Syed Talib
Updated on: October 12, 2024 4:02 am GMT
In a nail-biting finish, Weber State football suffered a narrow 17-16 defeat against Lamar in Beaumont, Texas, on Saturday night, marking a challenging outing for the No. 20 Wildcats. The game was characterized by missed opportunities and critical mistakes that ultimately cost Weber State a chance at victory.
Game Overview
Weber State trailed 10-0 at halftime and spent much of the game trying to catch up to Lamar’s ball control. The Wildcats had brief moments of promise, especially in the closing minutes when they found themselves with two potential scoring opportunities. However, two pivotal mistakes in those final moments sealed their fate.
Crucial Missed Opportunities
The first major opportunity for Weber State came after an impressive 20-play drive that consumed nearly nine minutes but ended in disappointment. Running back Damon Bankston was stopped just half a yard short of the goal line on what could have been a game-winning touchdown. Facing a crucial 4th down with the game on the line, head coach Mickey Mental decided to forgo a short field goal, which would have made it a tie game. Instead, he opted for one final offensive play.
- Final Play Decision:
– Bankston received the ball off-tackle but was halted by the Lamar defense.
– Coach Mental stated, “I trust my O-line, I trust my backs. We gotta get a yard, at the end of the day.”
Despite the setback, Weber State still had a slim chance. They forced a quick punt and regained possession with 44 seconds left on their own 49-yard line.
Final Drive
On their last offensive drive, with no timeouts, Weber State managed to push downfield. Quarterback Richie Muñoz connected with Jaden Thrower for a critical first down, stopping the clock at 13 seconds. Muñoz then scrambled for another first down, setting up a 40-yard field goal attempt by senior Kyle Thompson as time expired. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Thompson’s kick veered left, sealing the loss.
Statistics and Performance
Despite the defeat, Weber State showcased some strong individual performances. Muñoz finished the game with 184 passing yards and one touchdown, showing promise amid the turmoil on the field. Bankston led the ground attack with 83 rushing yards on 23 carries, while Jacob Sharp emerged as a primary target with seven receptions for 81 yards.
- Key Player Stats:
– Richie Muñoz: 22 of 30 for 184 yards, 1 touchdown
– Damon Bankston: 23 carries for 83 yards
– Jacob Sharp: 7 receptions for 81 yards
Lamar’s Resilience
Lamar, whose record improved to 2-1 with this victory, capitalized on Weber State’s errors. After taking an early lead, they faced a resurgence from the Wildcats but managed to regain control with key defensive stops. They displayed effective ball-handling, tallying 62 offensive plays and 385 total yards, compared to Weber State’s 66 plays and 331 yards.
Lamar’s Key Plays
- A significant 72-yard touchdown catch by running back Damien Moore highlighted Lamar’s explosive play potential.
- The Cardinals had successful plays that consistently gained yardage and kept pressure on Weber State’s defense, especially with their running game and quarterback options.
Coach’s Reflection
After the game, Coach Mental acknowledged the mistakes that contributed to the loss. He emphasized the need to improve and prepare better in the coming week. “It’s on me to do a better job as head coach making sure those mistakes don’t pop up,” he said.
As the team regroups, they will focus on their next matchup against Northwestern State, which is coming off a heavy defeat. Coach Mental remains optimistic, saying, “I believe in these kids… This one hurts, but we’ll come back stronger off this.”
Looking Ahead
Weber State will have a week full of travel to reflect on their mistakes and work on their execution. As the team prepares for a crucial game against Northwestern State, they aim to shake off this loss and take steps toward improvement. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Wildcats to bounce back and demonstrate their potential in an increasingly competitive season.
After learning from their past experiences, Weber State football is ready to get back on track and win their next game.
