Over 4,000 students and community members showed to support Humboldt State football as the Lumberjacks took the field against their longtime rival, Western Oregon Wolves on Sept. 22 and fell 38-13.
“Western Oregon is a solid team,” Jacks co-offensive coordinator Ryan McFadden said. “They made us work for every single yard we got.”
Wolves quarterback Ty Currie had the recipe for success against the Jacks defense, using his pocket athleticism and ability to keep plays alive. With all the extra pocket time, Currie was able to keep his eyes downfield and finished with 334 passing yards.
Jacks offense looked to match the quick start with freshman wide receiver Jaden Cumming’s 12 yard catch from sophomore quarterback Andrew Tingstad.
However, the Jacks momentum down the field was quickly halted by penalties that wiped away any progress. The struggles continued, dooming the Jacks to a sluggish total gain of 82 yards in the first half.
Jacks junior running back Isaiah Hall averaged four yards per carry but totaled just 56 yards. The offense secured only 14 first downs throughout all four quarters, going 7-16 on 3rd and 4th down conversion attempts.
Penalties from the referees played an important part of the game for both teams. The Wolves saw most of the yellow flags with 14 penalties totaling a loss of 113 yards.
On the Jacks side of the ball, safety Patrick Marzett was ejected in the second quarter when the refs deemed his hit on a Wolves receiver, late and unnecessary.
“Almost isn’t good enough but I’m really proud of these dudes, they don’t quit,” Head coach Damaro Wheeler said.
Western Oregon lead Humboldt State 38-0 as they entered the 4th quarter. With the game closing in on the Jacks, they dug deep into the playbook and called the newly famous trick play “The Philly Special”.
The play had quarterback Tingstad walk up to the line snapping it directly to the running back where he then pitched it to senior wide receiver Gary O’Leary. O’Leary acted as he would run but quickly pulled up the ball and looked downfield for the uncovered Tingstad.
“Gary’s pass was perfect, all I had to do is watch it fall into my hands,” Tingstad said. “It was money.”
96 yards in 14 plays is easily the most impressive the offense looked all season.
“After we scored that first one it was contagious,” O’Leary said. “That’s what happens when you score, people get going and come together.”
The Jacks scored once more in the closing minutes with a 15-yard pass from Tingstad to freshman running back Christian Quirarte.
With the offense not able to produce big plays and defense having trouble filling gaps, the Jacks have started out season with a 0-3 record for first time in 4 years.
“Yeah we made mistakes,” Quarterback Andrew Tingstad said. “But we will continue to persevere, that’s what we do and there’s more coming, I guarantee you.”
The Jacks head to SoCal this weekend as they play Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Sept. 29th at 6 pm. Listen live on ESPN 92.7 FM 1340 AM
Final Results
HSU WOU
Total yards: 266 453
Passing: 156 334
Rushing: 110 119
TOP 26:55 33:05
