CHADRON, Neb. – Shorthanded and over 1,400 miles from home, Humboldt State football rose to the challenge and defeated Chadron State 31-27 Saturday.
The Lumberjacks improved to 3-0 on the road and 3-2 overall, despite injuries at several key positions.
"We were playing with guys today that a week ago wouldn't think they would be playing in a game like this," said head coach
Rob Smith. "We found a way to win today, and we are playing with guys that are third or fourth on the depth chart. At the end of the day all that matters is that we found a way to win today."
Midway through the second half, the Green and Gold defense got a stop that proved to be the most important of the game. Chadron State went for the score on 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line, and
Anthony Boykin wrapped up Kevin Coy to prevent a go-ahead touchdown.
"That's the game right there," said Smith. "Our defense needs plays like that to continue to grow its confidence."
HSU's veteran offense was without starters
Chase Krivashei,
Ja'Quan Gardner and
Lucas Govan, but found success regardless of the injuries.
Cameron Southward opened the scoring with a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter, and
Robert Webber connected on touchdown passes to
Blair Zerr and
Marjani Ellison to put the Jacks up 17-7 at the half.
A punt return for a touchdown and passing score gave Chadron State a 20-17 advantage after intermission, but the lead was brief.
Zerr capped a 15-play, 74-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run to give the Green and Gold a 27-24 lead with four seconds left in the third quarter. HSU's rushing attack, which featured freshman
Isaiah Hall, was responsible for 46 yards during the drive.
The Eagles opened the fourth quarter with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Vinson to Marcus Brown. Vinson's pass moved Chadron State ahead 27-24.
HSU opened its ensuing drive with a 57-yard reception by
Richard Doctor. Doctor took the short bootleg pass from Webber, dodged tacklers and raced into Eagle territory to set up Zerr's third touchdown of the game, which proved to be the difference maker.
Zerr finished the game with 136 yards from scrimmage and a career-high three touchdowns. He carried the ball 23 times for 93 yards and two scores, and the senior caught six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.
The Jacks dominated the time of possession battle. HSU had the ball for 41:53 compared to 18:07 for Chadron State.
Julian Owens recorded his first interception of the season and set up Southward's first quarter field goal. Five Jacks finished the game with six tackles apiece.
Webber once again showed why he is one of the nation's top passers. The reigning Great Northwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week completed 32-of-42 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns. The junior displayed his running ability with 17 yards on four carries.
HSU hosts Central Washington in Saturday, Oct. 8's homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
