Stephen F. Austin
North Dakota State
Ninth-Ranked Bison Outlast SFA
9/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 30, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team battled the 11th-ranked North Dakota State Bison Saturday night but dropped a 17-9 decision in front of the Parents' Weekend crowd. The loss bumps SFA to 0-5 on the season.
The Lumberjack defense was impressive against the nation's 11th-ranked team. The Bison were only able to crack the scoreboard in the second quarter, but it was enough for the victory. The Bison scored all 17 points in the second, including a touchdown with only six seconds remaining in the half. The NDSU score came only 60 seconds after the 'Jacks cracked the scoreboard with a Cory Long 27-yard field goal to pull within seven points, 10-3.
The Bison defense was equal to the task allowing the Lumberjacks only three field goals on the night. The Lumberjacks finished the night with 271 yards of total offense, including 71 on the ground. The Bison came into the game allowing only 15 rushing yards per contest.
Long was the 'Jacks' biggest weapon converting all three field goal attempts, including two from 36 yards out. The second 36-yarder pulled SFA to within eight points, 17-9, with 2:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. After stopping NDSU on downs, the 'Jacks got the ball back with 31 seconds remaining. SFA moved the ball to the NDSU 48 yard line but could get no closer as time ran out.
Junior quarterback Danny Southall completed 25-of-47 passes for 200 yards on the night, but was forced to throw under duress for much of the evening. Southall also carried the ball eight times for 18 yards.
Southall's favorite target was junior wide out Nick Rhodes, who caught nine passes for 87 yards. Classmate Tyrell Williams hauled in seven passes for 48 yards.
Junior Louie Runnels led the ground attack carrying the ball nine times for 31 yards. Senior Jerome Brooks recorded six carries for 22 yards.
The Lumberjacks open Southland Conference action Saturday, Oct. 7 against Texas State. The game against the Bobcats is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Bobcat Stadium
-SFA-
