'Jacks Remain 24th in FCSNow.com Poll
10/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 6, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - While the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team remains just outside the top 25 in the two major NCAA Division I FCS polls, Sports Network and FCS Coaches poll, the 'Jacks held their spot at 24th in the FCSnow.com poll.
The Lumberjacks open Southland Conference play Saturday when they host No. 7 McNeese State. The game against the Cowboys will be the first of two consecutive games against nationally ranked teams, and will serve as the program's Hall of Fame game. SFA will be honoring 11 hall of fame inductees at half time of the game.
The Lumberjacks may not be recognized among the top 25 from the majority of pollsters, but SFA is appearing at the top of the NCAA charts in several categories. The 'Jacks enter Saturday's game leading the nation in pass (385.5 ypg), total (550.5 ypg) and scoring (55.0 ppg) offense, while ranking second in the nation in sacks (4.25 spg). SFA is also currently listed among the nation's top 10 in rush defense, pass efficiency defense, kickoff returns and pass efficiency.
Several Lumberjacks are also ranked among the nation's top 10 in certain statistical categories. Senior Contrevious Parks leads the nation in punt returns averaging 24.8 yards per return, while classmate Tim Knicky leads the country in sacks and is eighth in tackles for loss (1.83 pg). Freshman kicker Evan Engwall is currently second in the country in field goals (2.5 pg) and scoring (13.50 ppg), junior Jeremy Moses is third in the nation average 329.0 yards of total offense and senior Aaron Rhea is eighth nationally averaging 94.8 receiving yards per game. Classmate Cory Barlow is currently tied for sixth in interceptions (.75 pg).
Saturday's contest, which will be televised on the Southland Television Network, pits a high-powered SFA air attack, against thr grind-it-out ground game from McNeese State. The Cowboys enter Saturday's contest with the nation's fourth-ranked rushing (231.8 ypg) and total (468.5 ypg) offense, and the nation's third ranked scoring (38.8 ppg) offense.
Despite the fact the upcoming clash will pit two of the nation's top offenses, fans should not overlook the Lumberjack defense. The improved SFA defense enters the showdown with McNeese State as a top-20 unit. The 'Jacks are ranked sixth in rush defense (67.3 ypg), 10th in pass efficiency defense (98.56) and 14th in total defense (264.8 ypg).
Saturday's contest will also serve as the annual Take a Kid to the Game (TAKG). All children ages 14 years, and younger, will receive free admission to the game. Along with the free admission, children receive free popcorn and $1 hot dogs. The SFA spirit squad will also be on hand to paint faces prior to kickoff. The game is slated to begin at 6 p.m.
-SFA-
