FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona football team conducted its third practice of the season in preparation for the Arizona game in less than a month.

“We challenged them today by adding more scheme,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers. “The attitude was great and the work ethic was great. We got a lot of work done today. When it comes to watching tape we will have a lot to correct. It was sloppy in relation to team situations but that is natural this time of year.”

Ready, Set, Stop: The Lumberjacks added shoulder pads for the third practice of the season outside at the practice fields Thursday. It is a challenge for the players and the coaches.

“When you add equipment it makes it a little harder to bend and reach,” said Souers. “The movement is inhibited so you have to make adjustments to it. That is what the acclimatization period is all about.”

The NCAA requires teams to conduct five single practices before full contact is allowed. The Lumberjacks will have their first full contact practice on Sunday.

Ocho Ocho: Junior Daviun Curry-Chapman has been a key backup the last two seasons behind All-Big Sky performer Skyler Moore. He has 11 catches with three touchdowns over the two seasons. He is ready to take on a more challenging role on the team.

“Daviun has been growing from the time I got here,” said Assistant Coach Francis St. Paul. “He is turning into the player I thought he could be.”

But the coaching staff has taken notice of his improved play.

“Daviun Curry-Chapman has really shown some maturity. He has always been a guy with a lot of talent. It appears early in camp that he has taken his game up a notch. It is good to see. He is a guy that can really help our offense.”

Three returning wide receivers are back after catching 40 or balls last season, including Ed Berry, Conrad Meadows and Curt Sweeney. With the return of Fitzpatrick at tight end, the passing game will have several targets this season.

“I am a student of the game. I learn things really quick. With a coach like SP (Saint Paul) you want to listen to everything he says. With a coach like that it is hard to make mistakes and not progress. Working with him has made me a lot better.”

Smile for the Camera: NAU will have six games on television this season starting with the game at Arizona on Sept. 12. It will be shown on AZ-TV on a tape-delayed basis at a time to be announced. NAU Television Services will show four home games via its Universityhouse station available on DISH Network (Channel 9411) with three of the games shown on FSN Arizona tape-delayed.

Here Comes the Groom: Tight end Shaun Fitzpatrick was married to his high school sweetheart Meri Thompson on May 30, 2009. Originally planning on finishing his career last season, a summer wedding was the perfect next step. But an injury in the third game against Southern Utah opened the possibility of gaining an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA. After earning preseason All-America honors last season, Fitzpatrick wears his wedding ring under his gloves to showcase his new status.

Gerard Update: Former Lumberjack All-American KJ Gerard will make his NFL debut Thursday night in a preseason game against the Washington Redskins in Baltimore. Following the Redskins game, the Ravens will host Rex Ryan and the Jets in an ESPN Monday night special on Aug 24.

NAU Football Practice Schedule
August 14, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
August 15, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
August 16, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
6:00-8:30 p.m.
August 17, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
August 18, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
6:15-8:15 p.m.
August 19 OFF
August 20, 11:15-1:30 p.m.
6:15-8:15 p.m
August 21, 4:00-6:15 p.m.
August 22, 10-12:00 p.m.
5:00-7:00 p.m. SCRIMMAGE #1