FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Weber State Wildcats will have to wait another week for a chance to earn their first win of the season, but Northern Arizona won't. The Lumberjacks (1-2, 1-0) exited the ranks of the winless by thrashing the Wildcats 55-27 on Saturday night in the Walkup Skydome.
The loss drops Weber State to 0-4 overall and leaves the 'Cats 0-1 in league play after the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams.
Despite opening the season with three consecutive losses, Weber State came into the game with hopes of turning things around with a fresh star in conference play. And, for a quarter, the Wildcats were right there with the Lumberjacks, tied 7-7 going into the second period.
Then the Wildcats took it on the chin. The Lumberjacks exploded for 48 points in the final three quarters of the contest while Weber State could manage only 20.
Northern Arizona's sophomore quarterback, Jason Murrietta, threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Lumberjacks. Two of the three touchdown passes went to receiver Simirone Wade, who caught three passes for 63 yards in the game.
NAU running back Roger Robinson was the Lumberjacks leading rusher with 13 carries for 146 yards, most of which came in the first half. He also scored two touchdowns.
Northern Arizona's defense and special teams also got involved in the scoring barrage. NAU cornerback Kevin Gerard intercepted two Wildcat passes and returned both for scores. And the Lumberjacks blocked a punt, which led to another score.
The highlights were few and far between for the Wildcats. After NAU jumped out to a 7-0 lead, Weber State matched the score with a 67-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Fowler to Wiley King. The other first-half score came on a 2-yard run by Chournos. In the second half, after NAU had inserted its reserves, running back Zach Hall scored from 19 yards out. On the final play of the game, quarterback Ian Pizarro found Ryan Nath for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
WSU running back Nick Chournos finished with 27 touches for 125 yards and one score. Hall added 11 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown.
The Wildcats will go for that elusive first win when they host Montana next Saturday at Stewart Stadium.