On Sept. 14, Weber State University’s football team suffered a narrow 17–16 defeat to the Lamar University Cardinals in Beaumont, Texas. The game came down to a missed 40-yard field goal by Kyle Thompson as the game clock expired, sealing the Wildcats’ loss in their first-ever meeting against Lamar.
The game began with Lamar controlling the clock. The Cardinals put together a 14-play drive that consumed more than seven minutes, leading to a 23-yard field goal to take an early 3–0 lead.
Both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm after that, with back-to-back punts before Weber State fumbled, setting up another Lamar scoring drive. Lamar capitalized on the turnover, extending their lead to 10–0 with a touchdown in the second quarter.
Weber State turned the momentum just before halftime. With 3:07 left in the second quarter, the Wildcats managed a drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal by Kyle Thompson, cutting the lead to 10–3.
Moments later, on Lamar’s next possession, Weber State’s Montae Pate intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for a game-tying touchdown. The first half ended with both teams tied at 10–10.
The Wildcats came out strong in the second half, quickly marching down the field. Quarterback Richie Munoz connected with Jacob Sharp for a 31-yard gain that set the Wildcats up at the 2-yard line. Munoz then found Colter May for a 2-yard touchdown pass, giving Weber State a 16–10 lead after a missed extra point by Thompson.
Lamar responded immediately, scoring on a 72-yard touchdown run to reclaim the lead at 17–16 with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter. A missed 44-yard field goal attempt by Thompson later in the quarter prevented Weber State from regaining the lead.
The fourth quarter was a defensive battle. Both teams traded punts, and Weber State’s offense stalled. However, with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Wildcats began a lengthy 20-play, 95-yard drive that took nearly nine minutes off the clock. Despite reaching the 1-yard line, Weber State opted for a touchdown on fourth down, but Lamar’s defense stood firm, stopping Bankston just short of the goal line.
The Wildcats forced Lamar to punt and got the ball back with 44 seconds left. Munoz moved the offense down the field to the 23-yard line, setting up a potential game-winning 40-yard field goal. However, Thompson’s kick missed as time expired, and Weber State fell 17–16.
The loss dropped Weber State to 1–2 for the season as they prepare for another away game next week.
Starting Sophomore quarterback Richie Munoz is currently 52/92 on pass completions and has 501 total yards with two passing touchdowns.
Damon Bankston, the starting junior running back, has had 54 carries, 321 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Starting as a senior wide receiver, Jacob Sharp had 13 receptions in the first three games, with 160 reception yards and one catching touchdown.
The Wildcats will face Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.
