OGDEN, Utah — In an exciting match on Saturday night, Darius Stewart’s fourth-quarter touchdown run propelled Northern Colorado to a 21-17 win over Weber State, marking the Bears’ first victory in 18 games. The last time Northern Colorado celebrated a win was on November 12, 2022, when they narrowly defeated Northern Arizona 21-20.

Stewart’s crucial 15-yard touchdown run concluded a remarkable 98-yard drive that spanned 18 plays and took more than eight minutes off the clock, with just 6:14 left in the game. Following this score, Weber State struggled with ball control, resulting in a turnover, a quick three-and-out, and an interception on their final three possessions.

The Bears demonstrated a strong ground game, with David Afari leading the rushing attack with 74 yards out of a total of 205. Caden Meis contributed significantly with 60 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Stewart added 37 yards to the tally. In addition to the ground game, Kia’i Keone showcased his versatility by completing 14 of 28 passes for 118 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in the first quarter for Northern Colorado, which now holds a record of 1-6 overall and 1-2 in the Big Sky Conference.

On the other side, Weber State’s Richie Muoz completed 13 of 26 passes for 171 yards, posting one touchdown along with one interception, as the Wildcats fell to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference. The game highlighted the resilience of Northern Colorado, ending their lengthy losing streak and revitalizing their season.