The second-year McNeese State head coach said he got the apology by text after he asked for clarification on the call that took place late in the fourth quarter that went against the Pokes.

The penalty was flagged on safety Jamori Evans and cost the Cowboys any chance of pulling off a comeback. The flag was called on a third-and-14 play with McNeese down by four with just under four minutes left. It led to a first down that was followed by a late Houston Christian touchdown and a 35-24 Cowboy loss.

The Conference now says the call, which was also for targeting but that part was waved off after video review, should not have been made.

“It’s disappointing,” said Goff. “Nothing we can do about it now but move on.”

It is the second time in his two years with the Pokes that Goff has gotten such a note from the league. It happened last season against Alcorn State when McNeese was uncharacteristically called for eight penalties.

At 1-9 overall and 1-5 in the league, the apology didn’t make the Cowboys feel any better.

“A critical penalty in a critical part of the game,” said Goff. “That is not why we lost the game but it didn’t help us.”

Not all the news Monday was disappointing. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Micah Davey, the league leader in tackles, earned honorable mention honors as this week’s FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Player of the Week. 

Davey finished with a career-high 20 tackles, 13 of those solo during last weekend’s game. Two of his tackles were for losses and he added a pass break-up to his resume.

The 20 tackles are the most in the SLC this season and third most in the nation. 

 Davey is the first Cowboy to record 20 tackles since B.J. Blunt did it against Abilene Christian in 2018. He is also just the third McNeese player to post 20 or more tackles in a game.

Charlie Ayro did it twice, setting the school record of 23 in 1996.   

Goff confirmed that true freshman wide receiver Makhi Paris will be out for the season finale this week at Lamar with a leg injury. Paris was injured in the loss to HCU. 

Paris finished the season with 24 catches for 292 yards, playing in every game. 

Kam Sixkiller made his first career start for the Pokes last week. The true freshman quarterback threw for 249 yards, the most by a McNeese player this season. 

His 19-for-34 performance solidified his spot as the future QB of the Cowboys. Sixkiller did throw both a touchdown pass and a pick-six against the Huskies. He also had a fumble that stopped a McNeese drive deep in HCU territory.

“I like some of the things Sixkiller did, outside the turnovers,” said Goff. “I feel that he is that guy for us moving forward.”

Sixkiller’s lone touchdown pass was a 39-yard strike to fellow freshman Cory O’Bryant, who had a big night himself. O’Brayant ended the night with a career-best six catches for 100 yards and his first college TD.

“I’m really excited about Cory,” said Goff. “He has worked really hard and done a lot with his chances.”

McNeese’s season has come down to the development and improvement of the younger players. 

“Exciting me the most is how many young players have gotten into there and performed well,” said Goff. “I like our young guys ai think they will get better. They are getting valuable game reps.”

The Cowboys will finish their season with the annual Battle of the Border in Beaumont, Texas. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.