ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Humboldt State did Saturday what Central Washington's last two opponent's couldn't - put points on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, the total wasn't enough to spoil the Wildcats' homecoming, a 26-18 win over the Lumberjacks.
Central's win avenged an earlier loss to HSU, leaving the squads tied on top the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings with 4-1 record. It also ended the Jacks' six-game winning streak, dropping them to 6-2 overall while Central Washington improved its overall record to 6-3.
Still, it was the Wildcats' defense that kept the Jacks off its game, holding Humboldt State to 220 total yards, including only 38 on the ground. Humboldt State's defense was also responsive, limiting the Wildcats to six points in the second half.
"You have two good football teams and somebody had to come up on the short end," HSU head coach
Rob Smith said. "Our defense was in some tough positions, but they kept Central out of the endzone and really gave us a chance. We got it down to a one possession game, but it wasn't to be today."
Central got its offense going on its third possession of the game, moving the ball 63 yards in five plays for the game's first score. The final play was a 33-yard touchdown pass completion from Ryan Robertson to Kollin Hancock, and the extra point gave Central a 7-0 lead with 4 minutes, 34 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats' defense stuffed the Jacks again, forcing HSU's defensive unit back on the field immediately. Central Washington methodically moved the ball downfield again, finishing a 75-yard march with a 38-yard touchdown completion from Robertson to Chris Smith.
Personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct like calls on Paul Wright caught up with the Wildcats, aiding the Jacks on their only scoring threat of the half. After the penalties moved the ball to the CWU 7-yard line, the Jacks used three plays to connect on a 5-yard scoring pass from Proulx to Chris Bolt, cutting the lead to 20-7 with 5:10 remaining before the break.
Central mounted a late drive heading towards hafltime, but HSU linebacker Chris Peterson stuffed Stinson for no gain on a 4th-and-1 play to send the teams into the lockerroom with Central leading, 20-7.
Humboldt State picked up the first points of the second half, driving the ball 40 yards in 11 plays to set up Brian Blumberg's 40-yard field goal. But Central answered, taking a 23-10 lead on Sean Davis' 44-yard field goal with 42 seconds remaining in the third period.
Humboldt State's defense averted two opportunities for the Wildcats to put away the game, forcing a 28-yard field goal that was missed and taking the ball over on downs. Even after Davis converted a 32-yard field goal with 3:10 left in the game, Humboldt showed signs of resilience.
Taking the ball at their own 30, the Lumberjacks marched down the field, quarterback Mike Proulx connecting with Kevin MIles on a 19-yard completion and hitting Dirk Dallas with a 7-yard hook-up. Once again, Central Washington's over-aggressive defense aided the march, committing two personal fouls and a holding penalty to help HSU move the ball to the Central 4-yard line.
Lyndon Rowells took over from there, rushing the ball into the endzone two plays later, and a two-point conversion run by Proulx cut the CWU lead to 26-18. Humboldt State's onside kick attempt was unsuccessful, however, handing the ball over to the Wildcats with only 1:58 left on the clock.
Central Washington was assessed 11 penalties in the game for a total of 120 yards. Humboldt State had six whistles for 56 yards.
"I told the players I was proud of the way they battled," Smith said. "It was tough playing from behind. If we handle this the right way, it's the last time we'll face that issue."
Humboldt State goes back on the road for another long trip this week, traveling to Burnaby, B.C. to face the newest GNAC school, Simon Fraser.
