ARCATA — One weekend free of competition provides the HSU football team with a little extra time to celebrate its big win over Central Washington last week. And while the accolades for that accomplishment keep coming, the Jacks are using their bye week in the schedule to prepare for next week's Great Northwest Athletic Conference game against Simon Fraser.

This week, two Jacks earned GNAC Player of the Week selection for their efforts in securing last Thursday's win on national television. Brian Blumberg, who kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired, was chosen as Special Teams Player of the Week while Chris Peterson, who contributed 11 tackles and a big fourth-quarter sack, earned Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Blumberg, a senior from Redondo Beach, connected from 27 yards out and also converted all five of his extra point attempts. Peterson, a junior linebacker from San Diego, sacked the CWU quarterback for a loss of 10 yards, forcing the Wildcats to settle for a field goal. late in the game. He also had eight unassisted tackles and broke up a pass. 

Coaches' Choices
Head coach Rob Smith and his staff saluted several players for their contributions last week. Quarterback Mike Proulx, wide receiver Dirk Dallas, and left guard David Kulp were selected on the offense and Peterson got the nod on defense. Snapper Brandon Storer was chosen for special teams, while JJ Latu (offense), Codey Heidebrecht (defense) and Jarrett Adams (defense) shined among the scout team players.

Bad News/Good News
Senior wide receiver Patrick Gondkoff was lost for the season when he sustained an injury to his right knee early in the Central Washington game. Gondkoff, who had emerged as the Jacks' primary deep threat, had five catches for 158 yards in the season-opening win over Mesa State.

"Unfortunately, (injuries are) part of the game," Smith said. "Pat was poised for a huge season. He had so much confidence in himself and we had so much confidence in him."

In Gondkoff's absence, junior transfer Victor Spencer will be called upon to fill the starter's role. Spencer was a a junior college All-American for Sacramento City Junior College before heading to Humboldt this fall.

Also stepping up to fill the void last week was senior Dirk Dallas.  In his third year with HSU after transferring when Western Washington eliminated its football program, Dallas had seven catches for 98 yards.

"Dirk Dallas is an example of an experienced player elevating his game when the team needs it the most," Smith said. "That's the type of contribution that is contagious, and what we'll need from everyone to keep winning."

Work in Progress
After briefly basking in the glow of their accomplishment, the Lumberjacks got back to the business of preparing for their trip to Canada. HSU's coaching staff is specifically addressing the areas   the Wildcats were able to capitalize on.

"Our play in the secondary fell short of what we expect from that group," Smith said. "We have so many talented athletes in that area, but here we are two games into the season and we have yet to make an interception."

CWU quarterback Ryan Robertson burned the Jacks for 315 yards passing, completing 27 of 39 passes and throwing for two touchdowns.