The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (4-3, 2-2) fell to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions (4-4, 3-0) by a final score of 24-23.
The Lumberjacks won only their second coin toss of the year and elected to defer to the second half giving the defense their first chance of the game to flex their muscles. The Lumberjacks defense stood tall forcing a Lions punt. The offense then got their first chance of the game mounting a 12-play 73-yard touchdown drive capped off as Sam Vidlak connected with Jordan Nabors for a 22-yard touchdown pass.
Southeastern would answer back with a scoring drive of their own to tie the game at 7-7 with 2:36 to go in the first quarter.
The Lions took the lead with 4:13 to go in the second quarter to go up 14-7. SFA mounted a drive to end the second quarter capped off by a Chris Campos 41-yard field goal to cut into the Southeastern lead. The Lions led 14-10 at halftime.
Sam Vidlak finished the first half 14 for 17 for 111 yards and one touchdown. Jaylen Jenkins went into the half as the leading rusher for the ‘Jacks with 22 yards and Kylon Harris led the receivers with eight catches for 70 yards. Xavier Potts led the defense with six tackles at halftime.
Both teams traded defensive stands to begin the second half. Chris Campos cut the Lion’s lead to one point with a 41-yard field goal. With 5:19 remaining in the third quarter, the Lions led 14-13.
The Lumberjacks retook the lead with 9:06 to go in the fourth quarter as Gavin Rutherford recorded his second rushing touchdown of the year to put the Lumberjacks up 20-17. SFA forced a Southeastern punt and extended their lead with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter as Chris Campos knocked through his third field goal of the night from 40-yards out, 23-17. Campos field goal set new season highs with his third made field goals.
The Lions would mount a drive of their own scoring with two seconds left and taking the lead 24-23.
Player Highlights
Sam Vidlak: 244 passing yards
Kylon Harris: 13 receptions (Career High)
Jerrell Wimbley: 83 rushing yards
Jeremiah Walker: 8 tackles (season high)
The Lumberjacks will return home next weekend October 26th at 6:00 P.M. as they host the Houston Christian Huskies for homecoming weekend.
TICKET INFORMATION
Join SFA Football at Homer Bryce Stadium this fall! Season tickets and single game tickets are on sale now. Fans can visit SFAtickets.com for more information.
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By: Jackson Pickard, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Communications