NATCHITOCHES – Quarterback Brad Henderson, All-America linebacker Derek Rose and tight end Justin Aldredge  earned prominent honors Monday for their performances that helped Northwestern State win its football season opener last Thursday.

Henderson was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association's state college “Offensive Player of the Week.” Rose shared the Southland Conference “Defensive Player of the Week” award. Aldredge was picked as the College Football Performance Awards' FCS “Tight End Performer of the Week.”

After helping spark a 24-23 comeback victory over Division II power Delta State last week, the trio  will be keys for the Demons Saturday night when NSU (1-0) makes its first visit in 69 years to play at LSU (1-0) in Tiger Stadium. Northwestern reviewed game tape Monday evening before a workout under the lights at Turpin Stadium.

Henderson made a sensational debut as NSU's quarterback, coming off the bench and completing 13 of 14 passes for 210 yards including a 32-yard touchdown to Aldredge.  He set a school record by completing 13 in a row, and the 14^th was dropped. Henderson led the Demons to scores on four of their first five series after halftime, erasing a 17-0 deficit.

 

The Demons averaged 6.2 yards per play with Henderson in the game, posting 324 yards on 52 snaps. In their third-quarter surge, the Demons posted 178 total yards.

 

A 2010 junior college honorable mention All-American at East Mississippi Community College, Henderson (5-11, 210) was offered a preferred walk-on opportunity at Alabama but chose NSU's scholarship offer.

 

Henderson's 13 straight completions erased the school record of 11 consecutive last season by Paul Harris at Southeastern Louisiana.

 

Rose (5-11, 229), a junior from New Orleans-O. Perry Walker, shared the Southland Conference defensive award Monday after making nine tackles, including three for lost yardage (-8), and adding a quarterback hurry against Delta State. Rose spearheaded a defensive shutdown in the second half. The Statesmen netted only 63 yards in the final two quarters, while quarterback Micah Davis, a Harlon Hill Award candidate, went 8-of-27 with two interceptions.

Aldredge, a senior from Natchitoches who played for Cedar Creek High School in Ruston, had 97 yards on three receptions, including the 32-yard touchdown from Henderson that put the Demons on the scoreboard less than two minutes into the second half. It was his ninth career touchdown catch.

Aldredge was also active on all special teams and was a stalwart blocking in the running attack as NSU posted 71 yards on the ground while turning around the game in the third quarter.

Before Monday night's practice, Demons' coach Bradley Dale Peveto spotlighted several players who contributed to last week's win and named game captains for the LSU contest. Senior center Zach Case, senior linebacker Yaser Elqutub and senior safety and placement holder for kicks Phil LeBlanc will be the Demons' captains Saturday.

Peveto tabbed Aldredge, junior defensive end Ricky Issac and sophomore receiver Trevor Goodie as the Demon coaching staff's “Players of the Game” for Delta State. Issac, in his first start, had eight tackles. Goodie intercepted a pass on a fake punt to take the special teams honor.

Scout team players of the week were Chase Collins, Zach Savoie and Paxton Cook. Receiver Louis Hollier and linebacker Tyler Smith earned the “Big Stick of the Week” award for the most fierce hits delivered by Demons.

Northwestern will practice Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 in Turpin Stadium. The Natchitoches Demon Quarterback Club Luncheon is Wednesday at noon in the Stroud Room of the NSU Athletic Fieldhouse, with the Shreveport-Bossier QB Club Luncheon Thursday at noon at Ralph & Kacoo's Seafood Restaurant in Bossier City.