Cat Griz 2017

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Respect the rivalry, respect each other From the Fringe...

George Ferguson Sports Editor

Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s the fact that I’ve watched the Cat-Griz rivalry for about as long as I can remember now. Maybe it’s just part of growing up.

But whatever it is, I’m going to make a plea to all of you Griz and Bobcat fans who are gearing up for the 117th Brawl of the Wild this Saturday.

And that plea is simple. Wherever you are, and whoever you’re with, can you all please treat each other at least decently? Can you all at the very least, treat each other with some respect and class?

Look, I’m not trying to take the fun out of this rivalry. It’s something so special to the state of Montana, and it is truly a rivalry in every sense of the word. It’s no different that Michigan/Ohio State, North Carolina/Duke, Auburn/Alabama or the Yankees and the Red Sox. In fact, because of how small our state is, and with no professional sports in Montana, the Cat-Griz game might even be more special than those rivalries I just mentioned, and people who haven’t experienced, can’t possibly understand.

So because of that, I expect animosity, I expect hard feelings, I expect jokes, and teasing and ribbing at each other’s expense. And whoever wins Saturday, I expect for that fan base to brag for the next 364 days. I expect the winning team to gloat and parade the Great Divide Trophy around Bobcat Stadium. I expect all of that.

But, no matter how intense this rivalry is, no matter how heated it is, no matter how divided we are as Bobcats or Grizzlies, what I don’t expect is fans treating each other badly. What I don’t expect is for things to get out of hand.

The Cat-Griz rivalry will be a rivalry no mat-

ter how much respect we and decency we show to each other as fans. It will be the rivalry we all love, without people getting in fights over it in bars, without name-calling, with vandalism and without harassment. The rivalry doesn’t need any of that to be the rivalry it is.

Especially, in this time, where there is so much divisiveness it seems in this country, there doesn’t need to be any of that between us, as Montanan’s. In other words, you can love the Cats, you can love the Griz, you can dislike the other team, the other school, and all of that, without a bunch of immature nonsense.

Trust me, you can do that, and the rivalry will not be softened or cheapened. No one needs to behave like the Alabama fan who poisoned the trees at Auburn to make this rivalry what it is.

And if you don’t believe me, watch the players on both sides Saturday. They’re going to treat each other with respect and class. Watch them come together after the game is over. If they can do it, so can we.

So, wherever you are Saturday, in a bar, at a tailgate party, or at Bobcat Stadium, please, just be decent to each other. Treat each other with respect. This special thing we have, Montana vs Montana State, Cat-Griz, the Brawl of the Wild, whatever you want to call it, it’s so special and, even from the stands, it needs to be treated with class and respect, and treating each other with class and respect is exactly how you honor this great football game.

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A day in Montana unlike any other George Ferguson

Cats and Griz has some high intrigue, very similar to last year’s game in Missoula. The Bobcats are set to finish with a losing season for the third straight year, but, they also can spoil their worst enemy’s season yet again.

At 4-6, but a solid 4-3 in the Big Sky, MSU has improved a ton this season, and, on their home turf, they have a chance to keep the Grizzlies out of the FCS playoffs for the second year in a row. Montana comes to Bozeman at 7-3, and a win n the Brawl would send them to the playoffs for the second time in head coach Bob Stitt’s tenure. It would also be give the Griz a 6-1 finish to the regular season. A loss however, would send Montana all the way down to a tie for fourth in the final Big Sky standings, with the Bobcats, and would give the Griz no chance of reaching the playoffs.

So, once again, there’s a ton riding on the Brawl, and not just for the Griz and Cats, but for the divided fans of the state of Montana.

After all, they don’t call it the Divide Trophy for nothing.

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats have met 116 times on the field. Many of those games, whether played in Bozeman, Missoula or Butte, have been memorable.

It’s a rivalry so stepped in tradition, it even sparked the legendary Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz to recommend the game being on college football fan’s bucket list.

Yes, no matter what side of the divide fans are on, Cat-Griz brings the Treasure State to a standstill on the third Saturday of every November. This year’s venue, Bobcat Stadium, will instantly become the sixth-largest city in Montana as a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 21,000 is expected to be on hand.

Of course, the evolution of the Cat-Griz game has also reached a global scale, as the game will be televised nationally on Root Sports for the fifth straight year, while hundreds of Cat and Griz satellite parties will be held, not only all across the U.S., but in many foreign counties as well.

