Clan falls to Humboldt State in home loss

A highlight reel run from Bo Palmer was the only shining moment for the SFU Clan men's football team Saturday as they dropped a 35-7 decision to the Humboldt State University Lumberjacks at Fox Field.

Lumberjacks quarterback Mike Proulx threw three touchdowns, including one on the first drive of the game as the visitors maintained a perfect 3-0 record (2-0 in the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference). SFU falls to 1-3 (0-3 in the GNAC).

"I thought we were physical today. They are big in size and have a lot of experience," Clan head coach Dave Johnson said in a press release.

"They are a little more athletic on special teams which played a bit of a role. I think as a team we need to focus on each play. We are not old enough or mature enough to take in the whole picture. Our guys played with spirit and passion. There are some positives there but we have some things to address."

After J.J. Latu returned the opening kickoff 78 yards, Proulx connected with Chris Bolt in the end zone for the touchdown to give the Lumberjacks an early lead. Bolt took another short pass from Proulx into the end zone to start the second quarter to give HSU a 14-0 lead.

Running back Lyndon Rowells had a strong game as he earned the first down with a 44-yard rush and then followed that with a 16-yard rush into the end zone to give the visitors a three-touchdown lead.

Palmer's spectacular run brought the Clan to within two touchdowns, as he took a handoff from quarterback Trey Wheeler for a 68-yard touchdown after he found an opening on the left side of the Lumberjacks' defence.

But the Lumberjacks countered quickly, as Proulx launched a pass to Victor Spencer to restore the 21-point lead.

Proulx added a touchdown for insurance late in the third quarter as he executed a quarterback draw to give the Lumberjacks the final 35-7 margin.

Proulx went 25-for-44 with 262 passing yards and three touchdowns. Wheeler was 9-for-19 with 50 passing yards.

Palmer rushed for 148 yards on 23 carries for SFU while Rowells rushed for 136 yards on 27 carries for the Lumberjacks.

SFU will attempt to get their first GNAC win this Saturday on the road when they take on Central Washington in Ellensburg, Washington at 1 p.m.

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