Matt Viator likes to throw in a few glitches during workouts. On Saturday, he got some help from natural circumstances.

When the Cowboys arrived for their morning scrimmage, they were greeted with darkness, as a power outage turned off their lights.

Then, rain delayed things even further. When McNeese took the field, it rained off and on.

“I’ll do that a time or two in the fall, but not in the spring,” said Viator, who was running his first scrimmage since returning to the McNeese head coaching position.

Despite the setbacks, it worked out for the Cowboys, who went through most of the workout like they wanted.

“It was important to get this in,” said Viator. “The kids did a really good job adapting.”

The scrimmage portion of Saturday lasted just over an hour, in and out of raindrops, but once they started, the Cowboys worked right through the storm. More than a few ex-players were also on hand to support their old coach.

‘It was a good day for us,” said Viator. “I got the thumbs up from our trainer, so we came out of it healthy.”

The Cowboys looked good on defense, ending the workout with a couple of turnovers. That is likely expected since the defensive scheme and special teams group maily return.

Viator’s offense, however, is new.

“Defensively and special teams-wise, we are further along,” said Viator. “Our offense has been getting better each day.”

One player who looked good was junior quarterback Alex Flores, who threw for a pair of touchdown passes. Flores started at the end of last season and stayed during the coaching change.

“There was never a question I was coming back. I love it here in Lake Charles,” said Flores. “I think the offense is coming together as we get to know it better.”

Flores is fighting for the starting job with Texas transfer Jake Strong. He enjoys the battle.

“Jake is a great guy, and we really get along,” said Flores. “I think we push each other for the better. That is what you want.

“The important thing is for us to win. I enjoy the competition and can only control what I can control. The best player will play, and that’s how it should be.”

Flores has impressed his new coach.
“I like Alex,” said Viator. “He has done a nice job this spring. He and Jake have really pushed each other, and that is what you want to see. They have a good relationship.”

Flores also likes the vibe of this team.

“We have a lot of good energy going,” Flores said. “Last year it was like we felt we had to go to practice, now it’s we get to go to practice.”

That is the most notable difference this season. There is an enthusiasm for everything.

Keeping that up will be key to the rest of the spring.