Quick Read
- Idaho defeated No. 19 Northern Arizona 35-32 in overtime on Halloween night.
- The Vandals lost a 19-point lead before tying the game with a 42-yard field goal.
- Fullback Hayden Kincheloe scored the winning touchdown in overtime.
- Unusual moments included a blocked punt for a touchdown and stadium lights going out during a two-point conversion.
- Idaho remains in playoff contention while Northern Arizona’s hopes take a hit.
Halloween Night Delivers a Big Sky Football Classic
The Idaho Vandals came into the Walkup Skydome on Halloween night with something to prove. Facing Northern Arizona—ranked No. 19 in the Stats Perform FCS poll and No. 21 in the FCS coaches poll—the Vandals were fighting not just for pride, but for a lifeline in the Big Sky Conference postseason race. By the end of the night, Idaho had delivered one of the season’s most memorable upsets, outlasting the Lumberjacks 35-32 in overtime.
Momentum Swings and Unforgettable Plays
From the first whistle, the game was anything but ordinary. Northern Arizona struck first in unusual fashion, blocking an Idaho punt and returning it 20 yards for a touchdown. It looked like the Lumberjacks were ready to dominate, but Idaho responded with resilience and creativity.
Quarterback Joshua Wood orchestrated the comeback, connecting with Ryan Jezioro for a 3-yard touchdown and Elisha Cummings for a 25-yard score. Cummings, who had a standout game, also rushed for a 22-yard touchdown, pushing Idaho ahead 19-7 by halftime. The Vandals’ defense then delivered one of the night’s highlights: Frederick Lujan III strip-sacked NAU quarterback Ty Pennington, and linebacker Cruz Hepburn scooped up the loose ball, sprinting 63 yards for a defensive touchdown. With 9:04 left in the third quarter, Idaho had built a seemingly insurmountable 26-7 lead.
Lumberjacks Rally as Stadium Lights Flicker
But the momentum was far from settled. Northern Arizona, refusing to fold, mounted a furious comeback. Quran Gossett’s 1-yard touchdown run and Pennington’s 57-yard bomb to Kolbe Katsis cut the lead to 26-21 early in the fourth quarter. Then, in a moment fit for Halloween, the stadium lights went out during a two-point conversion attempt. After a brief delay, the play was replayed and NAU succeeded, taking a 29-26 lead with just over eight minutes left.
The Vandals’ offense stalled, and the Lumberjacks seemed poised to snatch victory. Yet, Idaho wasn’t finished. With about four minutes on the clock, Wood led a steady drive, setting up Owen Adams for a high-pressure, 42-yard field goal as regulation expired. The kick was true, sending the game into overtime and keeping Idaho’s season alive.
Overtime Drama and Idaho’s Redemption
In overtime, Northern Arizona got the ball first but could only manage a 38-yard field goal. Idaho’s turn began with a spark: Wood found Cummings for a 24-yard catch-and-run, putting the Vandals on the doorstep. Fullback Hayden Kincheloe, rarely called upon in such moments, powered in from one yard out for the game-winning score. Idaho players erupted in celebration, knowing their postseason hopes had been revived.
The box score showcased Idaho’s balance. Wood finished with 180 passing yards on 15-of-31 attempts, while Cummings ran for 106 yards on 12 carries and caught two touchdowns. For NAU, Pennington passed for 267 yards and Katsis led receivers with 98 yards, but their late rally fell short.
Postseason Implications and High School Action
The result sent shockwaves through the Big Sky Conference. Idaho improved to 4-5 (2-3 Big Sky), keeping playoff dreams alive. For Northern Arizona (5-4, 2-3), the defeat was a setback, potentially jeopardizing their postseason bid despite their high national ranking. As Reuters and Associated Press reported, both teams have plenty to fight for as the regular season winds down.
Meanwhile, across Idaho, high school football delivered its own set of Halloween fireworks. From Bishop Kelly’s commanding 56-14 win over Emmett to Kamiah’s eye-popping 86-22 victory against Glenns Ferry, the first round of state playoffs saw drama and dominance at every turn, as noted by SI High School.
Looking Ahead: Vandals’ Path and Community Pride
For Idaho fans, Friday night’s victory was more than a single win—it was a statement. In a season marked by ups and downs, the Vandals showed grit, teamwork, and the ability to seize big moments. The Halloween upset over a ranked rival may be remembered as the turning point that defined their season.
As both college and high school teams head into the next phase of competition, Idaho’s football community is united by the spirit of perseverance and the hope that more thrilling finishes lie ahead.
Idaho’s overtime triumph against Northern Arizona is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football and the resilience of teams fighting for their place. The Vandals’ ability to rebound from a lost lead and perform under pressure underscores the importance of composure and belief—a lesson that resonates far beyond the scoreboard.