From Staff Reports

For the second year in a row, former Patterson standout Dexter Aucoin’s season ended in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Aucoin, a freshman defensive back at UL-Lafayette, was part of history Saturday in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. It had been 41 years since the Ragin’ Cajuns made a bowl game appearance.

ULL kicker Brett Baer made a 50-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Louisiana-Lafayette to a thrilling 32-30 victory over San Diego State in front of a New Orleans Bowl-record 42,841 fans.

Aucoin, an all-state selection, was a member of last season’s Class 3A runners-up Patterson team that came up just short against Parkview Baptist in the Dome.

“It was exciting last season being my senior year of high school,” Aucoin said. “But it was equally exciting this year and now we are New Orleans’ Bowl Champs. I’m 1-and-1 in Dome, and I plan on coming back.”

It was ULL’s first bowl victory since 1944 and its (9-4) finish tied the school record for most wins in a season.

Baer’s game winning kick sparked a wild and crazy celebration from Ragin’ Cajun players and fans.

“This is a great way to end my first season,” an extremely excited Aucoin said walking off the field after the celebration. “I worked very hard and this is a great reward.”

Aucoin was injured in ULL’s first game of the season, a 61-34 loss to then No. 9-ranked Oklahoma State on Sept. 3.

“I hurt my back in that game, and I had to sit for a while, so the coaches decided to redshirt me, so I have four more years,” he said.

Down 30-29 after a late San Diego State touchdown, MVP Blaine Gautier put the Cajuns in position by capping off a night in which he completed 24-of-40 passes for a New Orleans Bowl-record 470 yards and three touchdowns.

“It’s a great day to be a Cajun,” Aucoin shouted.