NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State football has really leaned into the mantra, "iron sharpens iron" this spring, and is better for it.
 
As the Demons approach the annual Delaney Bowl on Saturday, signaling the end of spring practice, the competition third-year head coach Blaine McCorkle has seen throughout the past few weeks is a welcome sight.
 
"I don't necessarily know if that competition that we've seen this spring is something we've had a ton of the first two years," he said. "We've always had guys that have worked to get better and worked hard but until there is somebody about to take your job there is really only so much you can do. 
 
"Now that there is a threat, so to speak, you find another gear. It's been a cool thing to watch. What's been great too is there has been no tension or animosity with that. They have really joined together and gotten really tight."
 
That competition and camaraderie will be on display for fans to see in person when the 37^th annual Delaney Bowl, named after NSU legendary running back Joe Delaney, kicks off at 1 p.m. in Turpin Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
No other position has defined that competition and push for each other to get better than the quarterback spot.
 
Senior transfer Zach Wilcke brings a pile of FBS experience to NSU and has pushed, and been pushed by, last season's starting quarterback Abram Johnston, entering his third year as a Demon.
 
"Every team in America, no matter what your situation, naturally follows that quarterback position and as they go everybody goes," McCorkle said. "You've got to be strong at that position, and I think we've got two guys there that are pretty strong. Both have gotten better all spring, compete with each other but support and encourage each other. I think our whole team is absorbing that and buying into that approach. It only makes us better. Those are good things and really encouraging."
 
With the influx of more than 20 midyear transfers and among the teams with the most returners in the Southland Conference, the Demons have a roster chock full of experience and talent where all spots must be earned.
 
Saturday provides the perfect opportunity.
 
"I want to see the guys compete," McCorkle said. "There will be a nice crowd there because of all the other events going on around campus and that's a good thing. You want to go out in front of friends and family and put on a good show. 
 
"Beyond getting everybody out healthy and a good amount of reps for everybody it's a chance to get some good stuff on tape as we head into the summer, especially for those guys that may be on the bubble in those position battles we've talked about. We want to see who is going to step up in a little more intense, game-like environment."
 
While the spring game and the succeeding Crawfest event highlight the future of the program, the day will also honor a defining figure from its past.
 
A memorial celebration for former Demon head coach Sam Goodwin who passed away in March will begin the day. Goodwin coached NSU for 17 years, winning more than 100 games and four conference championships during that time, leaving an indelible mark on the program, the university and the city of Natchitoches.
 
"It's going to be a special time for his family and to honor him, but it's going to be a special time for Northwestern State football as a whole," McCorkle said. "Coach Goodwin is Northwestern State football. 
 
"It's an honor for me to walk into my office – the Sam Goodwin suite. I see his name above mine and those four conference championships and it reminds me that I've got some work and some catching up to do. But I don't know if anyone can truly catch up to what he did here. He is one-of-one at Northwestern State. He is this school and this town and Saturday will be a very fitting tribute to his legacy, and that his family knows how much he is loved by this university and this football program."
 
The memorial celebration is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Turpin Stadium.