ARCATA, Calif. – Since the start of the 2015 season, the Humboldt State football program has focused on one goal – a Great Northwest Athletic Conference title. A win Saturday in Redwood Bowl versus Simon Fraser would mean the team has accomplished that mission.
 
"That has been our goal from day one," said Head Coach Rob Smith about HSU's championship pursuit. "It is the one thing we knew could be determined on the field of play. We are excited to have the opportunity to do so in front of our home fans and on our home field."
 
The Lumberjacks enter Saturday's game ranked 15^th in the country in the latest American Football Coaches Association top 25 and second in the first Super Region 3 ranking released Monday. HSU boasts a 6-1 overall record and an unblemished 4-0 mark in GNAC play.
 
Simon Fraser is searching for its first win of the season and have lost 10 straight games dating back to last season. Despite its winless start, the Clan has been competitive and played a close game against Western Oregon last weekend. A game Simon Fraser lost 37-26 in Burnaby, B.C.
 
"They have shown they can play with anybody," said Smith. "We know Simon Fraser is going to come in very hungry, very determined and very excited about the opportunity of getting its first win. We have to be prepared to be at our best to make sure we don't allow that to happen."
 
Arguably the Clan's strongest unit is its defense headlined by twin tackling machines Jordan and Justin Herdman. The pair has combined for 133 total tackles this season, and Jordan Herdman leads the conference with 78 tackles. Jordan Herdman was tabbed the GNAC Defensive Player of the Year last season and set a single-game record for tackles with 27 versus the Green and Gold during the team's previous meeting.
 
"Jordan Herdman is going to get his tackles, and he has against everybody," said Smith. "His brother playing extremely well too. We just have to make sure we do a very good job as far as blocking them when we have that opportunity."
 
The key to HSU's success against Simon Fraser will be its ability to execute its brand of football, which starts by running the ball. Sophomore Ja'Quan Gardner ranks second in NCAA Division II in rushing yards with 1,375 and second in rushing touchdowns with 18. Gardner carried the ball 28 times and accumulated 136 yards on the group against Central Washington. The Ceres, Calif., native also finished with a pair of two touchdown runs.
 
Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans are invited to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. The HSU football team will be selling pink Breast Cancer Awareness hats at the game on behalf of the Breast and GYN Health Project in Arcata. Senior day festivities will begin 30 minutes prior to kickoff.