Of course, this year’s meeting between the

Montana State Bobcats vs Montana Grizzlies Montana State University Location: Bozeman Nickname: Bobcats Colors: Blue/Gold Enrollment: 16, 703 2017 record: 4-6 (4-3)

2016 record: 4-7 (3-5) Head coach: Jeff Choate (8-12) Stadium: Bobcat Stadium Streak: The Bobcats are on a one-game winning streak in the series, entering the 2017 Brawl. Montana State ended a three-game slide to the Griz with a close win last November in Missoula.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 Bobcat Stadium ~ 12:10 pm University of Montana Location: Missoula Nickname: Grizzlies Colors: Maroon/Silver Enrollment: 11, 865 2017 record: 7-3 (5-2)

2014 record: 6-5 (3-5) Head coach: Bob Stitt (21-12) Stadium: WashingtonGrizzly Stadium Streak: The Griz have beaten MSU six straight times away from Missoula.

Now, they'll look to start a new overall winning streak against the Cats, after losing in Missoula last year.

Montana Grizzlies

Montana State Bobcats

7-3, 5-2

4-6, 4-3

def. Valparaiso 45-23 lost at Washington 63-7 def. Savannah State 56-3 lost to Eastern Washington 48-41 def. Portland State 45-33 def. Idaho State 39-31 def. North Dakota 41-17 lost at Weber State 41-27 def. Northern Arizona 17-15 def. Northern Colorado 44-14 UM Offense

AP Photo The Montana State Bobcats hoisted the Great Divide Trophy last year in Missoula. The trophy is once again on the line when the Bobcats host the Montana Grizzlies in the 117th Brawl of the Wild Saturday in Bozeman.

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2017 Cat-Griz By the Numbers 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/28 11/4 11/11

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The Grizzlies have once again dealt with major quarterback injuries this season, losing senior starter Reece Phillips after just two-plus games. But, the offense has not skipped a beat and appears to be becoming everything Bob Stitt promised when he was hired in 2014. Montana is first in the Big Sky in scoring at 37 ppg, and the Griz are third in passing and fourth in total offense at over 450 yards per outing. Montana is also running the ball much more efficiently this season, while the Griz are an excellent 40-of-47 in redzone scoring chances this fall. Pass efficiency has been a key to the Grizzlies’ success, while, if they have one, turnovers have been a bugaboo. Some of that can be attributed to the QB position, as red-shirt freshman Gresch Jensen and now backup Caleb Hill have had to find their footing while playing meaningful Big Sky games. But no doubt, turnovers have plagued the Griz at times, as they’ve given the ball away 24 times this season.

And still, with the high-effeciency offense, and so many explosive WR’s and running backs, UM, when healthy, fired on all cylinders, and the Griz have a Top 20 FCS offense entering the Brawl.

Star Watch: The focus will be on QB Gresch Jensen as he makes his first-career Cat-Griz start. Stepping in for Phillips, Jensen has shined, throwing for 2,205 yards and 19 touchdowns, with a 60 percent completion percentage.

But Jensen would say, he’s only as good as his receivers, and no receiver on the field may be more explosive then sophomore Jerry Louie-McGee, who has 42 catches for 552 yards. McGee is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball, but then again, so is Keenan Curran and Justin Calhoun. In fact, Montana has an embarssment of riches at WR, with the like of Samori Toure, Sammy Akem, Josh Horner and Makena Simis also having at least 15 catches on the season.

UM Defense Halfway through the season, the Grizzly defense was much maligned. It oince ranked dead last in the Big Sky in both pass defense and total defense. However, during the heart of the Big Sky schedule, things have started to change.

Montana has been playing at a high level for weeks now, and the meltdown against Eastern Washington seems like a distant memory. The Griz allow just 28 points and 422 yards of offense, while being especially good against the

run. Montana’s redzone defense has been outstanding all season long, as the Griz are second in the Big Sky and sixth in the FCS at 72 percent. Getting to the quarterback has always been a trademark of the UM defense and it is again this season, as Montana is second in the conference in sacks with 35, while the Griz also have over 80 TFL’s on the season as well. Takeaways have been key too. The Griz have 16 interceptions this season, and lead the Big Sky in forced fumbles. Montana’s blitzing style is risky, as the Griz are still 10th in the Big Sky in pass defense. Still, Montana’s defense, which has allowed just three offensive touchdowns in its last 12 quarters, is heading in the right direction, and, UM is also the second-least penalized team in the conference, which also helps.

