Can 'Cats mend hearts against Sacramento State?

OGDEN — After dropping a second straight heartbreaking loss last week to Montana State, it's back to the chalkboard for the Weber State football team.

The Wildcats (2-4, 1-2) host Sacramento State (2-4, 1-1) today with kickoff set for 1 p.m. in Stewart Stadium. The game is also homecoming for Weber State.

Although the Wildcats will undoubtedly move on with their season, WSU coach Ron McBride alluded to the fact that it will be hard for players to totally forget the losses to the No. 11 Bobcats and the No. 4 Grizzlies.

"It's really sad for this football program because we needed to come out with a win (last week)," McBride said. "We needed to come out with a win (at Montana) and were in position to win both games, and we couldn't finish the deal."

McBride said he's proud of his players because they've done everything asked of them while playing at their highest level.

"They deserve a better fate," McBride said. "Two weeks in a row you play your hearts out to win a game and you don't get it. You're up 24-10 going into the fourth quarter, you should win this game going away."

The Wildcats will try to put themselves in position to win again this week against an opponent that has never won in Ogden. Today's game is the 10th meeting between the Wildcats and the Hornets. Weber State is 4-0 against the Hornets in Stewart Stadium.

Sacramento State comes into the contest on a two-game win streak with victories over Northern Arizona and Azusa Pacific. The Hornets are last in Big Sky scoring offense (19.0), scoring defense (31.0) and total offense (290.8). Sacramento State is led offensively by running back Ryan Mole. Mole is averaging 107.7 yards per game and is the fourth leading rusher in the Big Sky.

Defensively, linebacker Matt Logue is the Big Sky leader in tackles per game with 8.7.

"It looks as though they have gained a great deal of confidence in their last two games," McBride said. "I've known coach (Steve) Mooshagian for a long time and know he demands a lot of his players."

The Wildcats will be without top running back Adrian Conway, who is still nursing a sprained ankle. But teammate Zach Hall filled in nicely, rushing for 173 yards and one score. Sione Havili also ran for 72 yards in the loss.

Weber State also received strong performances from various defensive players in the loss to MSU. Defensive back John Collins recorded two interceptions, and Brady Fosmark posted two sacks.

Wildcats on the air

Sacramento St. (2-4, 1-1) at Weber St. (2-4, 1-2)

Today, 1 p.m.

Stewart Stadium

Radio: 1430AM