Rafael Salinas
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The Cal Poly football team (3-3, 2-1 Big Sky Conference) got its first road win of the year Saturday in a 30-24 victory over Weber State (0-6, 0-2 Big Sky).
Junior quarterback Chris Brown had a dynamic offensive day — he passed, received and rushed for touchdowns while amassing 311 all-purpose yards. The Mustangs produced 510 yards of offense, nearly surpassing the 531-yard season high they set against Portland State on Sept. 20.
Cal Poly’s defense also had an excellent day, as it secured two turnovers and held the Wildcats to just 276 yards of total offense.
The first was an interception by junior defensive back Karlton Dennis and the second was a forced fumble that helped secure Cal Poly’s victory. Senior linebacker Nick Dzubnar led the team in tackles with 14 and sophomore defensive lineman Josh Letuligasenoa added 10 tackles as well.
With 2:54 remaining in the game and Weber State with the ball at its own 13, the Wildcats drove the ball to the Mustangs’ 44-yard line before turning the ball over, thanks to a strong pass rush aided by blitzing freshman cornerback Fernando Cabico.
Cal Poly was as efficient on offense as it has been all year. The Mustangs needed just nine completions to reach 221 yards. Brown and sophomore running back Kori Garcia spread the ball around, though Garcia only accounted for one completion.
But he definitely made it count.
With the game tied at 17 and nine minutes left to play in the third quarter, the Mustangs received two big plays from Garcia en route to a six-play, 81-yard scoring drive. The first was a clutch reception that came on third-and-4 from Cal Poly’s 25-yard line, and the second big play also came on third-and-4 with the ball on the Wildcats’ 23-yard line.
A designed halfback pass caught the defense on its heels, permitting Brown’s 23-yard touchdown reception and putting the Mustangs up 24-17.
They would eventually add another score on an eight-play, 80-yard drive capped by senior fullback Brandon Howe’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Howe finished his day with 23 carries for 87 yards and one touchdown. Other big performers included freshman wide receiver Roland Jackson Jr., who continued to make the most of his catches. He had just two receptions for 100 yards and one rushing attempt for 40 yards. This is his second game this season with two receptions and more than 100 yards receiving.
The Mustangs will try to extend their win streak to three games Oct. 18 at Sacramento State.