Bradley Stays Upbeat

Jaumal Bradley knows about bouncing back. He says Cal State Northridge can do the same.

“We’re not hanging our heads,” said Bradley, a senior fullback for Northridge, after the Matadors’ 48-27 Big Sky Conference loss at Montana on Saturday.

“We’re not down on ourselves,” Bradley said. “This is a very competitive conference and any given week anyone can beat anyone. Montana has a tough schedule ahead of them and they have to go on the road. Now, we go home to play [Cal State] Sacramento and anything can happen. So, watch Northridge.”

Bradley led by example against Montana, rushing for a career-high 116 yards in 19 carries after being sidelined two games because of tonsillitis.

Bradley bolted 13 yards on a draw play on his first carry. He rushed 18 yards on his second carry and had several key gains toward 95 first-half yards.

Pretty impressive, considering Bradley dropped 16 pounds during his illness, which required a three-day hospital stay.

“He is one of the most courageous players I have ever been around,” Northridge interim Coach Jeff Kearin said.

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Aaron Arnold, who suffered a separated right shoulder after making a catch in the fourth quarter, walked off the field, his right arm hanging at his side.

The injury is not expected to require surgery.

Arnold caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from Brady, giving Northridge a 10-7 first-quarter lead. But he was held to four catches.

Brady made six of his 26 completions to Gil Rodriguez, the first time Rodriguez has led the Matadors.

Brady connected with seven receivers.

Arnold, Northridge’s career receiving leader, is expected to be sidelined at least three games, so Brady will have to find a new prime target.

“I have about three favorite receivers,” Brady said. “I have 100% confidence in Drew [Amerson] and Terrence [Jones].”

Jones, a kick return specialist, has played the role sparingly while nursing a sore hamstring. Jones returned only one kickoff against Montana, for nine yards.