Mariani scores, Bobcats roll

Football isn’t just for the weekends any more and, Thursday night, there’s was plenty to cheer about, especially if you’re a fan of Marc Mariani, or the Montana State Bobcats.

In Chicago Thursday night, the Chicago Bears played their final preseason game, which ended up being 24-0 win over the Cleveland Browns. And the first Chicago score of the night came from Mariani, who’s now in his sixth year in the league and his second with the Bears.

With most of the veterans and starters getting the night off, including the Bears’ top two quarterbacks, Mariani caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from third-string quarterback David Fales. It was Mariani’s first touchdown of the preseason, and his first in the NFL since the 2011 campaign.

Mariani, who is battling for a 53-man roster spot, finished the night as the Bears’ leading receiver. He ended up catching three passes for 32 yards. He’s seen his most extensive time at WR in his career this preseason, finishing his four games with five catches for 52 yards and a score. That bodes well for the Bears’ decision to keep Mariani, not only as their starting punt and kick returner, which he’s currently listed at, but also to be relied upon as a wideout for starting QB Jay Cutler.

Meanwhile, under the lights of Bobcat Stadium Thursday night, the Montana State Bobcats opened their 2015 season with an impressive 45-14 win over NCAA Division II Fort Lewis.

The No. 11 Bobcats stumbled early, failing to score until late in the second quarter. And, after the Skyhawks scored to make it 21-7 early in the third period, there was a moment of concern. But from there, MSU’s offense proved to be much too much for the Skyhawks.

MSU QB Dakota Prukop scampered in from five yards out with nine seconds left in the half, then connected with Mitchell Herbert on the first possession of the second half and the Bobcats led 21-0. Chad Newell had opened the scoring for MSU with a one-yard plunge with 4:24 to go in the half. In the second half, Prukop hit Justin Paige for 46 yards and then found Mitchell Herbert from the seven. Prukop finished with 69 yards rushing and 197 passing.

The Bobcats are now 1-0 and will have a bye before traveling to Eastern Washington Sept. 19.