FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona football team will open the 2011 football season against Alamo Bowl participant Arizona on Sept. 3 in Tucson to kickoff the season. The Lumberjacks will Fort Lewis on Sept. 10 to re-open the Walkup Skydome and kickoff a six-game home schedule.

“We are really excited about our 2011 schedule,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers. “It will provide some great matchups that fans will really enjoy and will be a great showcase for the renovated Skydome.”

It is the first time the Lumberjacks have hosted six games since the 2004 season.

“After playing four straight road games last season, the 2011 schedule will provide a nice balance for our squad that spreads the home and road contests throughout the schedule,” said Souers. “Our fans will not go more than one week without an opportunity to watch the Lumberjacks this season.”

NAU opens Big Sky Conference play on Sept. 17 before returning home for the Family Weekend contest on Sept. 24 against Idaho State.

The Lumberjacks have a bye on Oct. 1 before hosting the defending national champion Eastern Washington Eagles on Oct. 8 in one of the marquee games of the season. Eastern Washington defeated Delaware last week to win the Football Championship Subdivision title.

NAU travels to FCS Playoff participant Montana State on Oct. 15 and plays host to Montana on Oct. 22 for Homecoming. The Lumberjacks travel to both Sacramento State on Oct. 29 and Weber State on Nov. 12 late in the season.

The home schedule also includes games against Northern Colorado on Nov. 5 and future Big Sky member Southern Utah to close the regular season on Nov. 19.

The Lumberjacks return nine starters and both specialists in 2011. Souers will look to senior wideouts Austin Shanks and Mike Czyz, as well as talented sophomore Zach Bauman to lead the offensive unit behind returning lineman Alex Mott and Trey Gilleo. Senior linebacker Scott McKeever and linemen Isaac Bond and Dan Pela are back on the defense with safety Taylor Julio among the other returning starters. NAU went 6-5 last season, winning two of the final three games to post a winning campaign.

2011 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule