LAKE CHARLES - Another full week of football fall camp will come to an end on Saturday when the McNeese Cowboys go under the lights in Navarre Stadium for the final preseason scrimmage.
 
The controlled scrimmage will get underway at 6 p.m. and will be in conjunction with the annual Fan Fest event where fans will be able to take the field after the scrimmage to meet coaches and players and get autographs.
 
Head coach Matt Viator is pleased with how the team continues to improve.
 
"I think we're progressing really well. This has been a big situation week for us and always is for me. The first two plus weeks and first scrimmage are all about install and trying to get your offense and defense in. This week has been about situation. We've worked different situations each day and then turn around and teach them at night (in the walk through), then come out and get them in. That's what will be seen in the scrimmage.
 
"We're going to do the two-minute and goal line. We're going to back the ball up. We're going to simulate four-minute offense and defense."
 
Viator says the scrimmage will include some plays but the majority will be spent on situations to be able to get it on tape.
 
On Thursday, the Cowboys worked on the things most people don't think about such as running time, setting ball on the right hash mark, and victory formation.
 
"Situational football is what really separates two really good teams, if you look at it. How you handle situations at the end of the game, whether it be two-minute or four-minute, do you score touchdowns in the red zone, do you have to kick field goals. All things matter when you have two good football teams."
 
The first depth chart of the preseason will be worked on following Saturday's scrimmage.
 
The Cowboys kick-off the 2026 season on August 29 at 6 p.m. against defending Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin in Navarre Stadium. Tickets are on sale at the McNeese Ticket Office, by calling 337-562-4678, or online at McNeeseSports.com.