In a game where offense counted, it was a last-chance press by Weber State that brought them a thrilling victory,
Weber scored twice in the last two minutes of the game to pull a stunning recovery.In the final play, Weber's Jamie Martin pass to Alfred Pupunu with only 16 seconds left to beat Eastern Washington University, 63-59. The play came about when Weber recovered an on-side kick with 1:20 to play.
In winning, Martin became the all-time offensive machine for the Wildcats. He's No. 1, now, in total offense and total passing yards. The game set a I-AA NCAA scoring record.
Weber had its chances. It came within 2 points, 50-52, with 6:49 to go.
EWU, however, scored three minutes later.
Weber made a try, however, by going 80 yards in the final minutes to score on a pass from Martin to Dave Hall. This pass also tied the Big Sky record for TD pass in a game with six.
Weber then recovered an on-side kick mid-field with 1:20 left in the game to set up the final TD.
The first half was a classic in offense and opportunity.
Eastern Washington's first three possessions led to scores, Weber scored on its first and third possessions. Geoff Mitchell took it in from the six for the first and in from the two for the second.
On Weber's fourth possession Martin threw his third interception of the year. Washington responded with its fourth TD and a 28-14 lead with 5:40 before the half.
Safe? Not by giving Martin the opportunity to score.
Weber intercepted a Tenneson pass and Martin followed 17 seconds and three plays later with a 27-yard TD pass to Jon Fuller - 28-21.
Two minutes later Weber punted. The EWU receiver, going for the long return, bounced the ball off his pads and Weber recovered on the Washington 41 with 1:41 left. Ten quick plays later Martin hit Dave Hall from the three - 28-28.
Martin finished the half with 11 completions and 153 yards, to 11 completions for Tenneson for 155 yards.
Weber's Geoff Mitchell had 17 carries for 106 yards, to 20 carries by Washington's Tim Mitchell for 81.
On the strength of the two key turnovers at the end of the second quarter, Weber had 264 yards offense to 237 for EW.