NAU Football Cruises Past Lincoln, Kicks Off Season with Dominant 66-6 Win

Lumberjacks Score On Eight Consecutive Possessions, Rack Up Over 500 Total Yards

Flagstaff, Ariz. - The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks opened their 2023 football season in style on Thursday night, crushing the Lincoln Blue Tigers 66-6 at the Walkup Skydome.

The Lumberjacks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, scoring touchdowns on their first eight possessions of the game. Quarterback RJ Martinez threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Kevin Daniels rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

The defense also played a key role in the victory, forcing three turnovers and holding Lincoln to just 192 total yards.

NAU Dominates From The Start

The Lumberjacks set the tone for the game early on, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. Martinez connected with wide receiver Tyler Powell for a 25-yard touchdown pass to give NAU a 7-0 lead.

The Blue Tigers answered back with a field goal on their next possession, but that would be their only points of the game.

NAU extended their lead to 14-3 on their next drive, with Daniels scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run.

Lumberjacks Pile On The Points

The Lumberjacks continued to pour it on in the second quarter, scoring touchdowns on their next three possessions.

Martinez threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Powell, Daniels scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, and Martinez added a 1-yard touchdown run to give NAU a 35-3 lead at halftime.

The Lumberjacks picked up right where they left off in the second half, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions of the third quarter.

Martinez threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hendrix Johnson, and Daniels added his third touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run to give NAU a 55-3 lead.

NAU added one more touchdown in the fourth quarter, with running back Joe Logan scoring on a 1-yard run.

Defense Shines For Lumberjacks

The Lumberjacks' defense was just as impressive as their offense, forcing three turnovers and holding Lincoln to just 192 total yards.

Defensive end Carson Taylor led the way with two sacks, while linebacker Jake Casteel added a fumble recovery and an interception.

The Lumberjacks' defense also came up with a big play in the fourth quarter, when cornerback Isaiah Roach intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown.

Up Next

The Lumberjacks will be back in action next Saturday, when they travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats.