Northern Arizona Football Dominates Northern Colorado 49-10 in Homecoming Victory
Northern Arizona University (NAU) delivered a commanding performance, defeating Northern Colorado 49-10 on November 8, 2025, at Findlay Toyota Field at the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. The Lumberjacks’ decisive win improved their season record to 6-4 and marked their third consecutive Homecoming victory.
“It was a really good team win against a Northern Colorado program that has played a lot of good football this year,” said head coach Brian Wright. “We put last week’s disappointing loss behind us throughout the week. We played good, sound football in all three phases and I’m proud of our group.”
NAU’s dominance over Northern Colorado extends beyond this single game, boasting an undefeated 12-0 all-time record in Flagstaff against the Bears. The Lumberjacks quickly established control, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and consistently extending their lead throughout the contest. They achieved their largest margin of victory this season, showcasing a well-rounded performance on both sides of the ball.
The Lumberjacks’ offense exploded for 481 total yards – their highest output in five games – while the defense limited Northern Colorado to a season-low 285 yards and just 10 points. Special teams also contributed significantly, with a kickoff return touchdown adding to the scoring tally.
Early in the game, NAU raced to a 14-0 first-quarter lead. A 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ty Pennington to Jayson Raines and a 4-yard rushing score by Darvon Hubbard set the tone for the afternoon. After Northern Colorado managed a field goal, Quran Gossett extended the Lumberjacks’ lead with a 7-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter.
However, the Bears briefly answered, scoring a touchdown to narrow the gap to 21-10. This momentum shift was short-lived, thanks to a game-changing play by Kolbe Katsis. With just 10 seconds remaining in the first half, Katsis returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, mirroring a similar feat by Elijah Marks against Northern Colorado six years prior.
“I can’t do that without the kick return team,” Katsis explained. “When 10 people do their job, it’s up to me to do mine. I saw the hole and then I saw green grass, and I hit it.”
Wright emphasized the importance of the play, stating, “It’s the play of the game because of the momentum that started to swing in (Northern Colorado’s) favor. To grab that momentum back, to grab that score back in that moment was huge.”
The Lumberjacks entered halftime with a commanding 28-10 lead and continued to build on their advantage in the second half. Seth Cromwell added two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter, and Ryan Fontaine scored his first career rushing touchdown in the fourth, solidifying NAU’s victory.
NAU’s defense completely shut down Northern Colorado’s offense in the second half, forcing two punts, a turnover on downs, and a takeaway. Quentin Moten led the defensive effort with his fourth interception of the season – and third in as many games – in the fourth quarter.
The Lumberjacks effectively neutralized Northern Colorado’s passing attack, holding FCS’ 11th-leading passer, Eric Gibson Jr., to just 151 passing yards. Carver Cheeks, the fourth-leading receiver in the FCS, was limited to only 28 receiving yards on four receptions. NAU’s defense recorded a season-best seven pass breakups, with Mikale Greer leading the way with three.
Pennington’s efficient passing game, completing 20 of 23 passes for 270 yards, and Isaiah Eastman’s team-leading seven receptions for 77 yards, fueled the Lumberjacks’ offensive success. NAU also showcased a strong running game, totaling 189 yards and five rushing touchdowns – a season first. Cromwell led the rushing attack with 50 yards and two scores, bringing his season total to nine. Katsis contributed significantly with 194 all-purpose yards, including 88 receiving yards.
The Lumberjacks will conclude their home schedule next Saturday, November 15th, against Cal Poly at 2 p.m. MST, with a Senior Day recognition planned before kickoff at the Walkup Skydome. Fans can follow the Northern Arizona football team on X and Instagram for the latest updates.
