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SUNNY Temp: 48 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Monday, October 14, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 29, 2002 SOU drops Humboldt for the second time this season ARCATA, Calif. — Facing Humboldt State for the second time this season, Southern Oregon managed its second 10-point victory, but in a much more difficult manner. The ninth-ranked Raiders (2-1) fell behind 10-3 early in the third quarter but responded with 17 unanswered points in earning a hard-fought, 20-10 triumph over the Lumberjacks (1-2). "That was a big-time character game," said SOU coach Jeff Olson. Coming off a double-overtime road loss to Linfield, the Raiders simply couldn’t afford another such defeat if they wanted to maintain their playoff hopes. "We needed to come back (after Linfield) and get one on the road," said Olson. "This was a big one." After being limited to 90 total yards — including only 13 rushing — and just three first downs in the first half, the Raiders completely turned things around in the second stanza. The Raiders amassed 145 yards rushing in the second half and finished with 294 yards of total offense as they finally were able to get untracked. "It certainly was a tale of two halves, that’s for sure," said Olson. Olson rolled the dice with an onside kick to start the third quarter, but the Lumberjacks recovered and drove to the SOU 4-yard line before the Raiders pushed them back and forced Humboldt to settle for a 25-yard field goal by David Waltzman. The Raiders answered on a drive that featured the hard-nosed running of Dusty McGrorty and the effective passing of Dan Woodward. After McGrorty bulled his way to the Humboldt 5, Woodward capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Matt Zosel. An extra-point kick by Steve Baker tied it at 10-all with 4:09 to go in the third quarter. McGrorty finished with 127 yards on 30 carries, while Woodward was 18-of-29 passing for 136 yards with one TD and one interception. SOU’s defense forced the Lumberjacks into a three-and-out series on the ensuing possession, and then Nick Daniken provided a big play with a punt return back to the Humboldt 37. A 24-yard scamper by backup tailback Brandon White shortened the field, and McGrorty capped the drive with a 2-yard run to make it 17-10 with 47 seconds to go in the third. The Raiders tacked on insurance points with 6:15 to play in the game when Baker, who missed a potential game-winning, 43-yard field goal against Linfield, nailed a 50-yarder. "He’s got the leg, so we figured we’d give it a shot," said Olson. "It was good probably for another 4 or 5 yards, and that was big for us because it put us up two scores." Baker also had a 34-yard field goal to close the first half and breathe life into a Raider team held up only by a standout defensive effort. "Our defense played the best game they’ve played all year," said Olson. "Without their effort tonight, it could have been a long story for us." SOU limited Humboldt State to only two first downs in the second half, both coming on the Lumberjacks’ opening drive of the third quarter. The Raiders take to the road once again next Saturday when they travel to Billings, Mont., to face Rocky Mountain. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search M Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S