For brothers Cameron and Zach Higgins — the former the starting quarterback for Weber State, the latter a redshirt freshman looking to carve a role in special teams — the stunning reversal of fortune that saw the Wildcats' first-half lead over Hawai'i razed by a fiery performance from prodigal Warriors quarterback Tyler Graunke was difficult to comprehend, much less accept.

But as far as cruel fortune goes, the former St. Louis standouts have seen worse — much worse.

Take that day last month when the brothers, then in the meat of a grueling preseason training schedule, got a call from back home.

The news was devastating: Their father, Jim, who once played center for Hawai'i, had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The tumor, relatives reported, was the size of a tomato. And, although detected early, the prognosis was hazy.

"It was hard," said Zach. "I wanted to see him but I couldn't. When I talked to him, he just tried to reassure me that everything was going to be O.K."

Cameron Higgins said the news set him aback, but he knew that his father wanted him to maintain his focus and build on the success of a freshman season that saw him assume the helm of the Weber State offense just four games into the season and earn Big Sky Newcomer of the Year honors.

According to Wildcat head coach Ron McBride, Higgins did just that.

"(Cameron) is a pretty quiet kid and he didn't say much about his father's illness," McBride said. "He just continued to go about his business. He's a winner, and that's just the bottom line."

Still, Higgins admits that his father's condition was "always in the back on my mind."

After three surgeries and ongoing radiation treatment, Jim Higgins' prospects for recovery have significantly improved, Cameron said.

As he took the field for the first time yesterday, Cameron said his eyes immediately scanned the crowd for his family and, in particular, for his father.

"I looked around and there he was," Cameron said. "It was just nice to see him there."

Cameron said he translated whatever inspiration he could squeeze from the moment into one of his best efforts on the field.

In fact, for one half at least, Higgins made a strong argument for being the most effective quarterback in the game.

Higgins completed 14 of 18 pass attempts for 145 yards and a touchdown in the first half. With his deft passing opening opportunities for running back Trevyn Smith, Higgins helped the Wildcats to an improbable 17-7 lead at the break.

Higgins struggled in the second half as the Warriors disrupted his rhythm with different defensive looks and well-disguised blitzes. Still, despite throwing two interceptions and absorbing three sacks, he finished the night an impressive 24-for-40 for 233 yards.

As soon as the game was over and handshakes were exchanged, Higgins and his brother made a beeline for their assembled family in the stands.

"He was happy," Higgins said. "That's all that mattered."