Hornet football one win from best Big Sky finish

What began as a day to remember Walter Payton, one of the greatest running backs of all time, became a day to never forget running back Charles Roberts and the Sac State football program as the Hornets defeated Idaho State 41-20 at Hornet Stadium.

Roberts set NCAA, Big Sky and school records while rushing 409 yards on 39 carries and scoring five touchdowns in front of 7,432 fans Saturday afternoon.

Head coach John Volek said earlier in the season he wanted a 6-0 record at home but the 5-1 finish and Robert’s performance were equally as good.

“We came one two-point play and a triple overtime away from being 6-0, so I’m very proud of what these young men have accomplished and letting our local fans see some great football and some great performances,” he said. “Most importantly, I’m happy for our seniors. The last time they’re wearing the green and gold and they get a victory going out of the stadium. They put a lot into this program.”

The Hornets finished with 608 yards of total offense and outscored the Bengals 31-10 in the second half to erase a 10-10 tie at halftime.

Idaho State head coach Larry Lewis said coming into the game his team had to stop Charles Roberts in order to win.

“I have got to compliment Charles and the way he ran the ball,” he said. “What can you say, you are not going to win a game when someone rushes for that many yards.”

Senior offensive guard Jon Osterhout said this game was special, not only for the win but to have Roberts rush for over 400 yards.

“I took a piece of grass out of the field just for something to keep the rest of my life,” he said. “This just shows that we are a damn good football teamŠperiod. We knew that. We slipped up a little bit but we’re a damn good football team.”

Defensively, senior strong safety Carlos Williams led the Hornets with 12 tackles in his last game at Hornet Stadium and said a final record of 6-5 would be something special to remember.

“This game meant a lot to me because it was my last game and fortunately we got a victory,” he said. “But being part of a winning season would send a message to the Big Sky and give our future Hornets something to build on. It would give me pride and joy when I come back so we can say we were the first team to do this.”

Roberts said that he could not have done it without his defense and the play of Williams.

“It takes a defense for an offensive player to build up those kinds of stats,” he said. “Carlos does a great job of going out there and helping to cause turnovers.”

Volek shared a moment with seniors Carlos Williams, Jon Osterhout and kicker Scott Brown in a press conference when he said there were some good and bad things about the final game at Hornet Stadium this year.

“The exciting thing I know is I get 12 more games with Charles,” he said. “The sad thing I know is that these are the three guys who have gone through a lot here.”

Sac State has a bye this week but has its season finale at Cal Poly in two weeks.