Cookus throws 7 TDs as NAU blows out N.M. Highlands
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Case Cookus threw seven touchdowns as Northern Arizona picked up its first season win, beating Division II New Mexico Highlands 73-3 on Saturday.
Cookus was 14-of-25 passing for 296 yards for the Lumberjacks (1-2). Emmanuel Butler was his primary target, picking up 99 yards and five scores on five receptions. Elijah Marks had 143 yards and two scores receiving. Freshman Joe Logan -- in his first career start -- ran for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns, helping the Lumberjacks to amass 686 total yards.
"I think there's guys on the team that have shown glimpses of what they can do," Cookus said. "We have to get everyone in game mode. Having Emmanuel and Elijah on the outside is good. From here, it's about how to keep it rolling and improving. Without the mental mistakes we can win our games from here on out."
Cookus threw four touchdowns in the first quarter and another two in the second for a 49-3 lead at the break.
We needed a game like this to get us hitting on all cylinders," NAU coach Jerome Souers said. "Offensively, I was pleased with the way we established control of the game with our tempo. I thought Case (Cookus) made some great decisions and throws to take advantage of the mismatches that were present. We need to work on our running game and improve it, but I thought it got better as the game went along. I was excited to see some of our freshmen step in and compete the way he did."
Freshman tailback Joe Logan scored on consecutive carries—the first two of his career—and finished with 172 yards on nine carries for the Lumberjacks.
New Mexico Highlands' only score came on a 25-yard field goal by Luke Jones with 7:48 to go in the first half.
Cody Keith threw for 212 yards for the Cowboys.
