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California linebacker Evan Weaver makes early impression on Washington State fans in return to the Inland Northwest

California Golden Bears linebacker Evan Weaver (89) reacts after Cal intercepted the ball against WSU during the first half of a college football game on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)

PULLMAN – It didn’t take long for Spokane’s Evan Weaver to make an impression on the partisan crowd.

The former Gonzaga Prep star and now junior linebacker for California caught Washington State receiver Easop Winston crossing over the middle with about 6 minutes left in the first quarter on Saturday at Martin Stadium.

It appeared that Weaver, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker, used an illegal horse-collar tackle to get Winston down for a gain of only two yards.

The crowd in Martin Stadium rained boos down on the field after watching a replay. Weaver’s reaction: He held up both hands and waived back at the boos.

Weaver followed up his tackle with an interception of WSU quarterback Gardner Minshew with a minute remaining in the opening quarter.

The Spokane native scored the only touchdown in last week’s 12-10 win over then No. 15 Washington.