Lumberjacks Topple No. 22 Cardinals in Saturday Showdown

Saturday, October 12

Beaumont, TX

3:00 PM

Stephen F. Austin

4-2 , 2-1

Lamar University

3-3 , 0-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

SFA

Lamar University

Lumberjacks Topple No. 22 Cardinals in Saturday Showdown

10/12/2024 7:13:00 PM | Football

Box Score

By: Jackson Pickard, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Communications

BEAUMONT, Texas- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (4-2, 2-1) defeated the 22nd ranked Lamar University Cardinals (3-3, 0-1) by a final score of 27-20 on the last play of the game.

The Lumberjacks struck first as Sam Vidlak connected with Kylon Harris for a 36-yard touchdown to give the Lumberjacks an early 7-0 lead. It was Harris' fifth touchdown of the year. Jaheim Mullen then collected his third interception in two games halting the Lamar drive and giving the Lumberjacks the ball back at the SFA 26. SFA then mounted a drive of their own capped off by a Chris Campos 31-yard field goal to extend the 'Jacks lead 10-0 with 4:46 to go in the first quarter. Campos' field goal tied him for third in all of FCS in career field goals made with 75.

The SFA defense flexed their muscles as the first quarter came to an end when they stopped Lamar on a fourth and one to end the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Lumberjacks led 10-0.

Chris Campos then extended the Lumberjacks lead with a 25-yard field goal with 12:30 to go in the second quarter, 13-0. Campos' field goal moved him into third place all-time in the FCS for career field goals made surpassing Dan Carpenter of Montana.

After a three and out from the Lumberjacks, the Cardinals cut into the lead with a seven-play, 84-yard touchdown drive, 13-7.

Neither team was able to score to end the first half and the Lumberjacks took a 13-7 lead into halftime.

Qualan Jones led the rushing attack at the half with 10 carries for 77 yards. Sam Vidlak ended the first half 13-for-20 for 197 yards and one touchdown. Blaine Green was the leading receiver for SFA with six catches for 90 yards. Trashawn Adams was the leading tackler on defense with six tackles and Jaheim Mullen had an interception.

SFA received the ball to start the second half going on an 11-play, 57-yard drive capped off by a Qualan Jones 13-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Lumberjacks lead, 20-7. Jones' touchdown put him over the 100-yard rushing mark and was his fourth rushing touchdown on the year.

After the Cardinals' defense forced a Lumberjack punt, Lamar got the ball back and cut into the lead with one play but missed the extra point. With 3:55 left in the third quarter, SFA still led 20-13.

The Lumberjacks would respond with a score of their own mounting a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped off as Qualan Jones recorded his second rushing touchdown of the game and fifth of the season to extend the lead, 27-13 with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter. After a couple of Lumberjacks penalties in the red zone, the Cardinals cut into the SFA lead. With 9:00 remaining in the fourth quarter the Lumberjacks led 27-20.

Both teams traded defensive blows as the fourth quarter continued. With two seconds left on the clock, Lamar had one final chance to score. The Lumberjacks defense came up with a stop as the Cardinals heaved a prayer to the end zone and the Lumberjacks won the game.

Player Highlights:

• Sam Vidlak: 329 passing yards (new career high)
• Qualan Jones: 119 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns (second consecutive game with two rushing touchdowns)
• Kylon Harris: 106 receiving yards
• Blaine Green: 103 receiving yards
• Jermaine Brown: 10 total tackles
• Jaheim Mullen: one interception (second straight game with an interception)

The Lumberjacks will be back in action next week as they travel to Hammond, Louisiana to play Southeastern Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 4:00 P.M.

TICKET INFORMATION
Join SFA Football at Homer Bryce Stadium this fall! Season tickets and single game tickets are on sale now. Fans can visit SFAtickets.com for more information.

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