Northern Arizona 34-27 Eastern Washington (Aug 29, 2026) Game Recap
Lumberjacks Mount Impressive Comeback to Triumph Over Eagles
In a thrilling display of resilience, Northern Arizona rallied from a 21-point deficit to secure a dramatic 34-27 victory over Eastern Washington, electrifying the home crowd in their season opener.
A Game of Comebacks
At first, the game seemed firmly in Eastern Washington's control as they jumped to a commanding 24-3 lead in the second quarter. However, Northern Arizona's Lindsey Graves ignited the turnaround with a breathtaking 100-yard kickoff return, breathing new life into the Lumberjacks and cutting the deficit to 24-10.
Turning the Tide
Capitalizing on momentum, the Lumberjacks tightened their grip. Quarterback Ty Pennington, alongside new star Nassim Isaac, orchestrated a game-changing touchdown on a fourth-and-goal, putting NAU ahead 34-27 late in the fourth quarter鈥攁 lead they held onto with fervent defensive resistance.
Sealing the Win
As the Eagles attempted a late comeback, the Lumberjacks' defense stood firm, forcing incomplete passes on crucial third and fourth downs close to their goal line. Ty Pennington's precision, paired with Jeter Purdy's reliable hands, underscored Northern Arizona's robust offensive arsenal, leaving Eastern Washington searching for answers.
"We knew we had to fight back and prove what we're made of," said Ty Pennington about their relentless comeback.
Post-Game Interview
This victory launches Northern Arizona into the season with bolstered confidence as they prepare to take on Arizona. Meanwhile, Eastern Washington regroups with hopes to recover swiftly in their upcoming game against Northern Iowa.
