RUSTON, La. (Sept 16) - Stephen F. Austin freshman kicker Ryan Rossner's 32-yard field goal in the second overtime propelled the Lumberjacks to a 34-31 win over Louisiana Tech Saturday at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston.
Rossner's kick came after Tech freshman kicker Josh Scobee missed a 39-yard attempt wide right in the Bulldog's possession in the overtime.
"It was a tough one," Bicknell said. "They were a big physical team. They did a nice job, you have to give them credit. I knew they were a good team coming into the week. They are a good football team and when you spot them 17 points it makes it hard."
Tech (1-2) entered the contest trying to snap a two-game losing skid while also searching for win No. 500 in the program's history. However, SFA (3-0) would not cooperate as the Lumberjacks drove 90-yards in the final three minutes to tie the score at 24-24 on a nine-yard scoring toss from Travis Fallon to Taylor Bunch with :10 remaining in regulation.
On three separate occasions during the 17-play drive Stephen F. Austin converted key fourth down conversion, including a fourth-and-nine completion covering 23 yards that gave the Lumberjacks a first-and-10 at the Tech 14. Seven plays later Fallon found Bunch behind the Tech secondary in the corner of the endzone for the tie.
The Bulldogs dug an early hole as two Tech turnovers on the first two offensive possession led to a 17-0 Lumberjack lead at the 10:56 mark of the first quarter. However, behind the arm and legs of junior quarterback Brian Stallworth the Bulldogs fought back for a 17-17 halftime tie.
Tech struck first on a six-yard Corey Addison rush, before freshman kicker Josh Scobee hit a 23-yard field goal to cut the lead to 17-10. Stallworth then found Sean Cangelosi on a 14-yard strike to knot the score.
However, Stallworth suffered an unspecified knee injury with just under one minute remaining in the half and did not return. Before the injury, the Baton Rouge, La., native completed 11-of-17 passes fo 137 yards and one score, while rushing eight times for 57 yards.
"It looks like a sprained medial collateral ligament injury, but it's really hard to tell right now," Bicknell said. "It's easier to tell the next day."
However, redshirt freshman Maxie Causey took over in the second half and led Tech on a 8-play, 80-yard scoring drive, hitting John Simon on a 36-yard scoring toss to give Tech their first lead of the game. Causey completed 15-of-21 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
"The coaches just tried to get me into the flow of the game," Causey said. "I knew there was a chance I would play so I knew to stay ready. I felt I was ready. Brian is our leader, and we believe in him and want to get him back out there."
The Lumberjacks struck first in the initial overtime as wide receiver Scott Keys took a reverse 19 yards for a touchdown and a 31-24 lead. However, on third-down and 20, Causey found junior Allen Stark in the back of the endzone for a diving 35-yard score.
Tech failed to score in the second overtime after Causey was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down and Scobee's field goal sailed wide left, setting up the stage for Rossner's heroics.
