OGDEN — Forgive the folks at Weber State if they get a little overly optimistic.
The usually underachieving Wildcats are showing every indication of having turned the corner as they enter year two of the Ron McBride era. WSU finished a respectable 6-5 a year ago and can play the what-if game in looking at a pair of narrow losses that cost them the Big Sky title.
McBride's squad is acting confident as it approaches the 2006 season, knowing it has a load of talented and experienced offensive skill players and an extra 12 months of getting familiar with the former Utah coach's playbook.
"The difference between this year and last year is huge," Weber State offensive lineman David Hale said. "At times last year, it was like we were confused a little bit. This year, we know what's expected on every play. We know how to get everything done."
In addition to that extra familiarity is an offensive roster with veterans and skill across the two-deep.
Ian Pizarro has 15 games as Weber State's starting quarterback over the past two seasons. With 3,403 yards and 20 touchdowns over that stretch, Pizarro is among the best returning signal-callers in the Big Sky and has a handful of stellar receivers to throw to.
Brigham City native Terry Larsen is at the top of that list. A strong, confident senior, Larsen grabbed 39 passes at WSU last year for 649 yards and four touchdowns. He'll be joined by freshman Austin Raught, Bryant Eteuati and DeMario Harris as the primary targets for Pizarro.
WSU, even with the loss of Zach Hall, is loaded at running back. Hall's 848 yards will be sorely missed, but Adrian Conway — the starter in five games last year until injury sidelined him — will be back and ready to produce as a junior. Senior SUU transfer Marky Filipi adds a different element and will catch a lot of passes from the slot.
The defense will be centered around rover Tyler DeBry. After making 78 tackles in 2005 despite starting the season as a walk-on, DeBry is one of the most active defenders in the Big Sky and will create havoc from his linebacker-safety position.
Linebackers Max Moala, Brady Nielson and Brad Stewart complement DeBry and have made big strides over the summer.
The D-line has two starters — Leon Lautalo and Derek Johnson — back, but has some big holes to fill as all-American Brady Fosmark is no longer holding down the end and all-Big Sky tackle Shane Barkdull is also gone.
Another massive need for the Wildcats is on the offensive line, where NFL draftees Paul and Pat McQuistan vacated the left side. John Gaylor and Chad Glover appear to be the most likely candidates to fill those shoes, while Hale, a junior from Fremont High, is being touted as an all-America candidate.
"We had some really good guys sitting out last year," McBride said. "I don't think we'll be hurt as bad as some people think we will. We recruited last year knowing what we needed to replace, and those guys are ready to step in and go."
The Wildcats have an attractive schedule, too. After a tough opener at Colorado State, WSU has four consecutive home games and also hosts two of the top teams — Montana and Eastern Washington — in the conference.
While a Big Sky championship might be a little much to ask for in McBride's second season, it's also not out of the question.
"That's what we have as our goal," McBride said. "We have all the tools we need. We just need to play the game like we know how and we'll be just fine.
"I do like our chances," he said. "We know what's expected of us. If we take care of our responsibilities, I don't see why we couldn't win it."
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com