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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Northern Arizona (1-1 overall) scored four times in the opening quarter to cruise to a 58-13 win over Fort Lewis (1-1) today at the Walkup Skydome 58-13. It was the first game in the renovated Skydome, which received a $26 million upgrade over the last nine months.

Northern Arizona, which competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Series level, met Division II Fort Lewis for just the second time ever – despite the relative close proximity of the two schools. The Lumberjacks previously defeated Fort Lewis (then known as the Raiders) 41-14 in 1965 at FLC's Ray Dennison Memorial Field.

NAU quarterback Cary Grossart went 16-for-21 for 271 yards and three touchdowns, while running backs Giovannie Dixon, Zach Bauman, and Jamaal Perkins combined for 261 yards on 23 carries with four touchdowns. Dixon led the rushing attack with 136 yards, including an 82-yard scamper in the third quarter that tied the fourth-longest run from scrimmage in NAU history.

“Our offensive moved the ball pretty well,” said second-year Fort Lewis head coach Cesar Rivas-Sandoval. Fort Lewis had 244 yards of total offense, 211 of which came through the air.

“Defensively, we couldn't stop their speed,” he added. “Every one of their skill guys – on offense, defense or special teams – was just so fast.”

The Skyhawk defense forced and recovered three NAU fumbles, but only made the Lumberjacks punt once. All totaled, Northern Arizona tallied 622 yards of total offense, averaging 10 yards per play in the game.

Ify Umodu led the NAU receivers with seven grabs for 149 yards and two scores.

Northern Arizona opened with a score on the opening possession of the game, driving 80 yards highlighted by a 27-yard pass from Grossart to Khalil Paden. After the defense forced a three-and-out, Grossart hit Umodu on the first play for a 58-yard touchdown.

Fort Lewis got on the board with a 31-yard field goal from redshirt freshman Ryan Baldwin, set up by a Lumberjack fumble.

The Skyhawks scored on the first play of the second quarter on a one-yard plunge by junior quarterback Tim Jenkins to cut the lead to 27-10, but never got any closer. NAU led 37-10 at the half, scoring three more times in the second frame before Fort Lewis got a 33-yard field goal from Baldwin to close out the game.

Jenkins completed 21 of 39 passes for 162 yards, including a long toss of 53 yards to sophomore receiver Blaise Cuban. Versatile senior running back Justin Peters completed two passes for 49 yards, including a long of 34 to senior receiver Harrison Scheider.

Defensively, junior linebacker Phil Odell led the way with eight tackles, including a pair behind the line of scrimmage. Redshirt freshman Cody Miles added seven tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

Fort Lewis opens Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play against Western New Mexico (1-1 overall) at 1 p.m. next Saturday at Dennison Field.

The game marks Hall of Fame Day for the Skyhawks, as the four newest members of the Fort Lewis College Athletic Hall of Fame will be recognized at halftime, along with members of FLC's All-Century Team. The Hall of Fame and All-Century Team brunch will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 in the Student Union Ballroom. Cost for the Hall of Fame brunch is $15 per person.

A tailgate party sponsored by The Balcony Bar & Grill begins at 11 a.m. in the northeast corner of the stadium and runs through the end of the third quarter. The Balcony's grillmasters will cook up pulled pork sandwiches and side dishes, accompanied by beverages from a trio of additional corporate partners, Coca-Cola of Durango, Steamworks Brewing Company, and A&L Coors. Tailgate festivities are open to all fans (adults 21 years of age and older must present ID to purchase beer); qualifying members of the Skyhawk Booster Club will receive complementary food and beverage tickets.