MISSOULA, Mont. — Despite a career performance by Weber State quarterback Ian Pizarro, a pair of turnovers resulted in Montana touchdowns to make the difference in a 24-19 loss on Saturday.
The loss drops the Wildcats to 1-1 in Big Sky play and 2-3 overall. Montana goes to 1-0 and 3-1. WSU has not won in Missoula since 1987.
Even after the Grizzlies turned a Wildcat fumble in a score and returned an intercepted Pizarro pass for a touchdown, the junior quarterback still had the 'Cats in position to win on the final two plays of the game. With nine seconds to go, Pizarro threw a pass into the end zone where Lynzell Jackson was open, but he failed to make the grab. On the last play, Pizarro was sacked and fumbled, ending upset hopes for Weber State.
Although it didn't win on the scoreboard, WSU won the statistical battle.
The 'Cats gained 485 total yards to Montana's 360. But it was the Grizzlies' ability to capitalize on four Wildcats turnovers that made the difference.
Pizarro had a career day as he completed 26-of-43 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown. Terry Larsen was his top receiver with five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. Zach Hall ran for 84 yards and scored a touchdown. It is also notable that defensive lineman Shane Barkdull blocked a Montana field goal in the fourth quarter.
Montana was led by running back Lex Hilliard, who rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown. Junior quarterback Jason Washington was 13-of-26 for 142 yards and a score before leaving the game with an injury in the fourth quarter.
Weber State also ended a streak of shutouts for Montana at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
A 33-yard field goal by Joe Johnson and a 45-yard touchdown pass from Pizarro to Larsen helped the Wildcats build a 10-7 lead in the first quarter. Hilliard scored his touchdown in the second to make the score 14-10 at the half.
Following a hard-fought third quarter, Montana led 24-16 going into the fourth. A 23-yard field goal by Johnson cut the lead to five, but the Wildcats could pull no closer. With four minutes to go, Weber State faced a fourth-and-three on Montana's 22-yard line, but a run by Pizarro come up less than a yard short of the first down marker.
The Wildcats return to Ogden next week when they host Montana State. Kickoff is set for 1:35 p.m.