Four former childhood baseball teammates from Natchitoches are now playing football for Northwestern State, bringing their hometown ties onto the same college team. Camryn Davis, Jake Peveto, Braden Woods and Payne Williams III each have a role with the Demons—and hope their journey inspires local kids to dream big.

By the Numbers
  • Davis: 11 catches, 129 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns this season.
  • Woods: 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries.
  • Williams made his first 5 field-goal attempts before an injury sidelined him.
Yes, But

Playing at home brings extra pressure: Woods says a poor performance can follow him around town. But the close-knit community also gives the players added motivation to repay the families, coaches and teachers who supported them.

State of Play
  • Northwestern State hosts Nicholls at Turpin Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m.
  • Davis and Peveto play receiver, Woods plays defensive end, and Williams is a kicker.
  • Williams returned to his former school this season to take part in the team’s community outreach.
Bottom Line

Their reunion is more than a hometown story: the four players embody the bond between Northwestern State and Natchitoches—and offer the next generation a local example to follow.