NATCHITOCHES - Kody Sutton ran for two second-half touchdowns and Southeastern Louisiana beat Northwestern State 34-20 on Thursday night in the Southland Conference opener for both teams.

Southeastern rushed 61 times for 438 yards. 

D'Shaie Landor, the Lions quarterback, ran for 125 yards. His 81-yard touchdown run gave the Lions a 26-6 third-quarter lead. Xavier Roberson and Jeff Smiley ran for touchdowns, and former Plaquemine Green Devil Julius Maraclin added 120 yards on 12 carries for the Lions.

Joel Blumenthal, the third quarterback to play for the Demons, led two scoring drives. His 44-yard touchdown pass to Shakeir Ryan cut the Lions lead to 26-20 with 8:53 to play. Blumenthal threw a 28-yard pass to Cody Jones that led to Daniel Taylor's 27-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

The Lions have won 11 straight against in-state conference opponents. It was the first time since 1992 a Southland Conference game opened the league season.