It’s just one win, but it’s also hopefully the signal of more.
After a five-year wait, the Simon Fraser University football team recorded a 24-17 win over the Azusa Pacific University in the Los Angeles suburb.
Yes, it’s been that long of a wait between victories – with the previous one against NCAA Div. 2 opponent coming in 2014.
SFU had to overcome a 10-point deficit in the second half, but did so thanks to a standout pass defence. The Clan defence accumulated five first-half sacks, including Ian Crocker’s two. He’d add six tackles on the day.
Quarterback Brandon Niksich set the tone in the second half, leading a 12-play, 73-yard drive ending with a two-yard TD pass to Rysen John. David Eisencraft’s point-after kick made it 10-7, and was followed with another Niksich-to-John passing play, this time giving SFU a 14-10 edge.
In the fourth quarter the pair again hooked up, with John pulling down a 22-yard pass from Niksich to up the lead to 21-10. They’d tack on a 29-yard field goal, while Azusa added a late major.
Niksich finished with 235 yards passing, going 22-for-32. John caught eight passes for 109 yards, including the three TD catches. Defensively, the Clan was led by Ian Crocker’s eight tackles and two QB sacks, while Dawson Marchant recorded two pass deflections.
SFU takes it to Ellensburg, Wash., looking to improve on their 1-6 record.
