The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (6-3, 4-2) defeated the Nicholls State Colonels (4-5, 2-2) on Saturday in Thibodeaux, Louisiana by a final score of 28-12.
Both teams started with a three-and-out on their first drives of the game. The Colonels were the first to break the ice with a 43-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 7:24 to go in the first quarter. Both defenses were stout in the first quarter as the ‘Jacks held the Nicholls offense to 134 yards. The Lumberjacks’ high-powered offense was held to just 28 yards in the first quarter as they struggled to find their rhythm early.
Nicholls would extend their lead with 9:29 to go in the second quarter with another field goal to take a 6-0 lead. The Lumberjacks defense stood tall yet again with a huge fourth down stop on the SFA 41-yard line. The Lumberjacks offense finally found their rhythm and scored the game’s first touchdown as Sam Vidlak connected with Kylon Harris on a 28-yard touchdown pass to take the lead, 7-6.
Nicholls would start their drive on their own 14-yard line, but the Lumberjacks defense would stand tall, forcing a punt. Deago Benson would then block the Nicholls punt to set the Lumberjacks up at the Nicholls eight-yard line. SFA would then extend their lead yet again as Sam Vidlak connected with Clayton Wayland to put the Lumberjacks up 14-6 with 2:26 to go in the second quarter.
The ‘Jacks momentum would continue as Ky Thomas tipped a Nicholls pass in the air and Jermaine Brown collected his second interception of the season to set SFA up at their own 44-yard line. The Lumberjacks would strike on the second play of their drive as Vidlak connected yet again with Kylon Harris for a 41-yard pass and his third touchdown of the game to take a 21-6 lead with 1:30 left in the second quarter.
Nicholls would try to mount a drive of their own to end the first half but the Lumberjacks defense would stand tall yet again forcing yet another Colonels punt. The punt would hit a Nicholls player and Chris Martinez fell on it setting the offense up at the Nicholls 36-yard line. The offense was unable to tack on to the lead after Chris Campos missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. The Colonels would get the ball back and complete a pass over the middle into ‘Jacks territory but would fumble it and SFA would recover on their own 36-yard line.
The Lumberjacks offense finally found their rhythm to end the first quarter scoring 21 unanswered points in just four minutes. Sam Vidlak also threw his third touchdown of the game in the second quarter. Kylon Harris also had two touchdowns at the half for his second two-touchdown game of the season.
At the half Jerrell Wimbley led the rushing attack with three carries for five yards and Kylon Harris led the receiving corps with five receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Sam Vidlak finished the first half 10-for-16 for 155 yards and three passing touchdowns. Jaheim Mullen led the defense with six total tackles. Jermaine Brown recorded an interception, Chris Martinez recorded a fumble recovery, Jaheim Mullen recorded a fumble recovery, and Deago Benson recorded the Lumberjacks first blocked punt of the year.
The Lumberjacks would get the ball to start the second half. SFA would drive down the field, but Sam Vidlak would throw it just a little too high and the Colonels would intercept the ball deep in their own territory to set the Nicholls offense up at their own 11-yard line.
The defense would force a three and out and then extend their lead yet again one play later as Sam Vidlak recorded his fourth touchdown pass of the game on a 50-yard throw to Jordan Nabors as the ‘Jacks took a commanding 28-6 lead.
The Lumberjack defense would record their fourth takeaway of the game as Bear Levells intercepted the ball at the SFA nine-yard line.
Nicholls would respond quickly with a takeaway of their own as Gavin Rutherford fumbled the ball and the Colonels’ defense recovered. Nicholls would collect their first touchdown of the game with 6:47 to go in the fourth quarter to cut into the Lumberjacks lead. Nicholls would go for two, but Jeremiah Walker would pick it off in the endzone, 28-12.
The Colonels would then attempt an onside kick and recover it at the SFA 47-yard line to begin their offensive possession with 6:45 to go in the fourth.
The defense would bow their necks forcing a turnover on downs. Gavin Rutherford fumbled the ball, and Nicholls would recover at the SFA 41-yard line to give the Colonels a short field. The Lumberjacks defense would hold strong again as Charles Demmings picked the ball off setting SFA up at their own 37-yard line. The SFA offense would pick up a couple of first downs and kneel the ball down to win the game and snap a four-game losing streak against Nicholls.
Player Highlights
Sam Vidlak: 262 passing yards and four passing touchdowns
Jerrell Wimbley: 47 rushing yards
Kylon Harris: 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns
Jaheim Mullen: nine total tackles
Kaiden Turner: two sacks
Charles Demmings: one interception
Jermaine Brown: one interception
Bear Levells: one interception
Chris Martinez: one fumble recovery
Jaheim Mullen: one fumble recovery
The Lumberjacks will continue their two-game road stint next week as they travel to Commerce, Texas on Saturday, November 9th to square off against Texas A&M Commerce. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm.
TICKET INFORMATION
Join SFA Football at Homer Bryce Stadium this fall! Season tickets and single-game tickets for the final two home games are on sale now. Fans can visit SFAtickets.com for more information.
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By: Jackson Pickard, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Communications