NAU Beats Southern Utah In The Skydome For Homecoming Saturday, 59-35

The NAU Lumberjacks scored early and often as they beat the Southern Utah Thunderbirds on Homecoming in Flagstaff Saturday, 59-35. The Jacks jumped out to a 24-0 lead on touchdowns from quarterback R.J. Martinez, wide receiver Coleman Owen and running back Draycen Hall, along with a 21-yard field goal from Luis Aguilar. NAU had 721 yards of total offense, including 304 yards rushing in the game. It was the “Running of the Freshmen” in the game as Kevin Daniels had a career-high 233 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Martinez, a true freshman, had 66 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Martinez was also 23-of-29 passing for 417 yards and five touchdowns. NAU also had a pair of receivers go off. Owen had nine-catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while Hendrix Johnson had five catches for 174 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With the win, NAU retains the Grand Canyon Trophy and will keep it for the foreseeable future. The Jacks are now 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the Big Sky Conference. NAU now hits the road for the next two weeks. First stop is Sacramento, California Saturday and a battle with the Sacramento State Hornets. The Hornets upset the Montana Grizzlies at home in Missoula this past week, 28-21. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 5 p.m. on KAFF Country 93.5/AM 930 in Flagstaff and Fun Oldies 97.9 in Prescott.