Bauman, defense carry NAU past South Dakota

Published Sep. 22, 2013 12:10 a.m. ET

foxsports

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Zach Bauman rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown, Anders Battle recorded an interception for a score and Northern Arizona football defeated South Dakota 22-16 on Saturday in its home opener.

Bauman, who became the school's all-time leading rusher last week in a win over UC Davis, ran for a 3-yard score just before halftime to give the Lumberjacks (2-1) a 13-0 lead.

NAU's defense was dominant in the first half, holding South Dakota (1-2) to just nine yards of total offense. Anders Battle returned an interception 49 yards to open the scoring in the first quarter.

“Great win tonight,” said NAU coach Jerome Souers. “I’m happy for Zach,
happy for the offensive guys for making improvements and proud of (defensive coordinator) Andy Thompson and our defense tonight.”

South Dakota's offense finally got loose in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Josh Vander Maten rushed for one touchdown and threw for another to cut the Coyotes' deficit to 22-16 with 2:54 left.

But after NAU recovered the onside kick, Bauman was able to pick up two first downs as the Lumberjacks ran out the clock and sealed the win.

“I think we had a great game plan,” said Bauman. "We knew what kind of players they had, and the offensive line was tremendous today. I think our offense really hit our stride."

Dejzon Walker also contributed a big play for NAU, hauling a 14-yard touchdown pass from Kyren Poe in the third quarter to put the Lumberjacks ahead 19-0.

“It was definitely an electric atmosphere,” said Poe. “You love playing in front of your home crowd and with your teammates; it’s a great feeling. We finally got in a groove and started to move the ball down the field, which is good for the offense and the defense."

The Lumberjacks got their final points when Ryan Hawkins connected on a 32-yard field goal at the 10:17 mark in the fourth.

Poe finished 17 for 32 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown. Bauman recorded his first 100-yard game of the season and
19th of his standout career. He finished with 186 all-purpose yards. Lucky Dozier,
Steven Garcia and Austin Hasquet led the defense with eight tackles
apiece.

The win snapped a two-game home losing streak for NAU that dated to last year.