Aug. 29, 2008

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team kicks off a new season Saturday when they host Langston. The game against the Lions is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium. The 'Jacks enter the 2008 season looking to put a disappointing 2007 season, that saw SFA post an 0-11 record, behind them. The 'Jacks will also be looking to reverse an unfortunate trend in its season opener. SFA has posted a 1-11 record at Homer Bryce Stadium in last 12 games. Saturday's game marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that SFA has opened the season at home.

SFA vs. THE LIONS: Saturday's contest against Langston will mark the first-ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.

SFA IN SEASON OPENERS: The Lumberjacks are 45-31-5 (.586) all-time in regular-season openers, although they have dropped their past two season openers. Prior to that, the 'Jacks had rattled off three consecutive season-opening wins, including a road victory at NCAA Division I FBS Louisiana-Monroe. SFA will be looking for its first season-opening victory since knocking off Henderson State, 49-38, in 2005.

PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE: The Lumberjacks placed two athletes on the 2008 Preseason All-SLC teams. Junior defensive end Tim Knicky and sophomore linebacker Jabara Williams each received second-team recognition. Knicky is coming off a solid sophomore season that saw him record 60 tackles, and finish among the league leaders in tackles for loss and sacks. Williams was one of the more durable athletes in the country last season as a starting linebacker. Due to injuries on the squad, Williams started the final three games of the season at linebacker and running back.

A FIRST IN 2008: The 2008 season will be a first in the history of the Lumberjack football program. SFA will play 12 regular-season games this season, including one against NCAA Division I FBS opponent TCU.

TOUGH '08 SLATE: The Lumberjacks will face a challenging schedule again in 2008. Of the 'Jacks 12 opponents, four are ranked among the nation's FCS Top 25. Southland Conference preseason favorite McNeese State is the highest ranked team, entering the season 10th. SFA will also be playing three teams that enter the 2008 campaign listed among the "Others Receiving Votes" category.

THE COACHES: J.C. Harper became the 18th head coach of the SFA Lumberjack football team in December, 2006. Harper spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach. He is 0-11 during his time at SFA. Langston head coach Greg Johnson is 63-50 (.558) in 11 seasons with the Lions. He is 64-69 (.481) in 13 seasons as a head coach.