Star Watch: Like with WR’s, Montana has a plethora of impactful players on defense, including its trio of linebackers, all of whom will be key in the Brawl. Junior Josh Buss is the star with his 91 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12.5 TFL’s, but senior James Banks is having a monster season with a Big Sky best 101 stops to go with 12.5 TFL’s. And, no one can overlook senior DE Tucker Schye, wearing the legacy No. 37. Schye has 6.5 sacks and 13.5 TFL’s, and he leads the Big Sky in forced fumbles. Senior LB Connor Strahm, sophomore defensive end Chris Favoroso and junior CB Ryan McKinley are also stars on the Grizzly defense, while safety Josh Sandry leads the team with four INT’s.

UM Special Teams It seems as though Montana’s kicking woes are gone. Last year, Tim Semenza and Brandon Purdy missed a combined 11 extra points. This season, Purdy, however has been outstanding, as he’s hit on 12-of-14 field goals, with a long of 47. Bob Stitt has also put starters like Curran and McGee, as well as all three starting LB’s, on coverage teams, and that’s made a difference as well. The Griz though, have yet to find a sold kickoff returner, as they are near the bottom of the league in kickoff returns. Still, with Purdy having a great season, and punter Eric Williams among the Big Sky leaders with an average of 41 yards per boot and 18 inside the opponent’s 20-yard-line, Montana’s high-scoring offense has been bolstered by a sound kicking game.

Star Watch: Cat-Griz may come down to a kick, but it could also come down to Louie-McGee. Not only is he dangerous on offense, but, he’s probably the most dynamic punt returner the Griz have had since Marc Mariani. He returned a punt for a score against Northern Arizona, his second of his young career, and his gambling style of returns makes him a game-changer for sure.

9/2 9/9 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/11

lost at Washington State 31-0 lost to South Dakota State 31-27 def. North Dakota 49-21 lost to Weber State 25-17 def. Portland State 30-22 lost at Eastern Washington 31-19 def. Northern Colorado 27-24 def. Idaho State 28-14 lost to Kennesaw State 16-14 lost at Northern Arizona 37-36 MSU Offense

Jeff Choate believes in running the football, and the Bobcats have done that as well as anybody in the Big Sky this season. MSU leads the league in rushing, averaging 242 yards per game. Montana has a stable of rushers, including quarterback Chris Murray, who has over 1,000 yards on the ground. MSU also dominates time of possession as a result. And the Cats are first in the conference, converting third downs at a 45 percent clip. MSU also takes good care of the ball, having given it away just 12 times the entire season. However, the Cats have also been one dimensional much of the year. MSU is just 10th in the conference in total offense at 339 ypg, while the Cats are averaging just 152 yards per game passing. Scoring has been an issue as well. While MSU may chew up the clock, the Cats average just 25 ppg, and they rank 12th in the Big Sky in red zone offense, as MSU has scored just 19 touchdowns inside the opponent’s 20. And still, with their ball control offense, the Cats have been able to drag almost every game into the fourth quarter with a chance to win. Of their six losses this season, all to ranked opponents, MSU has lost by margins of 4, 8, 12, 2 and 1 point.

Star Watch: The success of the offense rises and falls with Chris Murray, the dynamic sophomore QB who has rushed for 1,083 yards and nine TD’s. He’s the first Bobcat QB to ever run for 1,000 yards in a season, and his elusiveness and escapability make him a nightmare matchup.

But, Murray’s arm will also be a factor. At times, he’s made big plays with his arm, and he’s got great WR’s to throw to in Mitch Herbert, Kevin Kassis and Jabarri Johnson.

But overall, Murray has struggled at times in the passing game, as he’s thrown for just 1,499 yards and nine INT’s this season. Still, with his style of play, and the emergence of senior Nick LaSane at RB, Murray is as dangerous a player as there is in the entire Big Sky. MSU Defense Once the most porous defense in the Big Sky, the Cats, under Choate and former UM DC Ty Gregorak, are now one of the best defensive units in the league. Even with several key season-ending injuries, including to DE Grant Collins, the Cats are second in the Big Sky in scoring defense (25 ppg), fourth in total defense (403 ypg) and third in the league against the pass (230 ypg). MSU’s physical style also works in spite of the fact the Cats have produced

few turnovers this season (12), and they are only 11th in the league in sacks with 19. But even without the turnovers and sacks, Montana State is just really hard to move the ball against. The Cats have a huge front line, led by DT Tucker Yates, and, the back end is really good with senior safety Bryson McCabe. And while their numbers aren’t flashy, MSU just flat-out gets the job done on defense.

