Mcneese Tips Delaware, Earns Trip To I-Aa Final

Shonz LeFrenz kicked a 31-yard field goal with 5 seconds left Saturday to give McNeese State a 23-21 victory over Delaware and a berth in its first NCAA Division I-AA championship game.

McNeese (13-1), making its sixth playoff appearance, lost in the semifinal in 1995 to Marshall, and was a quarterfinal loser in 1992, 1993 and 1994.

Delaware (12-2) has been in the playoffs 11 times in 18 years. The Blue Hens lost in the championship game in 1982 and the semifinals in 1992.

The Cowboys trailed 21-20 when the final drive began on their own 29 with 3:22 remaining following a punt. Blake Prejean completed 6 of 8 passes for 44 yards and ran for 7 more yards to work the clock, setting up the winning kick.