The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-1, 0-0 SLC) fell to the University of North Texas Mean Green (2-0, 0-0 AAC) tonight by a final score of 35-20.
The Lumberjacks struck first after Junior Luke Watson got his first interception of his career at the UNT 28 and returned it 17 yards to the 11-yard line. The interception set up Chris Campos for a 40-yard field goal giving the ‘Jacks the early lead with 13:32 left in the first quarter. The defense continued to shine in the first quarter as Jermaine Brown stepped in front of a pass and intercepted Mean Green quarterback Chandler Morris and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown cutting into the Mean Green lead bringing the score to 14-10.
In the second quarter both defenses went toe to toe until Sam Vidlak connected with redshirt junior Isaiah Davis for a 33-yard touchdown reception taking the lead 17-14 with 9:15 to go in the second quarter. Senior kicker Chris Campos has now made 13 straight PATs through two games. UNT then tacked on another touchdown to retake the lead 21-17 going into half time.
The defense was stout for SFA in the first half with 4 tackles for loss 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.
The Lumberjacks received the second half kickoff but couldn’t get anything going on offense. UNT then struck for their fourth touchdown of the night extending their lead to 28-17 with 8:57 to go in the third quarter. After the ensuing SFA drive stalled out, the Mean Green muffed a punt which was recovered by Jaheim Mullen at the UNT 34-yard line to give the Lumberjacks a chance to cut into the Mean Green lead. After a 31-yard completion to start the drive on offense, the Lumberjacks were unable to punch it in leading to a 21-yard Chris Campos field goal to cut into the Mean Green lead. UNT led 28-20 with 6:38 to go in the third quarter.
UNT was able to tack on another score and extend their lead 35-20 at the start of the fourth quarter. The Lumberjacks were unable to get anything else going in the fourth quarter and fell to the Mean Green.
Players of the Game
- Jeremiah Walker: six tackles and one tackle for loss (tied for team lead)
- Aaron Sears: six tackles and one tackle for loss(tied for team lead)
- Trashawn Adams: six tackles and one tackle for loss (tied for team lead)
- Jermaine Brown: one interception (tied for team lead)
- Bruce Harmon: one interception (tied for team lead)
- Luke Watson one interception (tied for team lead)
- Jermaine Brown: one sack (tied for team lead)
- Victor Idusuyi: one sack (tied for team lead)
- Tony Anyanwu: one sack (tied for team lead)
- Sam Vidlak: 20 completions, 181 passing yards, one touchdown
- Jaylen Jenkins: 44 rushing yards
- Kylon Harris: nine receptions and 74 receiving yards
The Lumberjacks will be back in action next week September 14th, at 7:00 P.M. as they travel to Lake Charles, Louisiana to square off against the McNeese State Cowboys for their first Southland Conference game of the year.
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