Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OGDEN — Northern Arizona football is a consistently successful program in the Big Sky.
However, after several successful seasons, the Lumberjacks are winning a little bit differently this season. They have become the conference’s “cardiac kids,” winning several close games on the back of strong fourth-quarter execution.
As such, the Lumberjacks are 3-1 in conference play and are coming off a thrilling 28-27 victory over Eastern Washington. The team is on a two-game winning streak coming into a showdown with winless Weber State in Ogden Saturday — a team NAU hasn’t faced in three seasons.
While some may look at Weber State’s winless record and assume the Wildcats to be a patsy, Lumberjacks coach Jerome Souers said his team understands how good Weber actually is.
“Weber State is way better than their record indicates,” said Souers, who is in his 16th season as the Lumberjacks’ head coach. “They’re going to have schemes and things for us we haven’t seen, and they’re very fundamentally sound. (Weber coach Jay Hill) has them going in the right direction; it’s just a matter of getting it all put together.”
Like Weber, Northern Arizona has been forced to use several young players this season, and Souers initially expected a drop-off in the team’s production because of it. However, the Lumberjacks have found a way to win four games decided by a touchdown or less, causing the coach to have positive feelings about his team’s confidence.
"Weber State is way better than their record indicates," Northern Arizona coach Jerome Souers said.
“It makes it to where you put yourself in a position to be successful,” said Souers, who has led the team to four FCS playoff berths. “It teaches you have as great a chance as anybody, and I think our kids have figured that out. I think it’s a week-to-week lesson, and I really think we’re headed in the right direction with the things that we’re doing.”
The win over Eastern Washington certainly helped the team’s momentum as it moves forward. The game was notable for featuring several underclassmen, including freshman receiver Dan Galindo catching the winning touchdown.
“It certainly was a big game for us last Saturday, and we’re excited about the growth and development we’ve shown in the past month,” he said. “Like a lot of people, we’ve been forced to play young players earlier than we’ve liked, but it’s good to see them develop and contribute."
Weber State has also had to play several young players, and the team is in the midst of trying to break out of a 0-8 start. Souers said he could tell the Wildcats are close to a victory because of all of the issues they present for opposing teams.
“(Weber’s) got two different quarterbacks, so there’s two different ways they can attack,” he said. “They’ve got some talented receivers. I like both their running backs; we’ve seen Bo Bolen before, and we know what he’s capable of. They have quality skill position kids.
“Defensively, they’re a typical Justin Ena defense. They’re fundamentally sound; they’re going to tackle you up. Nothing comes easy when you go against those guys.”
Souers said Weber’s record is irrelevant in preparation.
“If we’ve learned anything this year with our football team,” he said, “it’s that any given Saturday you have a chance to win, but you better bring your best because you can get your butt beat. So, we have a lot of things to prepare for.”
