By | Keaundrey Clark
The Lumberjacks have faced a tough Western Oregon squad for the second time this season, a rowdy Redwood Bowl on the edge of their seats during the team’s amazing 42-32 victory against the Wolves.
The first game against the Wolves came down to a missed extra point. This time the Jacks knew they had to come out stronger.
“We had to come out and play our game,” said All-American tailback Ja’Quan Gardner.
Gardner played his usual brand of Jacks Ball as he carried the ball 35 times for 215-yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s another win for the Jacks,” said Gardner.
A minute didn’t even tick off the scoreboard as the Senior Quarterback Robert Webber connected with Senior Marjani Ellison for a 53-yard touchdown reception. The Jacks would come back a few minutes later with a 17-yard Gardner touchdown run.
Humboldt State’s offensive line led by All-American and NFL prospect Senior Alex Cappa controlled and dominated all night long.
“We were able to limit mistakes from the last game,” said Cappa It’s about executing our assignment and doing what we do.”
Up 14-0, Western Oregon got into the endzone with a one-yard score from quarterback Phillip Fenumiai. A field goal and 90-yard punt-return for a touchdown later and the Wolves rattled off 21-straight points to take the team.
Gardner came to the rescue with two more touchdowns of three and two-yards to take a 11-point lead before halftime.
“We had an 11-point lead at half, we came out and got two touchdowns late in the second half which really was the difference in the game,” said head coach Rob Smith.
Two Webber touchdown passes to junior Jamere Austin and Senior Chase Krivashei in the second half put the game away for the Jacks.
“Proud of our kids, our defense played well with a few exceptions,” said Smith, “All in all we played well.”
The Jacks will travel to British Columbia to face Simon Frasier, the Jacks hung up 72 points the last time these two teams faced. A week later the Jacks will face Western Colorado State.
In three weeks the Jacks will have it’s final home game of the regular season against No.8 ranked Central Washington. The only team to hand the Jacks a loss this season.
“Everything is still out there for us,” said Smith. “These kids have stuck to it, come out and got it done and we’re in the hunt. That’s all we can ask for.”
