Lumberjacks rally from 21-point deficit to edge Eagles in Big Sky opener
Northern Arizona overcame a 21-point second-quarter deficit to beat Eastern Washington 34-27. Ty Pennington connected with Nassim Isaac on a short touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter, and the defense stopped Eastern Washington on downs inside the 10-yard line. Quran Gossett's 2-yard run just before halftime cut the lead to 24-17.
Northern Arizona’s comeback began with Quran Gossett’s 2-yard touchdown run just before halftime, trimming a 21-point second-quarter deficit to 24-17. In the fourth quarter, Ty Pennington found Nassim Isaac on a short touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal to seize the lead. The Lumberjacks’ defense then sealed the win by stopping Eastern Washington on downs inside the 10-yard line, securing a 34-27 victory in the Big Sky opener.
The win highlights resilience after a slow start, with the offense finding rhythm late and the defense delivering in the most critical moment. Eastern Washington’s early dominance proved insufficient as Northern Arizona capitalized on key possessions, turning a lopsided contest into a narrow conference triumph.
This comeback could resonate beyond the scoreboard, reinforcing the unpredictability of conference play and the value of late-game composure. For Northern Arizona, the win may boost momentum and confidence in a competitive Big Sky race. Eastern Washington, meanwhile, might face questions about closing out leads, potentially affecting their postseason outlook. Fans and recruits may see this as a sign of grit, while coaches could use it as a teaching moment about sustaining intensity.