Matadors Open in Flagstaff

Cal State Northridge, which will compete as an independent this season, will open its season tonight against former Big Sky Conference rival Northern Arizona. The Division I-AA Matadors left the Big Sky when the athletic program joined the Big West Conference.

The Big West does not field a football conference.

Northridge had competed in a conference every year since 1964.

Northridge will play eight of 11 games on the road, beginning tonight at Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff. Quarterback Marcus Brady and wide receiver Drew Amerson, both preseason All-Americans, will try to help the Matadors improve upon last season’s 4-7 record.

Brady, a senior, has 9,217 yards passing in his career. Last season, he passed for 2,815 yards and 25 touchdowns. Amerson caught 71 passes for 817 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2000. It was the second consecutive season he had 71 receptions.

Northern Arizona was 3-8 last season, losing five games by seven or fewer points. Senior tailback Marcus Kingis an All-America candidate after rushing for 1,414 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Lumberjacks also return receivers Sidney Smith and Clarence Moore.