Azusa Pacific fell to Humboldt State 30-10 on Saturday night after last week’s win over then No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State.
Offensive production was limited for the Cougars, as Humboldt State held Azusa Pacific to 260 total yards. Senior running back Terrell Watson, coming off a 200-yard game against Grand Valley State, had just 51 yards on 18 carries.
Ja’Quan Gardner scored on the Lumberjacks’ opening drive with a 54-yard touchdown rush. The running back followed up with a 6-yard touchdown, carrying in the team’s second possession. Humboldt kicker Matt Bruder wrapped up first-quarter scoring with a 26-yard field goal.
Running back Nick Ricciardulli stretched the Lumberjack lead to 23-0 with a 5-yard touchdown carry in the second quarter. Ricciardulli and Gardner each posted a 100-yard rushing game.
The Cougars found their first points of the game in their final possession of the first half with a 26-yard field goal from junior kicker Jamie Cacciatore.
Quarterback Chad Jeffries connected with receiver Tanner Henry on a 36-yard strike to score the Cougars’ lone touchdown.
Jeffries led APU in rushing, carrying the ball 14 times for 66 yards. The freshman quarterback also recorded 122 passing yards, completing 13-of-24 pass attempts.
Entering Saturday’s game, Humboldt State held the all-time series advantage against Azusa Pacific 17-10. The Cougars have won just four games against the Lumberjacks in Arcata.
With the loss, Azusa Pacific falls to 1-1. The Cougars will return home Sept. 20 for a non-conference matchup against GNAC opponent Simon Fraser. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. at Citrus Stadium.