From Deseret News archives:

King helps Weber State knock off Idaho State

Published: Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005 9:46 p.m. MDT
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OGDEN — If players are remembered for how they perform in their final home game, Weber State receiver Wiley King, as well as many other Wildcats, will live on in glory for years to come.

For the second week in a row, King, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound speedster, caught two touchdowns and recorded more than 100 yards receiving to help the Wildcats to a Big Sky victory, this time over rival Idaho State, 30-21.

Weber State (5-4, 4-2) has now defeated Idaho State 10 straight times in Ogden, dating back to 1984. The win keeps the 'Cats hopes alive of a conference co-championship. It was also the final home game for 18 Wildcat seniors.

King was the top receiver in the game with six catches for 119 yards and two scores. His first touchdown came when he hauled in a 47-yard Hail Mary bomb from Ian Pizarro among three ISU defenders as the first half ended. Prior to the play, King had been the one to call timeout when the rest of the team was ready to call it a half. The unexpected score gave the Wildcats a 20-7 halftime lead.

When asked where the catch ranks on his all-time list, King responded: "You want to guess? That was number one — the best catch of my career."

King was so excited following the play that he ran directly from the field right into the locker room, not waiting for the extra point.

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"I was huffing and puffing . . . ready to pass out. I needed a trainer in there with me," King said.

King's second touchdown, a 28-yard strike from Pizarro in the third quarter, gave the 'Cats a 27-14 advantage and all but secured the victory. King was having a relatively quiet season until his big game last week at Eastern Washington, where he caught four passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns to lift the 'Cats to an upset win over the Eagles. Weber State coach Ron McBride said King has developed into a go-to receiver.

"He's a big-time talent. He's become the leader of the receivers. In the last two games he's been unbelievable huge," McBride said. "He makes plays you only see in a circus."

Pizarro had a somewhat rough first half, but by game's end he also made his mark on Saturday. With his 18-for-33, 323-yard, three-touchdown performance, Pizarro became the first quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards on the Idaho State defense.

"He was hot and cold, but in the final outcome he does a good job," McBride said. "He's becoming a real quarterback."

Several other Wildcats made crucial plays to contribute to the win.

Terry Larsen caught five passes for 98 yards. Zach Hall rushed 29 times for 95 yards. B.A. Harrell caught a 9-yard touchdown. Joe Johnson was 3-for-3 on the day with field goals of 34, 25 and 30 yards.

Eric Jones led the team with nine tackles and John McBride recorded an interception.

Despite many mistakes and penalties throughout the game, the Bengals had their opportunities down the stretch. A 63-yard pass from Matt Hagler to Akilah Lacey cut the Wildcats' lead to 27-21, but ISU could get no closer. Hagler finished the game with 242 yards passing and two touchdowns.

The Wildcats will now have a week off before traveling to play at Portland State on Nov. 12.

WILDCAT NOTES: The game was delayed for a short time due to a stadium power outage, but the problem was corrected before the start of the fourth quarter.

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Weber State safety John McBride reaches to pick off a pass that was intended for Idaho State receiver Kenyon Blue during the second half.

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