NORTHERN BEGINS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH A BANG

Sept. 15, 2001

Northern State began its year-long school centennial celebration under the lights at Swisher Field Saturday night, and the Wolves' football team performed in a way the school's proud history suggests it should, posting a convincing 28-6 win over Wayne State (Neb.).

Northern's defense makes a stop vs. Wayne State

The centennial celebration, which included prizes, fireworks and a bonfire after the game, also turned into a unified celebration of America after a week of national tragedy. A moment of silence was observed before the National Anthem for all those lost in the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. At halftime, the crowd of over 3,000 joined in singing "God Bless America."

The game was the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opener for both teams, and NSU (1-2, 1-0 NSIC) wasted no time in taking control. After having to punt on its first possession, Northern scored twice in less than a minute to take a 13-0 lead at the quarter break. Senior wideout Cody Jamison (Murray, Utah) got the Wolves on the board first by hauling in a 32-yard pass from junior quarterback Jake Parten (Sioux City, Iowa).

Northern's defense then turned up big and began what would become a trend on the night: forcing turnovers. Sophomore defensive lineman Justin Nye (St. Lawrence, S.D.) pounced on a Wayne fumble on their own 1-yard line. One play later, senior running back Tefua Bloomfield (Kearns, Utah) punched it in and Northern controlled the game from there. Bloomfield would soon score on a much longer run, as the former Brigham Young player broke a 77-yard run early in the second quarter and found paydirt. NSU's fake kick and subsequent option pitchout to kicker Owen Olsen (Denver, Colo.) on the point after worked to put the Wolves up 21-0.

As if competing in their own internal game of one-upsmanship, Northern's defense answered the offense's challenge again before half on a 12-yard interception return for a touchdown by junior defensive end Keith Cowins (Miami, Fla.). The play also gave NSU ultimate insurance, going into halftime with a 28-0 lead. In all, Northern's defense forced six turnovers on the night.

In addition to coming up with four interceptions, the Wolves also recovered two of five WSC fumbles. Offensively, the Wolves' offense got on track, gaining 173 yards on the ground and 302 total yards. Individually, Bloomfield led the way on the ground with 166 yards on 26 carries (6.4 ypc) and two touchdowns. Parten finished 9-of-17 for 129 yards and a touchdown at quarterback, while Jamison ended with six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown to lead the receiving corps. Jamison also fielded two punts for 44 yards.

Defensively, senior safety Jared Harward (American Fork, Utah) led the team with 10 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. Cowins ended with six tackles including three tackles for loss and a sack. NSU's swarming defense confused the Wildcats and picked off Wayne quarterback Justin Burhoop four times before holding normal reserve signal caller Tyler Maas to just 39 yards of passing.