The Hornets took a beating against Weber State on Saturday and lost another quarterback to the injury list. Weber State kept plowing through the line and caused the Hornets to lose their fifth consecutive Big Sky opening game 32-27.

Sophomore quarterback Mcleod Bethel-Thompson completed a pass to senior wide receiver Tony Washington for 67 yards. But a sack in the fourth quarter resulted in a knee injury that took Bethel-Thompson out for the rest of the game.

Third-string sophomore quarterback Duncan White came in for him and completed nine out of 15 passes. He threw his first career touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Dylan Lane.

“Making that touchdown pass was a good feeling, especially since Lane is my roommate,” said White.

Head coach Marshall Sperbeck was proud of how well White did considering he has had no playing time so far this season.

“For not having much practice time, he did great,” said Sperbeck.

Senior kicker Juan Gamboa tied his 2006 and 2007 career long 48-yard field goal kick in the second quarter. And senior punter Oscar De Alba punted the ball 64 yards to the 1-yard line and punted a total of 200 yards.

Junior wide receiver Kyle Hill took one for the team when he caught a pass in the fourth quarter and was immediately tackled making him fall flat on his back. But, Hill got up a moment later as pumped as he was before he got the wind knocked out of him.

This was the first game that no player rushed or received for over 100 yards. Sophomore running back Evander Wilkins almost made it with 96 yards rushing.

“He had to work for every yard he made,” said Sperbeck.

With every game there are always improvements that need to be made for next time and Sperbeck will be focusing on the defense for the next game.

“We got to get some turnovers and keep them (opponent) out of the end zone. It’s a matter of making plays at the right time,” said Sperbeck.

But, the coach wasn’t discouraged and thought overall the team did well.

“We did some good things and it was a close game. They were just better than us today,” said Sperbeck.

The Hornets will be playing their homecoming game against the Portland State Vikings on Saturday at 2:05 p.m.

Taylor Collis can be reached at [email protected]