For the past 14 months, Peyton Lemaire has had a front-row seat for one of the best stories in FCS football.

The local product from Sulphur High, just over the bridge from Cowboy Stadium, has been the backup linebacker to All-American Micah Davey since he came to McNeese State.

Yet against SEC power Texas A&M two Saturdays ago, the understudy took center stage when Davey was injured in the second quarter.

“I was ready,” said Lemaire. “I knew what to do. I had prepared for it.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound sophomore recorded four tackles, three of them solo, against the Aggies in his first extended playing. 

“I think his eyes were a little big at the start but Peyton settled in fast and did a nice job,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “He has worked hard and played well.”

Lemaire got his first start last Saturday in the Cowboys’ 28-24 win over Stephen F. Austin to open Southland Conference play. At 2-2, McNeese is off to its best four-game start since 2019 under Sterlin Gilbert.

Lemaire finished his first start with five tackles, four of them solo, as he took over the duties of Davey, which included getting the defense set and calling out signals.

“He did a great job getting us into position and played a solid game,” said Goff. “He has worked hard to be ready.”

For Lemaire, it meant something special to have his first career start in Cowboy Stadium.

“I grew up following McNeese football and watching games in The Hole,” said Lemaire. “It means a lot, I have about 20 people, friends and family, at home games. You grow up hearing all the stories about McNeese and its history.

“I’ll admit, the first half was a little scary, but after that, I was pretty relaxed and just went out and tried to play the best I could.”

While in high school Lemaire was a two-time All-District selection who recorded 132 tackles, 16 sacks, 24 tackles for a loss, forced five fumbles, intercepted two passes, and broke up seven more his last two seasons.

Lemaire will get his second career start this weekend when the Cowboys host Alcorn State, but he once again won’t be alone. Besides a cheering section, he has a special teammate who has his back.

Davey has helped his backup settle into his new role.

“Micah has been great,” said Lemaire. “He was getting me ready, telling me what to expect and what to look for. He made me feel very comfortable out there.”

Filling in the spikes of a player like Davey, who led the country in tackles per game last season, can’t be done by one player. Tristan Driggers, a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, had 14 tackles last week to help.

Still, it is Lemaire who is the one taking the spot until Davey returns, which McNeese hopes could be as soon as when the Cowboys go to Weber State in two weeks.

Until then, all eyes are on Lemaire.

“There is a little pressure, but you have to play your game,” said Lemaire. “You can’t try and do everything Micah does. He’s a great player. You have to play your game and trust what you know.”

The Cowboys know that on his opening night, Lemaire was a solid fill-in.