FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona wrapped up their 2025 Home Games with a big 35-27 win over Cal Poly on Saturday night, finishing with a winning record, 4-2, in Flagstaff. The Lumberjacks controlled most of the evening with explosive passing, timely defense, and a late stand that shut the door on a Mustang comeback.

Quarterback Ty Pennington delivered one of his best performances of the season, throwing for 356 yards and four touchdowns while completing nearly everything the defense gave him. His rhythm with Kolbe Katsis was unstoppable. Katsis hauled in three touchdowns and finished with 148 yards, highlighted by a 75-yard catch and run just before halftime that swung all the momentum toward the Lumberjacks.

Seth Cromwell added balance on the ground with 85 yards on 16 carries, helping NAU stay ahead of the sticks and keep Cal Poly’s defense off-balance.

The Mustangs showed life in the fourth quarter and briefly made things tense inside the Walkup Skydome. A long 60-yard drive ended with a short touchdown run from Anthony Grigsby Jr., cutting NAU’s lead to five with just under eight minutes remaining.

Cal Poly kept pushing, rotating between Grigsby and Ty Dieffenbach at quarterback, but the final two drives told the story. NAU’s defense came up with a clutch interception on a desperate fourth-and-long attempt, then stuffed a fourth-and-one run inside their own 30 with less than a minute left. Those stops ended any chance of a Mustang comeback.

Northern Arizona’s strong performance this week showed their resiliency and displayed the Lumberjacks ability to close-out tight games. The offense produced explosive plays when they needed them, and the defense delivered in two high-pressure moments that ultimately decided the game. Cal Poly showed flashes but could not overcome turnovers and the consistent big-play pressure NAU created.

The Lumberjacks will wrap up their 2025 regular season next week in Utah as they take on Weber State (3-8).