Cougars Claim See-Saw Victory

ARCATA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific used two long fourth-quarter touchdown passes from J.D. Fox to edge Humboldt State, 16-12, Saturday.

The Cougars improve to 1-3, while the Lumberjacks fall to 1-3.

A 23-yard TD pass from Fox to Dexter Davis with 1:43 remaining in the game gave the Cougars the lead for good in what had been a back-and-fourth affair. Humboldt State had broken a 10-10 tie after a Cougar fumble was recovered in the end zone by Fox for a safety.

In all, the Lumberjacks forced five turnovers, but the Azusa Pacific defense made it difficult to capitalize.

A first-half interception by Dan Neiman deep in cougar territory lead to a 19-yard field goal by Peter Baldwin to give the Jacks a 3-0 advantage at halftime.

Azusa Pacific tied the game with a 10-play, 49-yard drive that resulted in a 24-yard field goal by Jim Daichendt in the third quarter. After being paced by the running of Elijah Raphael for the early portion of the game, the Cougars took to the air in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars utilized a pair of big pass plays, including the game-winner, and a 25-yard TD pass to John Daniels which gave Azusa Pacific his first lead at 10-3.

The Jacks tied the score at 10 on a four-yard touchdown run by Idranre Anderson. Humboldt State ran the ball successfully, with Matt Dwane posting a career-high 116 yards on 25 carriers.

The difference in the ball game was in the air. Fox posted an impressive numbers of 15-of-25 for 282 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lumberjack quarterback Matt Mitchell finished 12-for-30 for 159 yards and two interceptions. The final play the game was an interception by Rocky Jackson at the Cougar four-yard line, sealing the Azusa Pacific victory.

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