Stephen F. Austin
McNeese State
SFA Wins Thriller In Lake Charles
10/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 9, 2010
LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks struggled early, but rallied for a thrilling 32-27 victory at McNeese State Saturday night. The win moves the fifth-ranked Lumberjacks to 4-1 on the season, and 1-0 in Southland Conference play, while the Cowboys fall to 2-3 and 1-1.
After a rough first half of play that that saw missed opportunities and numerous penalties for both teams, the Lumberjacks managed to scratch out a two-point lead heading into the locker room. Things did not look good early as SFA fell behind by 10 points in the first quarter.
The Lumberjacks finally cracked the scoreboard with 11:20 remaining in the half. Following a McNeese State punt, senior Jeremy Moses found pay dirt three plays later. Moses hit freshman Ayron Morgan for a 34-yard scoring strike to cut the lead to 10-7. Following a missed field goal after a Devin Ducote interception deep in Cowboy territory, SFA got another chance. Again it was the defense setting up a scoring opportunity. Sophomore Josh Aubrey intercepted a pass, which led to a 20-yard Logan Barrett field goal to tie the game with 1:50 remaining in the half.
The defense closed out the half with one more highlight. After forcing the Cowboys to punt, the snap went over the punter's head through the end zone to give SFA its first lead of the game, 12-10. SFA had one more opportunity late in the half but fumbled the ball away deep in McNeese State territory.
SFA finished the half with only 102 yards of total offense. Moses struggled in the opening half connecting on only 9-of-21 passes for 87 yards. The two teams combined for 12 penalties for 126 yards in the first 30 minutes.
The 'Jacks came out in the second half and appeared to be on the march, but a Moses interception led to a McNeese State touchdown as the Cowboys reclaimed the lead, 17-12. The pick was the Moses first interception in the past two games.
The 'Jacks responded with two touchdown drives within seven minutes. Moses found freshman Kris Lott for a 19-yard touchdown reception. SFA came right back when sophomore Gralyn Crawford added a nine-yard touchdown reception.
The Cowboys answered with a 11-play, 84-yard drive that ended in a Wes Briscoe 27-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-nine to give McNeese State back a one-point lead with just over five minutes remaining.
After SFA had a 39-yard field goal blocked with just under four minutes remaining it appeared that McNeese State was going to record the upset win, but the defense gave Moses and company one more opportunity. Moses took advantage taking SFA on a 12-play, 83-yard drive that culminated in a 15-yard scoring strike to Cordell Roberson.
The scoring strike tied Moses for the SLC all-time record with 100 career touchdowns. Moses becomes only the second player in conference history to record 100 TD passes. After a slow start Moses finished the game 29-of-52 for 339 yards. SFA finished the game with 374 yards of total offense, while the Cowboys racked up 282 yards.
The Lumberjacks return action Saturday when they will host Central Arkansas in the conference home opener. The game against the Bears is slated to begin at 2 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium. Tickets can be purchased through the SFA Ticket Office at (936) 468-JACK.
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