Wildcats gain confidence during bye week


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OGDEN — With only four games left in the season, Weber State has a dwindling number of chances to show the program is rebounding.

While at times the team seems vastly better over last season, there have been other times where the team has appeared confused, lost and outmatched.

But after a bye week that came off an encouraging loss to Montana State, the Wildcats felt the week gave them a chance to build the health of the program.

“We got a lot of recruiting done,” Wildcats head coach Jody Sears said. “We were out most of the week, so it really wasn’t a bye week for us in terms of work load. Team-wise, we practiced three times, and hopefully we can freshen some of these young bodies up to finish out these last four weeks strong.”

In Weber’s game against Montana State, the Wildcats had one of their better offensive performances — earning 25 first downs while also while also outgaining the Bobcats. Sears noted the game was a sign of growth for the offense, even in loss.

“It was nice to see the offense get some production, and play some consistent football,” Sears said. “That’s been our whole focus all year, is consistency and execution. And again, we’ve got some youth at some spots, and that’s the thing you’re always battling when you do is that consistency thing.”

As the Wildcats prepare for Portland State this week, Sears is wary of the Vikings’ talent level, noting the team is more talented than its 4-4 overall record.

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“They’ve got a lot of good talent, and a lot of good players,” he said. “They have a good team, and they do a lot of things that for us create some problems.”

Several different times, Sears noted the importance of focusing on self-improvement instead of on Portland State, and he said improvement is evident — especially from freshman quarterback Austin Chipoletti.

“I see it particular with Chip and the whole team, for that matter, in the last couple weeks of practice,” Sears said. “That’s been one of our demons is we practice good, and the kids come out with good energy and their execution has been great. In that game against Montana State, it was good to see some carryover into how they’ve been practicing.”

After going down with an injury in the homecoming game against Sacramento State, Anthony Morales returned to make 13 tackles against Montana State — something Sears said was a positive lift to the team.

“We got to see firsthand against Cal Poly what happens when you don’t have him,” Sears said. “He was probably about 85 percent against Montana State, and he made a difference for us. Moving forward, he’s a little healthier and he’s been our bell cow … and I’m looking forward to watching him play on Saturday.”

Sears said Morales is close to 100 percent after the bye week.

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