Northwestern State defeats Stephen F. Austin 40-27

NATCHITOCHES (AP) — Zach Adkins threw three touchdown passes on 333 yards passing as Northwestern State defeated Stephen F. Austin 40-27 on Saturday in the Battle for Chief Caddo.

Northwestern State (6-6, 3-4 Southland Conference) scored the first 16 points of the game, including the first nine defensively, on a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown by Imoan Claiborne followed by a safety.

Two of Adkins' three touchdown passes came in a 21-point second quarter for Northwestern State as it took a 37-24 lead into the half.

The Lumberjacks (3-9, 1-6) came within 37-27 on a field goal early in the third quarter, but Northwestern State responded with a field goal and neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

Keith Lawson had 123 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the Lumberjacks.

Northwestern State a four-game losing streak against Stephen F. Austin.