The 2009 NAU football team concluded its season dismally with a four-game losing skid. The Lumberjacks finished 5-6 for the season (4-4 in the Big Sky) after a 5-2 start that had playoff potential. The four-game losing streak was eerily similar to last year’s collapse, when the Jacks started 6-1 but wound up losing four straight down the stretch. Now with the post-season turned aside, we’re left to wonder: “What went wrong?”

Well, in truth, not a whole lot.

NAU receivers and running backs listen to instructions during a Sept. 19 matchup. Craig Johnston / The Lumberjack

They had a chance to win in pretty much every game. In fact, this team came up short with a foot out of bounds against Montana, a pushed field goal against Sacramento State, and a snowstorm against Weber State away from most likely qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Plus, a road game against SEC school Ole Miss sandwiched between conference opponents didn’t help the cause one bit.

But even with the bad breaks and close calls of 2009, the Lumberjack football team has reason to be optimistic heading into 2010.

Next season, both sides of the ball are expected to be loaded with talent — barring any serious injury or other unfortunate occurrence. Plus, the players will have a massive chip on their shoulders after letting this past year slip through their fingers.

The offense returns a key player in junior quarterback Michael Herrick, who had a stand-out year in 2009. Freshman running back Giovannie Dixon, who showed a tremendous skill set, is expected to replace departing senior Alex Henderson.

With seniors Ed Berry and Conrad Meadows graduating, sophomore Austin Shanks and junior Davieun Curry-Chapman will lead NAU’s receiving core. On defense, the team loses top senior linebacker Stevon Thomas, and the defensive line says goodbye to senior Michael Battisti.

Junior safety Matt Estrada and sophomore defensive end Isaac Bond return to lead an experienced defense that, quite frankly, wasn’t expected to play that much in 2009 but was forced into action due to injuries. The run defense needs to get back to the level it was in 2008, when it was one of the stingiest in the country.

The special teams unit brings back reliable sophomore kicker Matt Myers, but the search for a new punter and return specialist needs to be resolved.

The schedule also plays a factor in how the team may fare in 2010. The Jacks open, as usual, against ASU (switching off after playing UA to open the 2009 campaign). From there, the toughest test on the schedule comes on the road against Montana. Match-ups against Weber State and Montana State at home also figure into a playoff scenario seeing as WSU and MSU are usually competitive within the Big Sky.

But the main component for 2010 shakes out to be the chemistry and leadership this team may have. The team expects to have approximately 30 seniors and a strong junior class to support them. This group has experienced its fair share of elation, frustration and disappointment. NAU should be chomping at the bit to get back out there next fall and lay the lumber on the rest of the conference.

Any way you look at it, 2010 is a key year for the NAU football program. Win, and they vault straight to the top — and maybe even build a somewhat decent fan base. Lose, and the program faces even more questions. Overhype is one thing, but not showing up to work every day is another. It’s up to next year’s squad to give it their all, and for most of them, next year is their final chance.