ARCATA — Close doesn't count, especially in football.


While the Lumberjacks drew near to winning their first game of the 2013 season last week, they came up short once again. Assessing why they've been unable to prevail, Head Coach Rob Smith didn't have to look very far.

"It's the same problem," Smith said. "We move the ball down field into the redzone - even within the 10-yard line – and we have not been able to finish the drives."

Another loss dropped the Lumberjacks to 0-8 overall and 0-7 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. This week, they'll be back on the road for the second time in three weeks, traveling to Ellensburg, Wash., to face the Central Washington Wildcats (5-3, 5-2) in a 1 p.m. game on Saturday.

Humboldt State's inability to complete drives leaves it at the bottom of the GNAC with only 119 points, having scored only 11 touchdowns. They've pushed the ball across the goal line nine times in 23 chances in the redzone for a 39 percent success rate, while opponents have made good 20 times in 29 opportunities, a mark of 69 percent.
   
Head-to-Head
HSU's 21-13 loss to the Wildcats on Oct. 5 left the Jacks trailing the all-time series, 20-8. Last year they split a pair, the Jacks winning a 14-10 game in Arcata. Central Washington earned a 31-3 decision over HSU earlier in 2012 on the Wildcats' home field in Ellensburg, Wash. …In 1958 the very first game between the programs ended in a 27-27 tie.

On-the-Air
Humboldt State football can be heard over the airwaves on KATA, 1340 AM, the North Coast's ESPN radio affiliate. Former Lumberjack player and BiCoastal Media Sports Director J.B. Mathers describes the action and HSU Hall-of-Famer Burt Nordstrom adds commentary. Airtime is 12:45 p.m. The broadcast will also be streamed live at http://socialstreamingplayer.crystalmedianetworks.com/radio/kataam.

Live Stats & Streaming Video
Central Washington offers the same Stretch Internet service the Lumberjacks utilize. Statistics updated in real time, along with live video, are accessible at www.wildcatsports.com/stretchinternet.

Injury Report
No definite additions were added to the already overloaded list of players out with injuries, but further evaluation Monday evening and Tuesday will determine if any more Jacks join the wounded.

GNAC Glance
LAST SATURDAY: Azusa Pacific 24 at Central Washington 17; Humboldt State 19 at Dixie State 28; Simon Fraser 16 at Western Oregon 30.

THIS WEEK: Western Oregon at Azusa Pacific, 6:30 p.m.; Humboldt State at Central Washington, 1 p.m.; Dixie State at Simon Fraser, 2 p.m.  

Lumberjack Notes
Frustration among the Jacks coaches and players has risen to a new height as the losses pile up and the end of the season approaches. Adding to the feelings of despair is the fact that Humboldt State is in the midst of one of the most grueling travel schedules the program has had to endure. The back-to-back-to-back trips began last week with the drive to St. George, Utah, and this week's journey takes HSU to Ellensburg, Wash. Next week's trek to play Simon Fraser in Burnaby, B.C., Canada, will complete a travelogue of 4,400 miles and 80 hours on the bus during a 17-day stretch. "We have to be smart about how we approach the next two weeks," Smith said. "We'll adjust practices accordingly. It's the hand we're dealt, and we'll be ready to play."…While the Jacks have struggled to finish drives after reaching the redzone, they've been successful in stopping opponents from doing the same. As of games completed Oct. 21, HSU ranks first in the GNAC by allowing points at a .710 percentage. That mark also ranks 43rd nationally. …Freshman Chase Krivashei is No. 1 in league in all-purpose yardage with an average of 144.75 per game, a mark that also lists him 37th nationally. Krivashei also ranks 1st in the GNAC in receptions per game with 8.4, placing him eighth nationally…Also among league and national leaders are kicker Matt Bruder, who tops the GNAC and is 10th nationally with an average of 1.4 field goals per game, and punter Chris Campbell, best in league and 31st nationally with a net average of 40.8 yards per punt.

Opponent Notes
Central Washington is coming off a tough loss against league-leader Azusa Pacific, one in which the visiting Cougars had only run three offensive plays until the final minute of the first half. Azusa Pacific came up with big plays, however, including an interception return and kick return for touchdowns that put the Cougars ahead, 14-10 at the break on the way to a 24-17 win. …Factoring into the strange circumstances vs. APU was the Wildcats' ability to dominate possession. Though the outcome was negative on that occasion, CWU's average of more than 34 minutes of possession per game ranks first in the GNAC and sixth nationally and allows the Wildcats to control the game's tempo. …Running back Jordan Todd is key to Central's ball control, leading a ground attack that averages 173.3 yards per game. Todd's individual average of 116.8 yards per game ranks only behind Azusa Pacific's Terrell Watson who isn't eligible for national rankings because of his team's provisional Division II status.

Smith Says
"Ellensburg has always been a tough place to play, and Central is certainly a tough opponent. They want to control the ball with their running game, and have been very effective doing that." … "We always respect our opponent and try to prepare for them, but the point we're at this season we have to focus most of our preparation on ourselves. … "We still lack the ability to make plays when they need to be made." … "Our injuries have really taken a toll on team depth. Four freshmen started the game again last week." … "It's great that younger players are gaining experience. Hopefully, we'll be able to look back at the benefits of that as we get back on our feet the next couple of years."