Dramatic Role Comes Naturally for Bradley

Cal State Northridge’s 24-21 victory Saturday at Montana State featured one of the most dramatic endings involving the Matadors in recent years, with the Bobcats’ Carson Souter narrowly missing a last-second, 48-yard field-goal attempt.

Jaumal Bradley, a team captain and among the Matadors’ most vocal players, has a knack for eloquently summing up the team’s performance. Bradley characteristically was right on the mark regarding the Matadors’ near-collapse after building a 24-0 third-quarter lead.

“They came back and made it real dramatic for us,” Bradley said. “It just built up such tension for everybody. It was a great game to be a part of.”

Bradley, a senior fullback, rushed for a game-high 53 yards, breaking his string of three consecutive 100-yard games. But Bradley said he wouldn’t trade the experience.

During Montana State’s final drive, Bradley paced the sideline, clapping his hands, spreading his enthusiasm among teammates. The climax was riveting, with Souter’s kick sailing wide right by only a few feet.

“Everybody who plays this game loves this,” Bradley said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it. It reminded me of how much fun I am having.”

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Although they had to hold on to win against Montana State, the Matadors’ defense continued to show signs of improvement.

Northridge, ranked last in the Big Sky in defense, recorded six sacks, tying a season best. The Matadors dominated the first half, holding the Bobcats scoreless and limiting them to only 95 yards.

And while Montana State’s offense came alive in the third quarter, the Matadors avoided self-destruction by not committing costly penalties at the worst possible time.

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Marcus Brady is on a prolific run and, perhaps, providing a glimpse of good things to come.

Brady’s 340-yard performance against Montana State was the second consecutive efficient outing for the Matadors’ sophomore quarterback. Brady has passed for 673 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in victories over the Bobcats and Cal State Sacramento.

With each game, Brady is gaining poise while capitalizing on his mobility. Finding the right receiver, making a good pass, scrambling when necessary and taking a sack instead of making a foolish throw are all signs of Brady’s maturation.

Against Montana State, Brady was 12 of 17 on third down, making eight first downs. He also scrambled for a 16-yard gain to sustain a drive.

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Three victories in the last four games have kept alive Northridge’s hopes for a Big Sky title. But the Matadors’ chances are slim.

Northridge, 3-2 in conference play, is tied for third with Eastern Washington, which defeated Northridge.

First-place Montana (5-1) defeated Northridge and has remaining games against last-place Idaho State and Montana State.

Northridge plays Weber State on Saturday at North Campus Stadium.