High expectations circled around Azusa Pacific football entering the 2014 season after winning its first NCAA Division II conference title in the program’s final year of provisional membership paired with a number of other team and individual achievements. Ranked among the top-25 Division II programs in the preseason of its first year as a full-fledged NCAA member, the bar was set high for this fall.
The Cougars opened their season in what was called a “David and Goliath” win over then No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State. Azusa Pacific triumphed over the Lakers in double overtime in a nationally televised CBS Sports broadcast, and for a moment it appeared as though the program’s momentum from the 2013 season had carried over.
The momentum was shaken, however, in a Week 2 road loss to Humboldt State. The Lumberjacks limited the Cougars to 257 total yards on offense, allowing All-American running back Terrell Watson, who was coming off a 200-yard game against Grand Valley State, just 51 rushing yards.
“Every team we’re going to face is a respective opponent. We need to take every week like it’s not going to be an easy week,” senior offensive lineman Jake Olsson said. “I think that’s what we learned going from Grand Valley to Humboldt, every team is going to be a national fight.”
Humboldt got into a rhythm early, scoring on its opening drive. The Lumberjacks ended the first half with 30 points, 21 off turnovers.
“They had a great scheme, and that challenged our defense a lot. They scored on us quickly and we didn’t really respond,” said senior defensive back Tyler Thornton. “It was the last thing any of us expected. The first half we were just stunned, looking for answers.”
Thornton is one of just three returning starters on defense, welcoming eight new players to starting positions. Additionally, the offense added four new faces to its starting lineup.
“The challenge that came with Humboldt was coming off that Grand Valley win,” said head coach Victor Santa Cruz. “Our guys are growing. While we’re so excited for the future of this program, you see the tale of two cities in those two games. Those are the areas we want to improve.”
Amid the challenges, however, newcomers to the starting lineup have made significant contributions. Transfer junior linebacker Errik Manning leads the defense with 26 tackles this season, while redshirt-freshman Taliuaki Suliafu has matched Thornton with 20.
“I know that people can view it as a weakness, but I like that we’re young because we’re more energetic,” Thornton said. “We have a lot of hungry guys on the team.”
Additionally, the offense has welcomed freshman quarterback Chad Jeffries to the starting position in Week 2 at Humboldt and in the Week 3 victory over Simon Fraser.
Returning to the game after a two-year period at San Diego State where he was recruited out of high school, the dual-threat quarterback found his first collegiate playing time in Week 1 with the Cougars before taking over the starting position in the following weeks.
With Jeffries consistently connecting with junior wide receiver Tanner Henry in the end zone and Watson continuing to add to his leading career scoring record, the team is beginning to find a rhythm with a balanced attack.
“When we’re all on the same page, we’re a very effective offense,” Olsson said.
Joining Olsson on the offensive line are three returning starters: senior right-tackle Cody Clay, sophomore offensive guard Ahmad Sunda and junior offensive guard Jaylen Crutchfield.
Olsson and Clay are among the Cougars’ senior class, which also includes Watson on the offense. Thornton, nose tackle Luke Siwek, defensive end Kalvin Davis and cornerback Ronald Dougals are among the senior defensive class.
“They’re a large group, dispersed among a variety of the positions, so I think we have a really strong ethos for our teams as we do experience the growing pains that are happening,” Santa Cruz said. “There’s definitely a culture in place, which helps us keep the standard high and helps provide direction to younger guys.”
Azusa Pacific will travel to Dixie State on Saturday. The game is the final of three non-conference match-ups against Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponents before conference play begins Oct. 4 at Central Washington.