Wildcats win overtime thriller 55-48 in Missoula

MISSOULA, Mont. - A thriller in Missoula! The return to Missoula and Big Sky play saw an all-time classic as Weber State beat 8th-ranked Montana 55-48 in an overtime thriller 55-48 Saturday afternoon at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

With the win, the Wildcats improved to 2-0 in Big Sky Conference play.

The two teams combined for 42 points in the fourth quarter. Weber State scored on a field goal as time expired in regulation, scored first in overtime, and then forced a fumble on defense to seal a dramatic win.

The Wildcats have won two of the last three games in Missoula and have won five of the last six overall against the Grizzlies.

The Wildcats totaled 541 yards of offense, compared to 527 by Montana. The 'Cats had 364 yards passing and 177 yards rushing.

Sophomore quarterback Richie Munoz had a career game as he was 19 of 28 passing for 364 yards and six touchdowns, both career highs.

Freshman Noah Kjar also had a 95-yard kickoff return in the win.

Montana began the scoring with a 37-yard rushing touchdown, less than two minutes into the game.

Weber State answered on its next possession as Muñoz found Jayleen Record for a 35-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7, less than five minutes into the game.

The Wildcats scored again on their next possession as Muñoz connected with Noah Bennee for a six-yard touchdown to take a 14-7 lead. A 61-yard run by Davion Godley set up the score.

After a Montana field goal, Kjar returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to put the 'Cats on top 21-10.

Just three minutes later, Muñoz found Jacob Sharp for a 50-yard touchdown and Weber State led 28-10 with 7:33 to play in the second quarter.

The Grizzlies scored a touchdown with 4:42 left in the second quarter and WSU led 28-17 at the break.

Montana scored on a 68-yard touchdown with 8:02 left in the third quarter but missed a two-point conversion and the 'Cats led 28-23.

On UM's next possession, Trevian Tribble forced a fumble, which Bronson Childs recovered to set up the Wildcats. Kyle Thompson made a 29-yard field goal and Weber State led 31-23 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter saw 42 total points with 25 by Montana and 17 by Weber State.

Montana opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown to cut the lead to 31-30, then made a 48-yard field goal with 10:00 to play to take the lead at 33-31.

The Wildcats scored on just three plays on their next possession as Muñoz hit Record for a 53-yard touchdown to regain the lead at 38-33.

The Grizzlies scored on their next possession after a four-yard touchdown run, then added a two-point conversion and led 41-38 with 5:28 to play.

Munoz found Sharp for a 71-yard touchdown with 4:37 to make it 48-45. Montana scored with 59 seconds left and went ahead 48-45.

The 'Cats drove down the field and set up Kyle Thompson for a 43-yard field goal as time expired to push the game to overtime.

In the first overtime period, Munoz found Damon Bankston for a 7-yard touchdown.

On Montana's first play, Garrett Beck had a strip sack and recovered the fumble to seal the win.

Weber State is 3-3 overall and 2-0 in Big Sky play.

Sharp had five catches for 152 yards with two touchdowns, and Record had three catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

Freshman Godley had seven carries for 97 yards and Bankston rushed for 67 yards.

Beck, Montae Pate, Jalon Rock, and Trevian Tribble each had eight tackles and Beck and Kemari Munier-Bailey each recorded a sack.

The Wildcats return to Stewart Stadium to host Northern Colorado next Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m. in the annual Homecoming game at Weber State.

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Team Stats

Richie Muñoz

Players Mentioned

Damon Bankston

Garrett Beck

Noah Bennee

Bronson Childs

Davion Godley

Noah Kjar

Kemari Munier-Bailey

Richie Muñoz

Montae Pate

Jayleen Record

Jalon Rock

Jacob Sharp

Kyle Thompson

Trevian Tribble

Weber State University Athletics