SUU's 2nd-half surge fells Lumberjacks

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Southern Utah's Brad Sorensen threw for 389 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday.

Southern Utah trailed 17-10 at halftime but scored 17 straight points. The result gives SUU a winning season with a record of 6-5 and a perfect 3-0 mark against current Big Sky Conference teams (Sacramento State, Weber State) with the team set to transition to that conference in 2012-13.

"It seems every game we have with NAU is tremendously close and back-and-forth and has really been a heartbreaker for our guys lately and I hope this is a heartbreaker for NAU," SUU coach Ed Lamb said after the win. "We owe them one and I hope it builds a rivalry that the Big Sky has afforded us."

Thunderbird running back Henna Brown scored from a yard out toward the end of the third quarter and the Southern Utah defense held Northern Arizona (4-7, 3-6 Big Sky) to a three-and-out on the following drive. Sorensen then found receiver Abbel Aiono for a 60-yard TD on the ensuing possession and Colton Cook's 32-yard field goal gave the Thunderbirds their decisive lead with 3:43 remaining in the game.

"For us to get to a winning season with a win is sweet and gives us a lot of momentum for the offseason," Lamb said.