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OGDEN — Weber State finished off Idaho State Saturday afternoon, 35-14, in its final game, capping off the first winning season for the program since 2010.
Weber State depth at the running back position was on full display, dominating the game on the ground, rushing for over 300 yards.
The rushing attack was headlined by standout power back Eric Wilkes, who rushed for 114 yards on the game and two touchdowns. Wilkes had been sidelined with an injury the past two games and was happy to get back on the field.
"I was sad that I didn't play last game," Wilkes said. "I prepared all week for this game and I am happy with the win and how I performed."
Junior back Emmanuel Pooler was equally effective on the ground, rushing for a game-high 132 yards including a huge 55-yard pickup in the fourth quarter.
The success on the ground was needed as Quarterback Jadrian Clark had difficulty in the passing game, connecting on only 12-for-23 passing and throwing two end zone interceptions.
Clark did throw two touchdowns in the game to junior tight end Helam Heimuli, who had the most efficient line of the night, scoring two touchdowns on two catches. They were also his first career catches and first career touchdowns.
"Of course I am super excited," Heimuli said. "It is what the coaches have been drilling us to do week after week. So I'm excited about the touchdowns, but I'm even more excited that we could come together as a team and execute."
Weber State took control of the game early, driving 51 yards in six plays and scoring on a two-yard rush by running back Treshawn Garrett. Weber State would take a 14-0 lead into the half.
Idaho State would find some success through the air in the second half, scoring two touchdowns through the air. However, Weber State would score three more touchdowns in the second half and stifled any comeback attempt from the Bengals.
The win gave Weber State a final record of 6-5 on the season. The six-win total equals the same amount of wins the program had in the past three seasons combined. Head coach Jay Hill spoke to the media after the game about what this means for the team and the program.
"Our No. 1 goal was to have a winning season," Hill said. "It is something to build upon, but it is not something I am content with. We have a lot to get better at and as we continue to take these strides forward, I think building on the winning season is just the start of it."
Weber State had 11 seniors playing the final games of their careers. Cornerback Devonte Johnson spoke about what it means to finish his career with a winning record.
"I have been here since 2011 and it has been a tough journey," said Johnson. "To see this team come this far is a great feeling."
Weber State finishes the season tied for fourth place in the Big Sky conference.
Mark Douglas is a graduate of Weber State University and lives in Ogden, Utah. Contact him at markdouglasmail@gmail.com or on Twitter @ThePistolColumn.