Star Watch: Senior Mac Bignell is the heart of the Bobcat defense. He’s racked up 83 tackles, 12 TFL’s and two sacks to go with one INT and a forced fumble. Bignell is as good as it gets from sideline to sideline, and his play has freed up fellow LB Josh Hill to have a great season as well. Against the Grizzlies, DE Derek Marks will be called upon to have a big game for what is a young over Cat defense, while safety Khari Garcia will be important as well as UM looks to throw the ball a lot.

MSU Special Teams Special teams has been a struggle at times for the Bobcats this season. The Cats are just 4-of-10 on field goals this season, while they also rank near the bottom of the Big Sky on both kickoff coverage and punt coverage. A true bright spot however, has been MSU’s punting. The Cats average 40 yards per punt, and that has helped to alleviate some of the coverage issues. Overall though, because of some of the kicking game woes, the Cats go for 4th-downs and rank first in 4th-down conversions, converting 16-of-21 tries this season.

Star Watch: Punter Jered Padmos has been a weapon for the Cats this season. He averages 43 yards per punt and has 12 of them that have pinned an opponent inside the 20-yard-line. He’s also had five punts of 50 or yards this season, and, if the Cats do have to turn to Padmos, his rugby-style punting may prove to be very effective against UM standout Jerry Louie-McGee. Kevin Kassis has also become a very dangerous punt returner in his own right for the Bobcats, as he has 338 all-purpose yards on the season.

Get your Cat-Griz coverage with the HDN The Havre Daily News will have live coverage of the 2017 Cat-Griz game on Twitter, as well as postgame coverage at www.havredailynews.com and a full report in Monday's Hi-Line Sports Roundup.

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Bobcats Numerical Roster No.Name 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 40 41 42 43 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Pos.

Jake Roper RB Tyrel Thomas CB Justin Paige WR James Campbell WR Braelen Evans CB Edward Vander RB Ben Folsom S JoJo Henderson CB Jalen Cole CB Chris Murray QB Jacob Hadley LB Bryson McCabe DB Willie Patterson WR Khari Garcia DB Tucker Rovig QB Karl Tucker II WR Keaton Anderson DB Brady McChesney QB Troy Andersen RB Kamden Brown QB Luke May QB Ty Okada DB Jacob Byrne WR Tadan Gilman LB Brayden Konkol S Callahan O'Reilly QB Dre Jackson DB Noah James RB Nick LaSane RB Bryce Alley CB Tyrel Burgess RB Anthony Pegues RB Damien Washington CB Logan Jones RB West Wilson DB Sean Opland LB Gabe Peppenger K Jakob McCarthy LB Coy Steel WR Balue Chapman LB Will Martel S Adam Jordt CB Brian Campbell S Shawn Borges S Jaxen Hashley DL Jered Padmos P/K Grant Collins LB R. J. Fitzgerald FB Walker Cozzie LB Sal Aguilar LB Ryan Davis TE Mac Bignell LB Chase Benson DE Jackson McCleery LB Kyle Finch DL Chad Kanow DE Dylan Mahoney OL Brandon Hayashi DT Rocky Hogue LS Tyrone Fa'anono DL Josh Hill LB Zach Redd OL Taylor Tuiasosopo OL Jake Sessions OL Logan MacDonald LS Mitch Brott OT

Ht. Wt. Year Hometown/School

5-11 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-8 6-2 6-5 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-5 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-6

190 175 175 165 190 200 210 195 150 180 220 205 175 195 205 205 180 190 215 190 205 165 165 200 200 210 173 215 220 175 160 180 176 175 205 200 220 215 175 200 185 175 195 180 260 175 240 215 215 210 230 215 265 210 225 205 275 310 225 270 215 275 314 276 175 290

Rf. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. So. Rf. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Rf. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Rf. So. Jr. Sr. Rf. So. Sr. Fr. Rf. Rf. Rf. Rf. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Rf. Fr. Rf. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Rf. Rf. Fr. So.

Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Compton, CA St. John Bosco Katy, TX Morton Ranch Palatka, FL Palatka Frisco, TX Hebron Mission Viejo, CA Jackson, MT Beaverhead County Salt Lake City, UT Olympus Snow College Carson, CA Mater Dei Inglewood, CA Lawndale Billings, MT Central Spirit Lake, IA Spirit Lake Iowa Western Tacoma, WA Franklin Pierce Pomona, CA Charter Oak Meridian, ID Mountain West Great Falls, MT CMR Billings, MT Senior Kalispell, MT Glacier Dillon, MT Beaverhead County Covina, CA Charter Oak Whitefish, MT Whitefish Minnesota Woodbury, MN East Ridge Missoula, MT Loyola Kalispell, MT Glacier Belgrade, MT Belgrade Bozeman, MT Bozeman Atlanta, GA Central Gwinnett Kalispell, MT Glacier Dallas, TX Lovejoy Houston, TX North Shore Haines City, FL Ridge Community Frisco, TX Centennial Covina, CA Charter Oak Kalispell, MT Glacier Columbia, MO Rock Bridge Troy, MT Troy Missoula, MT Sentinel La Habra, CA Sonora Fullerton JC Sheridan, WY Sheridan Bozeman, MT Bozeman Bozeman, MT Bozeman Bigfork, MT Bigfork Covington, WA Kentwood Honolulu, HI Damien Kalispell, MT Glacier Boulder, MT Jefferson Bozeman, MT Bozeman Dillon, MT Beaverhead Helena, MT Capital Santa Ana, CA Mater Dei Billings, MT Skyview Drummond, MT Drummond Helena, MT Helena Huntington Beach, CA Mater Dei Dillon, MT Beaverhead Temecula, CA Great Oak Great Falls, MT CM Russell Hacienda Heights, CA Los Altos Merced, CA Merced Oxnard, CA Oaks Christian Kalispell, MT Glacier Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Lancaster, CA Paraclete Colstrip, MT Colstrip Moraga, CA Campolindo Billings, MT West His

No.Name 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Pos.

Ht. Wt. Year Hometown/School

Brody McKnight OL Connor Wood OL Jarrod Asche OL Denver Krone OL Alex Neale C Conner Floden OL Colin Hammock OL Caleb Gillis OL Wade Webster OL Sean Hatten OL Lewis Kidd OL Curtis Amos, Jr. TE Jabarri Johnson WR Mitchell Herbert WR Kapili Livingston-Lopez WR Peyton Hanser WR Kevin Kassis WR Lance McCutcheon WR Connor Sullivan TE John D'Agostino WR Clark Judisch TE Fou Polataivao DT Michael Jobman DE Tucker Yates DT Kyle Rygg DL Travis Yates DL Derek Marks DL Zach Wright DL Wilson Brott TE Elu Leota DT Marcus Ferriter DL

6-3 6-5 6-8 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-3

295 310 300 265 285 270 275 285 305 275 290 230 210 210 160 205 190 190 240 195 220 305 211 290 235 266 245 265 265 255 245

Fr. Fr. Rf. Rf. Jr. Rf. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Rf. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Rf. Sr. Rf. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So.

Sammamish, WA Eastside Catholic Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Glendive, MT Dawson County Augusta, MT Choteau Duvall, WA Eastside Catholic El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Missoula, MT Sentinel Glen, MT Beaverhead County Bettendorf, IA Bettendorf Bakersfield, CA Garces Fridley, MN Totino-Grace Burleson, TX Centennial Oakland, CA Franklin Eugene, OR Sheldon Honolulu, HI Damien Billings, MT Central El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Bozeman, MT Bozeman Ennis, MT Ennis Bozeman, MT Bozeman Conrad, MT Conrad Medford, OR N. Medford Huntley Project, MT Huntley Project Colstrip, MT Colstrip Eugene, OR Sheldon Placentia, CA Orange Lutheran Belgrade, MT Belgrade New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels Billings, MT West Euless, TX Trinity Butte, MT Central

2017 Bobcat Coaching Staff Jeff Choate

Head Football Coach

Ty Gregorak

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

B.J. Robertson

Special Teams Coordinator/High School Relations

Brian Armstrong

Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends

Michael Pitre

Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator

Matt Miller

Wide Receivers

DeNarius McGhee

Quarterbacks

Joshua Taufalele

Offensive Line Coach

Byron Hout

Defensive Line

Mark Orphey

Secondary

Kyle Risinger

Secondary Assistant

Garrett Becker

Video Coordinator

Brittney Johnson

Director of Football Operations

Cole Moore

Football Administrative Associate

Ryan Saparto

Special Teams Intern

Kendrick Van Ackeren

Defensive Intern

Joe Dunning

Offensive Intern

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Big Sky Conference Standings

