Issue date: 11/16/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jason Finley Hornet Quarterback Jason Smith sprints away from Northern Colorado defenders to get to the sidelines. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Jason Finley Hornet Linebacker Cyrus Mulitalo stops a receiver for a loss in Saturday's game against Northern Colorado. [Click to enlarge]

The Sacramento State football team defeated the Northern Colorado Bears 45-25 in its final home game of the season. Several milestones were made during this game, including records being made and broken and the seniors playing their final game at Hornet Stadium.

The Hornets were dominant throughout most of the game by scoring 10 or more points in every quarter but the third. During that third quarter, The Bears did make the game close and competitive, but the Hornets outscored the Bears 21-6 in the fourth.

The offense struck early for the Hornets when sophomore quarterback Jason Smith threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Tony Washington for the first play of the first quarter. With 7:06 left in the first quarter, Smith threw another touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Torrell Baker.

The Bears' defense did force two fumbles during the game, including a vicious sack from behind to Smith late in the first quarter, which led to the Bears' first touchdown of the game. On the offensive end the Bears could not keep up since the Hornets led throughout the game.

Despite throwing two interceptions, Smith completed 10 of 17 passes and threw for 267 yards. He also recorded four touchdown passes, which was a career high for him in a single game. After the game, Smith was simply happy that his team won the game and how his team has done this season.

"It was nice to put up those kinds of numbers, but I'm more concerned about our win today and how well our team did," said Smith. "I think our recent wins gives us a lot of momentum going into next season."

Senior defensive back Kevin Davis, who played with a torn ACL and meniscus, returned a 27-yard interception for a touchdown in the second quarter. Davis was thankful to be able to play during the game despite his injury.

"I'm just glad that I was able to play with the guys and help my team," said Davis. "I just give all the glory to God and he helped me get through this game."

Washington tied the school record with 76 catches in a single season after this game (he is tied with Fred Amey, who made the record in 2004). With an addition of 92 receiving yards, Washington is second in school history for total receiving yards of 1,192, just shy of Kevin Fontes' mark of 1,207 yards, a record held since 1982.

The Hornets have won its last three games, which has been the longest winning streak in a season for the Hornets since 1992. This is also the Hornets' first winning season since 2000.

Head coach Marshall Sperbeck said he was excited that his senior players won their final home game and was glad that they got to live through these great experiences.

"This win was great for the team," said Sperbeck. "Tony and the rest of the guys really helped us win the game today and I'm glad that we came out strong in the end."

Sperbeck is also looking ahead to next season and is optimistic about what the Hornet football team has to offer in the years ahead.

"I think our football program is going in the right direction," said Sperbeck. "We doubled our wins this season, which has given our players some hope and our goals are within reach now."

Before the game, all 14 seniors were recognized, including Washington and Davis.

The Hornets play the Idaho St. Bengals for their last game of the season Saturday.

Contact Nick hunte at nhunte@statehornet.com

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