Butler leads N. Arizona to 34-28 win over Stephen F. Austin

Published Sep. 5, 2015 10:52 p.m. ET

foxsports

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (AP) Emmanuel Butler caught seven passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns to lead Northern Arizona to a season-opening 34-28 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday night.

Case Cookus hit Butler on a 57-yard scoring strike early in the first quarter to put Northern Arizona out front and the Lumberjacks never relinquished the lead. Cookus, who also threw to Butler for a 43-yard score in the second period, finished with 267 yards and two touchdowns.

Casey Jahn had 21 carries for 157 yards as Northern Arizona amassed 547 total yards. Ryan Hawkins kicked two field goals in the first half to help the Lumberjacks to a 20-14 lead.

Trailing 34-14, Stephen F. Austin rallied in the fourth quarter to score twice when Zach Conque hit Justice Liggins from 19 yards out and, with 2:54 remaining, Conque ran it in from the ten.

Conque was 28 of 38 for 297 yards.