Arizona Football dominates NAU in their Season Opener

TUCSON, AZ – Looking to avenge its 2021 loss to Northern Arizona, Arizona Football (1-0) won easily, dominating the Lumberjacks 38-3. 

Entering Saturday’s action looking to avenge its 2021 loss to in-state rival, Northern Arizona, Arizona Football was hoping to start its 2023 season on a high note.

Knocking off the rust, and shaking their first-game jitters, it was a bit of a slow start for Arizona, but eventually, the Wildcats outpaced the Lumberjacks, outgaining them 478 yards to 264 yards as they paced themselves to the dominant, 38-3 win.

Unlike their previous game against NAU where the Wildcats struggled to maintain any offensive rhythm, Arizona was in control from the opening kick-off as they marched 65 yards on seven plays that was capped off by a four-yard touchdown throw from Jayden de Laura to Jacob Cowing to make it 7-0 Cats.

A few drives later, Arizona would expand its lead when sophomore running back Jonah Coleman caught a seven-yard pass from de Laura, dancing down the sideline before making an acrobatic stretch into the end zone to make it 14-0, Wildcats.

The Arizona offense would then go cold, being held scoreless for the rest of the half as NAU played keep away, controlling the clock for over seven minutes as they drove 49 yards on six plays that ended in a field goal from Marcus Lye.

The field goal from NAU would cut Arizona’s lead to 14-3 heading into halftime.

Leading just 14-3 at halftime, Arizona Football would need to clean up a lot of their mistakes in the second half.

Giving NAU the ball to start the half, the Lumberjacks would have a chance to score again as they opened the second half driving 66 yards on nine plays, but a blocked field goal by the Wildcats would allow for Tacario Davis to pick up the loose ball, sprinting 85 yards to make it 21-3, Arizona.

The Wildcats would add two more scores to end the third quarter when de Laura connected with Tetairoa McMillan followed by a 53-yard touchdown run from de Laura to make it 35-3, Wildcats.

Arizona would finish their second-half scoring barrage when Tyler Loop connected on a 35-yard field to make it 38-3, Cats with 10:46 to play.

Leading comfortably, Arizona would begin to use some of its bench as the Wildcats cruised to the 38-3, win over the Lumberjacks.

With the win, the Wildcats begin year 1-0 and will turn their focus to Mississippi State as the Wildcats will travel to Starkville next weekend to take on the Bulldogs.

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