Stephen F. Austin
Portland St
Lumberjacks Drop Football Opener At Portland State, 31-23
8/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 31, 2002
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The 'Jacks couldn't overcome three lost fumbles in the season opener as they dropped a 31-23 decision to Portland State, in Portland. SFA dominated the game in almost every statistical category, but could not overcome the three lost fumbles and 10 penalties in dropping the opener.
Ryan Fuqua led the way for PSU as he scored from 54 yards out with :50 remaining in the third quarter to put PSu up, 31-10. Fuqua rushed 33 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored on a 19-yard reception from QB Juston Wood in the second quarter.
After committing two early turnovers, quarterback Juston Wood bounced back to complete 14-of-23 passes and two touchdowns.
The Lumberjacks (0-1) rallied in the final minutes.
The comeback began with a 59-yard drive that took 2:49 off the clock. It ended with a 2-year scoring run by Tony Tompkins.
Once they got the ball back, the Lumberjacks (0-1) needed only 1:27 to score again. A 17-yard pass from Michael Williams to Courtnee Garcia made it 31-23 with three minutes left.
The ensuing onside kick failed to go the required distance, but Portland State couldn't move the ball and had to punt.
The comeback fell short when Garcia fumbled a reception near midfield with one minute left.
QB Michael Williams ended the night completing 19 of 24 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown, while Zeke Dixon also went 8-17-0 for 82 yards. Tompkins ended the night with 19 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns rushing, and also added eight receptions for 47 yards. The freshman from Pt. Arthur also returned four kicks for 88 yards, including a 41-yard return of the opening kickoff of the game.
David Crocker led the Lumberjack defense with 12 tackles, including two tackles for losses. Aubrey Brisendine also ended the night with 14 tackles. LB Michael Adams, seeing his first action as a linebacker, had seven tackles, a fumble recovery and his first collegiate interception.
The 'Jacks return home this week to host Montana State, kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Williams completed 19-of-24 passes for Stephen F. Austin
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