See Photos: Local Heroes Shine For Louisiana Tech At Independence Bowl
Shreveport’s own really showed out at Independence Stadium this week. Louisiana Tech secured a hard-fought 23-14 victory over Coastal Carolina, but it was the local flavor on the roster that truly made this win sweet for the 318.
Shreveport Specialists Split the Uprights
The scoring was a total Shreveport collaboration. Freshman Kaegan Kent, the former Evangel standout, and redshirt freshman John Hoyet Chance out of Captain Shreve, both nailed critical field goals to get the Bulldogs ahead.
During the Indy Bowl, Kent went 2 for 2 on field goals, hitting a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter, and a 35-yard field goal with less than a minute left in the game. While John Hoyet Chance only had one field goal attempt, but it was a big one. Chance nailed a LONG 51-yard kick early in the third quarter.
That long field goal wasn't the only contribution from Chance, he also serves as Tech's punter...and is an absolute weapon in that position. He's punted for over 3,000 yards this season, with a long of 72 yards (which came in an overtime win against Liberty). His punting skills were on full display in the Indy Bowl, where he had 8 punts, with an average of 49.5 yards each, and pinned Coastal inside the 20-yard line twice.
Seeing two local high school products, team up on a national stage, to secure a trophy in their hometown stadium, is exactly why we love bowl season in Shreveport.
Louisiana Tech All American Puts the Game on Ice
While the local legs handled the points, Louisiana Tech's All-American Jakari Foster was busy making sure Coastal Carolina's offense was held in check. Foster was everywhere, recording a massive tackle for loss, 4 total tackles, suffocating pass defense, and constant pressure behind the line of scrimmage, all before snagging his 8th interception of the year in the closing moments. That pick officially sealed the win and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Gallery: Bulldogs Hoist the Trophy
The energy at Independence Stadium was electric, especially when momentum started building for Tech. Like playing EA Sports College Football video games, the 'stadium pulse' was actually felt late in the game. When the stands came alive with thunderous support for the Bulldog's defense, the game really felt like it changed.
If you weren't able to make it out to the game, or if you just want to relive the best moments of a historic Shreveport afternoon, we’ve got you covered.
Scroll through more than a dozen of the best action shots and celebration photos from the Independence Bowl below...