Demon Football | 8/15/2018 11:59:00 AM

NATCHITOCHES – In a little more than two weeks, Northwestern State opens its 2018 football season.
                                   
One week earlier, Demons fans will have the opportunity to enjoy what has become the program's traditional unofficial kickoff – the annual Independence Bowl Foundation/Northwestern State Kickoff Luncheon at Superior's Steakhouse.
 
Reservations for the 11:45 a.m. program are being accepted by contacting the Independence Bowl office at (318) 222-0172 or toll free at 888-414-BOWL (2695). Tickets are $20 per person.
 
First-year Northwestern State coach Brad Laird and Director of Athletics Greg Burke will address the crowd at the event, which is deep into its third decade. The 1996 Independence Bowl/NSU Kickoff Luncheon was Burke's first public function as NSU's AD.
 
Laird will preview the 2018 season, which begins Aug. 30 at Texas A&M in a 7:30 p.m. SEC Network broadcast. Nine days later, the Demons open their home schedule, hosting state rival Grambling at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Turpin Stadium.
 
"This event always signals the fact that the football season is approaching and serves as a rallying point in a market that has a high volume of ardent Demon supporters," Burke said. "NSU continues to be appreciative of Missy Setters and the Independence Bowl Executive Committee for continuing to provide this opportunity to promote the upcoming season."
 
Like Burke, Laird said he understands the importance of the Shreveport-Bossier City area to the NSU athletic department.
 
"To get into Shreveport-Bossier and the surrounding area, which is a hotbed for us, at the beginning of the season, is very exciting and important," he said. "This luncheon dates back to the early '90s, when I was playing, and (head coach) Sam Goodwin used to talk about how fun it was to see so many supporters and what a great platform the Independence Bowl provided Northwestern State University. So for me to have the chance to stand in front of that crowd at this event is a privilege to continue the tradition and gives me an opportunity to update everyone on our football team.
 
"The emphasis we've made in the north Louisiana area beginning with our first recruiting class, signing several guys out of the Shreveport-Bossier area in particular, is something we're continuing. There's excellent high school football coaches and student-athletes in the area, we have thousands of alumni there, we have a huge portion of our student body there, and we have a nationally renowned nursing school in Shreveport. This is our deeply rooted home ground and so we truly appreciate what the Independence Bowl has done for Northwestern State University by co-hosting this event for many years now."