Oct. 4, 2003
Box Score
Pocatello, ID -- Idaho State University scored a touchdown in the second overtime to defeat Eastern Washington University 55-52, the most combined points ever scored at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.
"Our team battled and never gave up," said ISU head coach Larry Lewis. "This just goes to show the kind of character that our team possess. They believe in what we're doing and they fought a great battle tonight."
The previous high for points in a game at Holt Arena was 98, set in the very first game in the building, a 64-34 win over UNLV. The win also improved Idaho State's all-time overtime record to 4-4, and 1-1 in double-overtime. The Bengals are now 3-0 in overtime at home. The win gave the Bengals nine-straight wins in Holt Arena, tying a school record originally set over the 1981 and 1982 seasons.
Mark Hetherington completed 22-of-41 passes for a career-high 386 yards. He also connected for a career-high five touchdowns, tying the Holt Arena record for touchdowns in a single game. Isaac Mitchell ran for two touchdowns, giving him 31 rushing touchdowns in his career, tying an ISU all-time school record set by Merril Hoge (1983-1986).
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't nice to tie a record like that," Hetherington said. "However, it is and wasn't my focus. I'm just excited to be able to play in a game like this and win. Now we just have to look forward to Montana State."
ISU's Sale' Key caught seven passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns, the first scores for Key this season. Brett Fowler had 119 receiving yards and a touchdown--marking the fifth time of his career that he has caught for over 100 yards. Fowler now ranks sixth among ISU's all-time list for 100-yard receiving games.
Akilah Lacey caught three passes for 80 yards and scored his first career touchdown. ISU's Edwin Thompson also scored his first career touchdown in the victory.
Emery Beckles returned four punts for 98 yards and three kick-offs for 58 yards. His longest punt return of 65 yards came with under four minutes remaining in regulation, setting up an ISU touchdown to send the game into overtime.
Defensively, the Bengals recorded six sacks. Jared Allen tallied a career-high four sacks in the defensive effort.
The Bengals travel to Montana to face Montana State this Saturday. ISU returns to Holt Arena to host Montana for homecoming on Oct. 18.
