NAU needs to figure out how to finish well

Leading 31-30 with 2:50 remaining in the fourth quarter of the final regular season game last weekend, a go ahead field goal by NAU’s Collin Robbins put Northern Arizona in a familiar scenario.

Just when the Lumberjacks thought they had a break through, they fell short, as they have in previous weeks, repeating a cycle of failed rallies by the Lumberjacks this season. NAU had been in this scenario before, losing in similar fashion to both Montana and Northern Colorado.

That seemed to be the overarching theme for the Lumberjacks this season, who are ending on a 3-8 (2-6 Big Sky) record under head coach Chris Ball. While NAU has the tools to be in contention, its multiple lackluster endings has resulted in none other than a disappointing season.

“In the offseason, we’ve got to figure out a way to finish these games better,” said Ball, in a press release after the Nov. 19 game. “It starts with me and our coordinators, but our kids played hard enough to win today. Just really, really proud of them for the way they have handled themselves.”

NAU sophomore quarterback RJ Martinez, finished his second campaign with 2,870 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. Receivers Coleman Owen and Hendrix Johnson shared the bulk of the receptions this season, finishing with 223 receiving yards.

Owen and Johnson have eligibility remaining and will be a key force in NAU’s passing game next season. However, it was defensive back Morgan Vest’s last time donning the blue and gold, but he is forever grateful to have been a part of the Lumberjacks for the last three years.

Vest finished his final game as a Lumberjack with a NAU high 11 tackles to move to No. 1 in career tackles since 2000.

While the season doesn’t begin again until 2023, coach Ball has already begun planning his next move for his players. For right now, coach Ball is focused on getting his team back to a winning record.