NAU will play its final home game of the season Saturday with a (7-4) record for the Lumberjacks, taking on for the final 2024 home kick-off, the Eastern Washington Eagles at (4-7).
This season, NAU remained undefeated at home and hope to continue the streak on Saturday.
Two senior defensive players spoke with Northeast Valley News about the final game at the Skydome and in front of their home crowd.
“It’s definitely a big week for us—my last regular season home game, but I’m really just trying to have the mindset of thinking of it as another game,” said senior linebacker Christopher Smith
Smith’s defensive partner, senior cornerback DJ VanHook talked about what it’s like for himself and other seniors facing their final home game.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, I’m excited but kind of sad because it could potentially be my last college game, and probably my last game in the dome.”
This season Smith recorded 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a quarterback hit while VanHook has tallied 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions for 30 yards.
NAU’s defense has improved significantly, and both VanHook and Wright have contributed to that success.
“It was definitely a quick transition coming here so late, but just trying to lead by example with my work ethic and just showing up to work every day,” Smith said.
“In the cornerback room—I’m not really a vocal person, but this year I worked on being more vocal and teaching the younger guys techniques and stuff for the coverages, just trying to pick their brains and help them understand the game of football a little better,” VanHook said.
In addition to the defensive success, the team is ranked No. 21 in the FCS rankings for the first time since 2018.
NAU is ranked No.2 overall this season under new head coach Brian Wright.
“It shows all the hard work that our staff put in when we first showed up to assemble the squad that we have right now, and I think it shows all the hard work that our players put in to this point as well,” Wright said.
Smith will play his final game in the dome on Saturday, but VanHook isn’t sure yet.
Regardless, both defensive players had nothing but positive things to say about NAU and its football program.
Smith wanted to make a strong point about academics, “As a student I’m really trying to work hard to boost the teams GPA, coach Wright takes academics very seriously and that is something I appreciate. As far as football our strengths staff has really put in a lot of work with us over the season and offseason and it’s starting to show especially here late in the season.”
Saturday’s matchup against the Eagles may seem easier than it actually is for the Lumberjacks.
While the Eagles are just 4-7, their offense is ranked No.2 in the Big Sky Conference.
Wright told Northeast Valley News what the team was putting an emphasis on in practice.
“The habits—making sure that we’re really detailed in our work whether that’s in our meeting or a walkthrough, or if I’m a guy that’s on the sidelines getting mental reps, we focused on the fundamentals that help you win football games—and that’s taking care of the football on offense and getting it back on defense and playing relentless special teams.”
The Lumberjacks will need the win Saturday for a chance at the playoffs.
