Lumberjacks Prepare for TCU Showdown
9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2008
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team ended an 11-game losing skid Saturday with its 56-19 victory over Langston. The 'Jacks now head to TCU looking to make it two in a row to start the 2008 season. The game against the Horned Frogs is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Amon G. Carter Stadium, and will be the 'Jacks lone contest against an NCAA Division I FBS opponent this season. The game also marks SFA's first game against an FBS foe since the Lumberjacks squared off against Tulsa and Arizona during the 2006 season.
SFA vs. THE HORNED FROGS: For the second time in as many weeks, the Lumberjacks will be facing an opponent for the first time in school history.
GETTING IN THE SCORING ACT: The Lumberjacks had several athletes who recorded career firsts in their season-opening victory over Langston. Junior Contrevious Parks, and sophomore Vincent Pervis each recorded their first career touchdown reception. Texas A&M transfer Cornell Tarrant also rushed for his first touchdown as a Lumberjack.
TRIUMPHANT RETURNS: Senior receiver Tyrell Williams and sophomore running back Vincent Pervis sat out the 2007 season. Williams utilized his redshirt, while Pervis was nursing an injury. Both players posted big numbers for SFA in its season-opening win. Senior Tyrell Williams tied a career-high with seven catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Pervis carried the ball twice for 13 yards, and made a one-yard grab for a touchdown.
THE BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES: Saturday's game will pit a TCU starting offensive line that averages 6-4, 301 pounds against a young Lumberjack defensive line that averages 6-3, 254 pounds. The Lumberjacks' offensive line enters the game averaging 6-4, 289 pounds. The Horned Frogs' defensive line averages 6-2, 269 pounds.
THE COACHES: J.C. Harper became the 18th head coach of the SFA Lumberjack football team in December, 2006. Harper spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach. He is 1-11 (.083) during his time at SFA. Gary Patterson is 63-25 (.716) in his eighth season at TCU, and has jumped out to a 1-0 record with a season-opening victory over New Mexico last week. The third all-time winningest coach at TCU, Patterson has guided the Horned Frogs to nine Bowl game appearances, including each of the past three seasons. Last season, Patterson led the Horned Frogs to a 20-13 win over Houston in the Texas Bowl.
