ARCATA, Calif. -- The Humboldt State football program captured its first victory of the season as it defeated Simon Fraser 23-16 Saturday evening in Redwood Bowl.
Head Coach Damaro Wheeler's Lumberjacks played their best game in front of a raucous home crowd of more than 5700 fans. It was Wheeler's first win as the Green and Gold skipper.
"This is just the result of all the hard work everyone has put in," said Wheeler. "It proves all the doubters wrong that said we wouldn't be able to get a win. It was great to shut them up."
HSU scored on its second possession of the game as quarterback Andrew Tingstad orchestrated a 10-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Tingstad showed off his arm talent and gritty determination as he barrelled on a 20-yard first down run that set up the Jacks just outside the red zone. He capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown dart to receiver Leo Wagner.
The Green and Gold defense forced Simon Fraser to a 3-and-out during on the ensuing drive and it showed toughness as Tajma Magee wrapped up the Clan running back in the endzone for a safety with 1:58 left in the first quarter.
Tingstad didn't take his foot off the gas following the Simon Fraser punt as he connected with Gary O'Leary for a 38-yard pass to put the Jacks at the visitor's 1 yard line. The redshirt freshman carried the ball across the goal line to give the home team a 16-0 lead, after Jose Morales' extra point, with 53 seconds left in the quarter.
Simon Fraser wasn't ready to pack its bags and start the buses as quarterback Miles Richardson rallied his team. Richardson, after fumbling on the Clan's first drive of the quarter, led his team on an 68-yard scoring drive. He lofted a four-yard pass to Rysen John for the visitor's first touchdown.
"We gave them a chance," said Wheeler. "They feel like they had a chance to win this game, and they kept fighting."
HSU stood strong as Simon Fraser attempted to score before the half and Richardson connected on consecutive first down passes to open the Clan drive. The Green and Gold went into the locker room with a 16-7 advantage.
The Clan booted a 27-yard field on their first drive of the second half to pull within a touchdown, and the Jacks defense provided the answer. Richardson tossed an interception to Evan Camarena that was returned 50 yards before he fumbled and it was recovered by Demetrick Watts for a touchdown to make it 23-10.
Richardson made it 23-16 with a 17-yard touchdown strike as the third quarter came to a close, and the score stuck.
HSU finished the game with 300 yards of total offense, including 119 rushing yards on 18 carries by tailback Tyree Marzetta. Marzetta helped the Green and Gold chew the fourth quarter clock with 63 yards in the final 15 minutes.
Tingstad finished the game 8-of-23 passing for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also ran the ball 13 times for 49 yards.
For the Green and Gold defense, Moses Finau led the way with nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Ryan Shell and Watts compiled eight tackles apiece. Watts, Curtis Williams, Hunter Esary and Brandon Wright finished the game with sacks. The defensive backfield was anchored by Ereon Nash and Patrick Marzett who each recorded three pass breakups.
"We knew we would give up plays here and there, but I told them we had to change the game with turnovers and big momentum plays," explained Wheeler.
The Jacks return to the Lone Star State as they face Texas Permian-Basin on Saturday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT.
