'Jacks Head to Beaumont to Face Lamar
11/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 3, 2011
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - LUMBERJACKS HEAD TO BEAUMONT LOOKING FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE: After losing five straight, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (3-5/2-2 SLC) will put their modest two-game win streak on the line Saturday when they travel to Beaumont, Texas to face Lamar. The Cardinals bring an identical 3-5 (.375) overall record into the game, but are 1-3 (.250) in Southland Conference play entering into Saturday's game. The Cardinals have dropped four straight and are coming off a 66-0 loss at Sam Houston State. Saturday's game is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Provost Humphrey Stadium, and will be the 'Jacks first trip to Beaumont since the 1989 season.
SFA vs. THE CARDINALS: The Lumberjacks trail the all-time series to Lamar, 9-18-2 (.345), but have won three consecutive in the series and four of the last five meetings. The lone loss during that stretch was a 28-26 setback during the 1987 season. Last season's 71-3 victory over the Cardinals was the first meeting since the university ended the program (1989). It was also the largest margin of victory in series history. The 'Jacks are 1-3 (.250) all-time against Lamar in Beaumont dating back to the 1981 season.
CHASING DOWN THE RECORD BOOKS: Two Lumberjack receivers are the verge of making program history. Junior Gralyn Crawford caught five passes against McNeese State, and needs only nine more catches to become the school's all-time receptions leader. He needs only 665 yards receiving, and 627 all-purpose yards to set new school records in each category. Classmate Cordell Roberson needs only seven more touchdown receptions to become the program's all-time leader in that category.
RECORDS ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN: Baylor transfer Willie Jefferson placed his name in the school's record books with 4.5 sacks against McNeese State to set a new school record. Jefferson was only a half sack shy of tying the Southland Conference record.
BEING TURNED AWAY: For the second time in as many weeks the SFA defense has held an opponent to fewer than 230 yards of total offense. It was also the second consecutive game an opponent has rushed for fewer than 50 yards against the 'Jacks. SFA also recorded nine sacks for 50 yards against McNeese State. The Cowboys could only muster 230 yards against SFA, including just 30 on the ground.
THREE CONSECUTIVE: Saturday's win over McNeese State was the third straight in the series. It is the first time since the 1988-90 seasons that SFA has defeated the Cowboys in three consecutive seasons.
THE COACHES: J.C. Harper became the 18th head coach of the SFA Lumberjack football team in December 2006. A two-time SLC Coach of the Year, Harper has guided SFA to consecutive conference titles and NCAA playoff appearances. Harper is 26-30 (.464) in five seasons as a head coach. Lamar head coach Ray Woodard is 8-11 (.421) in his second season with the Cardinals.
