Stephen F. Austin

Oct. 27, 2004

HOMECOMING 2004: The Lumberjacks return to Homer Bryce Stadium this week for a Homecoming match-up with archrival Sam Houston. The Lumberjacks and Bearkats have met 78 times in the past with the Bearkats holding a 43-33-2 edge in the series. The game holds added importance for the 'Jacks following last week's 17-14 loss to Texas State. SFA enters the game at 0-1 in SLC play, while the Bearkats are one of only two teams (Texas State) without a conference loss. With only five conference games on the schedule, a second conference loss by the Lumberjacks would all but end any hopes of a conference title in 2004. The Lumberjacks come into this week's game needing to find some way to jump start an offense which has been held to less than 24 points in each of its last two games. The 'Jacks managed only one offensive score last week against the Bobcats and were held to the lowest offensive out put of the season with only 14 points and 228 yards of total offense. Sam Houston meanwhile continues to ride the arm of transfer QB Dustin Long, averaging 285.0 yards per game passing and leading a Bearkat offense that has averaged 484.3 ypg and 38.9 points per game.

vs SAM HOUSTON: This will be the 79th meeting between the Bearkats and Lumberjacks. Sam Houston leads the overall series 43-33-2. The teams have split the last 10 meetings, but Sam Houston has won three of the last four games between the two teams. The Bearkats have been Lumberjack homecoming opponents 15 times in the past with SFA winning eight of the 15 contests. Since 1987, Sam Houston has been the homecoming foe five times, winning four of the five games.

1987 SHSU 31, SFA 17 2000 SHSU 52 SFA 41

1989 SFA 45, SHSU 7 2002 SHSU 10 SFA 7

1996 SHSU 14, SFA 10

THE OPPONENT: Sam Houston sits atop the SLC standings at 6-1, 1-0. The Bearkats have won five straight following a 33-31 loss to Southwest Missouri State in week two of the season. QB Dustin Long leads the top offensive attack in the Southland and is among the nation's leaders in passing yardage per game, averaging 285.0 yards per game. The Bearkats are also rushing the ball for an average of 144.7 ypg for a total of 484.3 ypg. Sam Houston has scored at least 31 points in six of its seven games and is averaging 39.9 points per game. Defensively, Sam Houston is holding opponents to 329.6 yards per game of total offense and has allowed an average of 16.7 points per game.

THE COACHES: SFA is coached by Mike Santiago (Southern Utah, 1977) now in his sixth season at SFA. Santiago has posted a 38-24 record as a college head coach, all with SFA. In his first season, he led the Lumberjacks to a share of the Southland title (1999). The 'Jacks have won at least six games each season under Santiago and a winning record in 2004 will mark the longest such streak in SFA history. Sam Houston is coached by Ron Randleman (214-164-6) in his 36th year as a head coach. Randleman is 127-122-3 in 23 years at Sam Houston. Randleman is 11-11 against the 'Jacks, Santiago is 2-3 against the Bearkats. ™