NAU Game Notes vs. Montana State

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Junior Matt Estrada does not hear it during the game but there is a familiar chorus during film each week from the public address announcers. Tackle Estrada.

“It is the scheme. The coaches have me in the right places at the right times,” said the modest Estrada.

The La Habra, Calif., native has made a major impact in the first four games this season from his safety position. He leads the team with 37 tackles with a team-best 23 solo tackles after the first month and he has recorded at least seven tackles in each game with had 10 or more two times. He also has also recorded several big hits, evoking the appreciation of the crowd.

“It is the technique,” said Estrada, who recorded four consecutive tackles on the opening drive at Arizona. “I run full speed and I am not afraid to go out and hit the biggest guy. I just want to pick up the crowd and that is what big hits do.”

Estrada, who transferred from Fullerton Junior College after spending a season at Idaho, saw action in 11 games in 2008, tying for seventh on the team with 33 tackles with a season-high six tackles against Montana State.

“NAU gave me an opportunity to come here and play football,” said Estrada. “I was blessed to have someone see me. I am glad I am able to play.”

Estrada has also earned the title of captain as selected by his teammates this season. It is an honor that comes with a lot of responsibility.

“It means a lot,” said Estrada. “It is big challenge for me to stay positive and get our guys going everyday. I feel the leadership this year has been excellent. We have leadership on both sides of the ball and there are multiple leaders on both sides.”

Estrada will lead his teammates to Bozeman for a game against 23rd-rankled Montana State Saturday at 12:35 Flagtststaff time. The game can be seen on www.bigskytv.org and heard on the Sodexo Lumberjack Radio Network in Flagstaff (KAFF AM 930) and Phoenix/Globe (KRDE 94.1 FM). Fans outside of Arizona can hear the broadcast at www.stretchinternet.com.

“Everyone in this conference is capable of beating someone else,” said Estrada. “We feel that every team this year is capable of doing a lot. It shows on film. Every team looks good. We are going to have to play our game. We cannot look beyond anyone in the Big Sky. They are all going to be a challenge for us.”

Montana State is 3-1 and 2-0 in Big Sky play, coming off an impressive road win over 11th-ranked Weber State last week. With snow this week and a predicted high of 34 degrees on Saturday, the Lumberjacks could be facing some snow in addition to the Bobcats. It does not faze them at all after conducting several practices in heavy snow last spring.

“It is going to be exciting. We have had some practices this year in snow and it has been fun. We will be able to work through it and focus on what we need to do.”

With Estrada leading the way, the Lumberjacks should be alright.