MONMOUTH, Ore. — Lyndon Rowells broke free for a 38-yard run late in the game to steal the momentum back from a hard-charging Western Oregon squad, helping preserve a 14-7 Lumberjack win in Great Northwest Athletic Conference football action Saturday.
Rowells' explosive gallop came on HSU's final possession of the game in a third-and-10 situation, moving the ball all the way to the WOU 10-yard line. The Jacks eventually gave the ball back to Western Oregon on downs, but with only one second remaining deep in its own territory.
Humboldt State improved to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in the GNAC standings. Western Oregon dropped to 2-2 and 2-1.
“That is a great win for our program,” HSU head coach Rob Smith said. “We've gone from complete survival mode two years ago to putting ourselves in position as a legitimate contender in the GNAC.”
Swarming defense on both sides of the ball controlled the tempo in the first half, limiting the offenses. In fact, the only points of the half came from the special teams.
The Wolves not only missed a chance to score, but had a tougher outcome after they drove to the HSU 21-yard line before stalling out. Kelly Morgan's 40-yard field goal attempt was blocked by HSU's Jonathan Faraimo and scooped up by teammate Jordan McGowan-Smith, who raced 59 yards for the touchdown with 3 minutes, 37 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Starting the second half with a 7-0 lead, the best offensive series of the game came on HSU's first possession of the second half, when the Jacks drove 73 yards in 10 plays. Proulx finished the march with a 6-yard completion to Dirk Dallas for the score and a 14-0 Jacks' lead.
Western Oregon looked to answer, driving all the way to the HSU 25-yard line. Again, Humboldt State's defense rose to the occasion, linebacker Mike Lynch tackling WOU quarterback Evan Mozocchi for a loss on fourth-and-two, handing the ball back to the Jacks' offense.
A penalty on HSU ended the drive quickly, however, and another one on the Jacks' defense gave the Wolves field position just inside HSU territory. Big runs by Darryl Valdez against a weary Jacks' defense helped push the ball to the 9-yard line, but Chris Peterson ended the drive by recovering Valdez' fumble at the 4-yard-line.
“Compliments go to our defense and special teams,” Smith said. “The combination of our speed on the edge and strength inside made the difference.”
After gaining two first downs, the Jacks' gave the Wolves another opportunity when Proulx was intercepted for the third time of the afternoon, this time by Caleb Singleton. A 28-yard completion from Mozzochi to Trevor Gates moved the ball to the HSU 24-yard line.
Another successful completion gave WOU first-and-goal again at the 9-yard line., and Mozzochi hit Demario Ballard for the touchdown to cut HSU's lead to 14-7 with 6:21 left in the game.
Proulx ended the day with 14-for-25 passing for 136 yards, one touchdown and the three interceptions. Western Oregon shuttled two quarterbacks in and out of the game, Mozzochi the more successful with 8 completions in 17 attempts for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Rowells ended the game with his 120 yards on 31 carries, his third straight 100-plus game. Valdez paced the Wolves' ground game with 77 yards on 18 carries.
Humboldt State is back home for a confrontation with defending GNAC champion Central Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday in Redwood Bowl.
