In a dramatic finish, the Sacramento State Hornets scored late to hand the Idaho Vandals a narrow 23-20 defeat. Lewiston High grad Cruz Hepburn led the Vandals’ defense with a standout tackling performance.
Late Hornets drive sinks Vandals in heartbreaker
Key Takeaways:
- A late Sacramento State surge decided the game
- Final score: 23-20
- Cruz Hepburn led Idaho in tackles
- The Vandals suffered a heartbreaking finale
- Story published by The Lewiston Tribune Online on November 16, 2025
A Narrow Defeat
The Idaho Vandals found themselves on the wrong side of a razor-tight score in a recent showdown against the Sacramento State Hornets. Despite a back-and-forth contest, it was the Hornets who prevailed, securing a 23-20 victory at the very end.
Late-Game Drama
Much of the game’s intensity hinged on a late drive by Sacramento State. The Hornets seized momentum in the closing minutes, effectively turning a tight scoreline into a heartbreaking result for Idaho.
Standout Defensive Effort
Lewiston High graduate Cruz Hepburn emerged as a bright spot for the Vandals’ defense, leading the team in tackles. His strong performance helped limit Sacramento State’s offense for much of the contest, even though the Vandals ultimately fell short.
Final Thoughts
By the final whistle, Sacramento State’s last-minute surge had sunk the Vandals’ hopes. Though overshadowed by defeat, Hepburn’s tackling prowess offered a testament to the team’s determined spirit, as reported by The Lewiston Tribune Online on November 16, 2025.