Simson Garcia | Sports Editor
Just before the Wolves football team were able to gain traction on Oct. 21, the Humboldt State University Lumberjacks were swift to put the first points up. Just before the Wolves were given the opportunity to have their prey in the crosshairs, the ‘Jacks were there to elude their momentum. And before the Wolves were able to see a positive outcome in the game result, there were the ‘Jacks chopping down at the adversarial Wolves to a 42-32 victory.
The away action in Arcata, California displayed a balance between such big and even short chops by both teams.
Less than four minutes into the game, two big offensive plays for touchdowns by the ‘Jacks would deal the Wolves the first blow, putting them at 14-0.
GNAC rushing leader in all-purpose yards, and ‘Jacks senior tailback, Ja’Quan Gardner would be the recipient of one of those touchdowns.k
But a big play made by the Wolves would swing things their way.
A fumble by HSU quarterback Robert Webber, recovered by Wolves redshirt freshman lineman Tayvis Passos, shifted such position. The Wolves’s hunt to get back into the game meant capitalizing on the turnover after a field goal was made.
Later in the second quarter, a 90-yard punt return for touchdown by senior wideout Paul Revis amounted to 17 unanswered points and a Wolves lead of 17-14.
The game took another swing after the ‘Jacks scored 25 unanswered for a big gap at 35-17.
The Wolves fought back valiantly, chipping away at the lead until midway in the fourth quarter where they would cut the deficit to 10 after a goal line-passing touchdown from Wolves senior quarterback Phillip Fenumiai to senior receiver Zack Suarez.
The ‘Jacks would prevail in the end, however, with a final score of 42-32.
The rematch proved exciting, with GNAC leaders on both ends providing contributions for their teams.
Gardner made his runs throughout the game, netting a total of 215 yards on 35 carries. While leading receiver in receptions, Revis would be a key factor catching six for a total of 89 yards including the highlight punt return.
Fenumiai got his start while the starting quarterback, senior Nick Duckworth, did not play due to injury.
Next on tap for the Wolves is opponent Tarleton State where they will look to end a two game slide. The away game will be played on Oct. 28th in Stephenville, Texas. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m.
Contact the author at journalsports@wou.edu