Southern Utah Weber State Northern Arizona Montana Eastern Washington Sacramento State Montana State UC Davis Idaho State North Dakota Northern Colorado Cal Poly Portland State

Conf. Overall WL WL

6-1 6-1 6-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 4-3 3-4 2-5 2-6 1-6 1-6 0-7

8-2 8-2 7-3 7-3 7-3 6-4 4-6 5-5 4-6 3-8 2-7 1-9 0-10

FCS Stats Top 25

1. James Madison (163) 2. Jacksonville State 3. Central Arkansas 4. North Dakota State 5. Sam Houston State 6. South Dakota State 7. Wofford 8. North Carolina A&T 9. Western Illinois 10. Stony Brook 11. Elon 12. Weber State

Rec. Pts Rnk

10-0 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 8-2 9-1 10-0 7-3 8-2 8-2 8-2

4075 3840 3700 3510 3451 3331 3043 2829 2417 2263 2197 2096

1 2 3 5 4 6 8 9 11 12 7 14

9-1 8-2 7-3 7-3 7-3 6-4 8-2 7-3 6-4 9-1 7-3 6-4 8-2

1942 1823 1769 1667 1598 1049 967 954 798 787 717 515 485

13 15 10 18 16 19 20 21 17 23 24 25 NR

Others receiving votes: :Monmouth 366, Delaware 225, Montana 215, Yale 89, Richmond 83, Western Carolina 70, Austin Peay 46, Columbia 18, North Carolina Central 16, Sacramento State 7, Youngstown State 6, Howard 5, Central Connecticut State 3, Dartmouth 2, San Diego 1.

Big Sky Conference

Saturday's Games Montana at Montana State Portland State at Eastern Washington Northern Arizona at Southern Utah Idaho State at Weber State UC Davis at Sacramento State Cal Poly at Northern Colorado

13. Grambling State 14. Southern Utah 15. South Dakota 16. New Hampshire 17. Samford 18. Eastern Washington 19. McNeese 20. Furman 21. Illinois State 22. Kennesaw State 23. Northern Arizona 24. UNI 25. Nicholls

Individual Leaders For 2017

Passing: Jake Maier, UCD, 334 ypg Receiving: Keelan Doss, UCD, 133 ypg Receptions: Keelan Doss, UCD, 10 rpg Rushing: Jared Mohamed, CP, 107 ypg Tackles: James Banks, UM, 10 tpg Sacks: Ben Sorensen, SAC, 9 sacks INT's: Dre Terrell, SAC, 5 INT's

Montana Born and Raised A breakdown of the current Montanan's playing for Cats, Griz

Montana Grizzlies (33) Matt Rensvold, Polson Nate Dick, Billings Josh Sandy, Bigfork Tanner Wilson, Polson Michael McGinnis, Sidney Cody McCombs, Billings Josh Desner, Missoula Evan Epperly, Kalispell Trase LeTexier, Boulder Jace Lewis, Townsend Eric Williams, Missoula Tucker Schye, Malta Brandon Purdy, Kalispell Cole Rosling, Helena Jesse Sims, Stevensville Gage Smith, Whitefish Marcus Welnel, Helena Shayne Cochran, Culbertson Colton Keintz, Missoula Josh Horner, Great Falls Mitch Roberts, Missoula Jed Nagler, Whitefish Danny Burton, Helena Bryson Deming, Billings Colin Bingham, Missoula McKenzie Holt, Thompson Falls Braydon Deming, Billings Devin Maua, Billings Andrew Harris, Kalispell Mick Delaney, Bozeman

Montana State Bobcats (43) Ben Folsom, Dillon Jacob Hadley, Billings Karl Tucker II, Great Falls Keaton Anderson, Billings Brady McChesney, Kalispell Troy Andersen, Dillon Luke May, Whitefish Jacob Byrne, Missoula Tadan Gilman, Kalispell Brayden Konkol, Belgrade Callhan O’Reilly, Bozeman Noah James, Kalispell Logan Jones, Kalispell Sean Opland, Troy Gabe Peppenger, Missoula Balue Chapman, Bozeman Will Martel, Bozeman Adam Jordt, Bigfork Jaxen Hashley, Kalispell

