Laying The Wood: The Lumberjacks Are On Fire Entering Midseason

Northern Arizona is proven to be more than a vacation getaway from thousands of Arizonans over the summer. It’s become a hotbed for talent, especially ones west of the Four Corners, for those whose athleticism doesn’t fit the curriculum of an FBS program. The Lumberjacks are on pace to go into the FCS playoffs for the 2nd straight year.

In a sold out crowd at the Walkup Skydome, the Lumberjacks showed their talent on a nationally televised broadcast on ESPN a few weeks ago. The lights were bright, the Jacks did not disappoint.

was lighting it up for the Jacks, 286 yards through the yard with 3 TDs, all with a 50% completion rating.

Photo By Thomas Guzman

Spearheaded by an offense led by Ty Pennington, he’s ranked 3rd in the FCS in passing yards and paired with Kolbe Katsis, a top 10 WR in receiving yards with 444, the duo has been rolling throughout the season. Not to mention Seth Cromwell running the rock with 5 TDs to his name.

Looking defensively, Travis Arena is the commander with 39 total tackles up front with 4 sacks. In the secondary, Jaylan Wesley has 2 INTs and 4 PBUs; a leader in both categories. Overall, their defense has done enough to play complementary football, even giving Arizona State a rough time in Tempe during Week 1.

The Jacks are in the driver’s seat of their own destiny. Sitting at a 3-1 record with a favorable season ahead of them, they have reached their high tide. Tied with Montana for 1st place in the Big Sky conference, the Lumberjacks are en route to another playoff berth and with a key game against Montana State, they are headed down a stretch that can make or break them entering the playoffs.