Jones Puts Finishing Touch on Triumph

Darkness had fallen and North Campus Stadium was under the lights during the final seconds of Cal State Northridge’s 30-28 victory Saturday over Weber State.

But Shawnbay Jones had his moment in the sun.

Jones, a Northridge defensive end, turned out the lights on Weber State by sacking Cole Cooper at the Weber State 25-yard line as time expired.

Jones’ second sack of the day and seventh of the season preserved a dramatic victory for the Matadors, who scored the winning touchdown with 13 seconds to play.

It also triggered a wild celebration as a swarm of Northridge players chased down a jubilant Jones before dog-piling on him.

Jones led an inspired Northridge defense that sacked Cooper four times and held the Wildcats to nine points in the second half. Northridge’s defense kept the team’s hopes alive while the offense sputtered in the second half, committing three turnovers.

“The offense made some mistakes, but I was taught resiliency,” Jones said. “When you have your back up against the wall, you gotta fight.

“We knew if we didn’t put some pressure on [Cooper], he’d pick and throw wherever he wants. We told everybody in the huddle, ‘It’s on our shoulders. We gotta pick it up.’ ”

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Northridge had two second-half drives against Weber State that carried more than 90 yards, including a 95-yard march in the final minutes that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Brady to Gil Rodriguez.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, the Matadors drove from their one, only to have the drive end when fullback Jaumal Bradley lost a fumble near the Weber State goal line that resulted in a touchback.

Said Northridge Coach Jeff Kearin: “On the 90-plus-yard drives, we usually score.”

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The Matadors were hurting from head to toe after the game.

Brady and center Julio Alcala nursed ankle injuries while receiver Joe Gilliam was suffering the effects of a concussion.

Brady rushed for a season-high 72 yards, including a 29-yard gain. But the sophomore quarterback was on crutches after the game, his swollen right ankle wrapped in ice.

The injury has nagged Brady all season, but he isn’t expected to be sidelined and he doesn’t plan on letting up.

“Marcus makes plays emotionally,” Kearin said. “He’s able to make the plays despite all that’s going on around him.”

Said Brady: “It’s just really swollen.”

Alcala, also plagued by a sore ankle, limped on and off the field.

Gilliam, a freshman from Fresno Edison High, was hit hard after making a reception in the third quarter and had to be helped from the field. He is expected to play Saturday at Portland State.