If this is the end of the Gary Goff era, what better way for it to go out than in utter chaos.

After a thrilling comeback that saw the Cowboys score twice in the final five minutes to take the lead, McNeese lost after time had expired.

Lamar used a rare untimed play to score a game-winning touchdown to defeat the Cowboys 26-24 Saturday night in the season finale.

“This one hurts,” said Goff, who was finishing his third season at McNeese. “You don’t want to end a season like this.”

The Cardinals used the extra play to score on a 20-yard pass from backup quarterback Jakolby Longino to Kyndon Fuselier. Longino was playing for starter Robert Coleman, who had been thrown out of the game for throwing punches in the fourth quarter.

Fuselier caught the ball and fell right on the goal line. He was ruled to be in the end zone, and a call was confirmed by replay. 

“Guy made a heck of a catch right on the line,” said Goff. “That untimed down beat us.”

The two teams exchanged punches after the game as they came together but coaches from both sides limited the fighting. It was a fitting end to a game that featured flags, flare-ups and foul language on both sides. 

The extra play came after the Cardinals had scored on a pass to RJ Carver of five yards but an offensive pass interference call moved the ball back to the 20 and set up the winner.

“I have never lost a game like that before,” said Goff. “They made one more play than us.”

On the winning drive, Lamar converted on fourth-and-16 and fourth-and-3 plays.

McNeese, which was down 17-0 early, scored twice in a 2:31 span late in the fourth quarter to take a 24-20 lead. Alex Flores hit Jer’Michael Carter on a 15-yard strike that was followed by Devin Lippold scoring on a 3-yard run.

That gave McNeese a 24-20 lead with 1:45 remaining. 

Making his first start of the season, Flores had a solid performance. He finished 24 of 34 for 256 yards and the TD. He did not throw an interception.

Barbie finished with 94 yards. 

The Cardinals were able to run with Carver leading the way with 122 yards on 22 rushes and one touchdown. Lamar ended with 247 yards on the ground in a matchup of the top two running teams in the Southland.

The loss ended McNeese’s chances to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2019, ending at 6-6 overall and 3-4 in the league. Lamar did pick up its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1966-67.

As for the future of McNeese football, it will be decided soon as Goff is expected to meet with Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. 

Goff said earlier in the week he did not feel like he was coaching for his job Saturday night but after a 1-10 season in 2023, it was unclear how much improvement was needed this year. 

After last year’s season, Goff and his staff have been on the hot season. It has been believed that he was given a number of wins needed this year. Whether that was six of seven is unclear. 

To his credit, this year has been a big improvement but there was also a lot to clean up. 

Either way, a decision must be made soon with the first signing day for recruits coming on Dec. 4.

“I am proud of this team and how it has played through a lot of things this year,” Goff said. 

Giving him a fourth season would not be out of the question. We should find out soon.