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Ogden • Given the disparity in record and the results against common opponents, Weber State went into its last game of 2015 on Saturday as a favorite over visiting Idaho State.
More so, the Wildcats could have put up 35 points in the first half against the Bengals. Eventually, Weber State did get to that mark in a 35-14 victory but it took the Wildcats a little longer than expected after leading 14-0 at intermission.
The end result, however, was a winning season for Weber State (6-5, 5-3 in Big Sky) — its first since 2010.
"That was our goal and it's something to build on. But, frankly, six-and-five is not good enough for where I think this team could be," said Wildcats coach Jay Hill, noting that his team was a "field goal away from a playoff spot."
In the first half, Weber State took a 7-0 lead on its first possession when Treshawn Garrett scored on a 2-yard run. The Wildcats also saw junior tight end Helam Heimuli catch his first pass of the season, which was a 4-yard touchdown pass from Jadrian Clark.
Later, Heimuli snared his second catch of 2015 — also a touchdown.
"I'm excited for the touchdowns," Heimuli said. "But I'm even more excited that we could come together and execute as a team."
But the Wildcats also saw two drives end with interceptions by Idaho State (2-9, 1-7) in the end zone and another stopped on downs at the 1-yard line — all before halftime.
"That was our Achilles heel over the last three games," said Hill of the red-zone woes.
Sophomore running back Eric Wilkes finished with 112 yards rushing, with 100 in the second half. Junior Emmanuel Pooler led Weber State with 130 yards on the ground.
Wilkes, along with almost every skill position player on offense, is set to return for next year as the Wildcats entered the game with only 11 seniors.
"It was pretty sad when the game was over, seeing the clock hit zero," said Weber State cornerback Devonte Johnson, one of those seniors. "But we're going a lot of places. To see this team get as far as it did feels good."