that this week.