NATCHITOCHES – The Demon Brothers Booster Club has expanded its involvement with the Northwestern State football team the past several months, assisting in mostly behind-the-scenes efforts.
 
Beginning this season, the Demon Brothers' passion will have a tangible presence. The club will give the Demon Brothers Booster Club Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week Award presented by Allegiance HealthCare to a deserving Demon.
 
The awards will be announced each Tuesday on NSUDemons.com and the Demon social media channels. The winners will receive a plaque.
 
"We appreciate the level of support the Demon Brothers have given the football program, and this is just another example of their passion for coach (Brad) Laird and his team," Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. "We also are thankful for the support of Allegiance HealthCare and (CEO) Joseph Monsour, another former Demon player who has worked with his teammates to make this award a reality." Allegiance owns and operates hospitals throughout Louisiana, including Sabine Medical Center, Avoyelles Parish Hospital, Winn Parish Hospital, and Byrd Memorial Hospital. Along with hospitals, they also have statewide programs for hospice and home health, working to provide Louisiana with a rounded medical care system.
 
Monsour was approached by his former NSU teammate and Demon Brothers Booster Club President John Kulakowski, about supporting the inaugural season of the award.
 
A couple of factors — both football- and non-football-related — made Monsour's decision an easy one.
 
"I bleed purple and orange," Monsour said. "There is no purple and gold in my house. From a business standpoint, Allegiance is a leader in rural healthcare. A huge part of our patient population is centered around Natchitoches and are Demon supporters. It was a good fit for us in the world of healthcare and —personally, if you saw my office — you'd think I was still playing."
 
The first Demon Brothers Booster Club Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week presented by Allegiance HealthCare will be announced Sept. 6.