Jered Padmos, Boulder Grant Collins, Bozeman R.J. Fitzgerald, Dillon Walker Cozzie, Helena Ryan Davis, Billings Mac Bignell, Drummond Chase Benson, Helena Kyle Finch, Dillon Dylan Mahoney, Great Falls Josh Hill, Kalispell Jake Sessions, Colstrip Mitch Brott, Billings Jarrod Asche, Conrad Denver Krone, Choteau Colin Hammock, Missoula Caleb Gillis, Dillon Peyton Hanser, Billings Lance McCutcheon, Bozeman John D’Agostino, Bozeman Clark Judisch, Conrad Michael Jobman, Huntley Tucker Yates, Colstrip Derek Marks, Belgrade Wilson Brott, Billings Marcus Ferriter, Butte

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Montana Grizzlies Offensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Defensive Starters

Griz Offensive Numbers

Cats Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 37 ppg, 1st in Big Sky Total offense: 457 ypg, 3rd in Big Sky

Scoring: 25 ppg, 2nd in Big Sky Keenan Curran #6, 6-2, 201 Receiver

Tyrel Thomas #2, 5-8, 175 Cornerback

Total defense: 403 ypg, 4th in Big Sky

Passing: 304 ypg, 4th in Big Sky

Pass defense: 231 ypg, 3rd in Big Sky

David Reese #76, 6-7, 301 Left tackle Jerry Louie-McGee #16, 5-9, 168 Receiver

Bob Stitt UM Head Coach Bob Stitt was formally introduced as the 36th head football coach in University of Montana history on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014.

He signed a three-year contract, which will take him through the 2017 season.

He comes to Montana after a 15-season stint as the head football coach at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) where he had an overall record of 108-62 and 13 winning seasons.

Angel Villanueva #75, 6-3, 314 Left guard

Tyrone Fa'anono #57, 6-2, 270 Defensive End

Mac Bignell #49, 6-0, 190 Linebacker Khari Garcia #12, 5-10, 178 Free Safety

Jeremy Calhoun #8, 6-0, 213 Running Back

Gresch Jensen #2, 6-2, 218 Quarterback

Cooper Sprunk #72, 6-4, 300 Center

Zach Wright #96, 6-2, 260 Defensive tackle

Josh Hill #58, 5-11, 200 Linebacker Bryson McCabe #10, 6-0, 190 Strong Safety

Robert Luke #75, 6-4, 318 Right guard

Tucker Yates #92, 6-0, 303 Nose tackle Brayden Konkol #18, 6-2, 200 Linebacker

Mike Ralston #51, 6-5, 302 Right tackle

Derek Marks #95, 6-1, 227 Defensive end

Josh Horner #80, 6-5, 232 Receiver Brandon Purdy #39, 5-10, 182 Kicker

Eric Williams #35, 5-11, 183 Punter

Justn Calhoun #3, 5-10, 168 Receiver

Bryce Alley #24, 5-11, 180 Cornerback

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No. Name 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61 62 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

Grizzlies Numerical Roster Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Treshawn Favors R-Sr. RB Markell Sanders R-Jr. CB Gresch Jensen R-Fr. QB Ryan McKinley R-Sr. CB Justin Calhoun R-So. WR Rey Green R-Fr. RB Kobey Eaton R-So. WR Justin Strong Sr. S Keenan Curran Jr. WR Dareon Nash R-Fr. CB Matt Rensvold Fr. WR Jeremy Calhoun Jr. RB Lewis Cowans R-Fr. CB Brennan Corbin R-Fr. WR Nate Dick Fr. QB Connor Strahm R-Sr. LB Isiahia Banks Fr. S Korey Alexander Sr. S Caleb Hill Jr. QB Josh Sandry R-So. S Tanner Wilson Fr. QB Michael McGinnis Fr. S Retired in Honor of Dave Dickenson Jerry Louie-McGee R-So. WR Makena Simis R-Sr. WR Samuel Akem R-Fr. WR Malik Flowers Fr. WR Gavin Crow R-Fr. CB Terron Moses Fr. RB Lamarriel Taylor R-So. WR Retired in Honor of Terry Dillon Josh Egbo R-Fr. CB Alijah Lee R-Jr. RB Shane Moody R-Sr. RB Jared Thurber Fr. WR Cody McCombs R-So. RB Josh Deshner Fr. ATH Kendall Sweet Fr. LB Evan Epperly R-Jr. S Nick Fouch Fr. WR Trase Le Texier R-Fr. LB Dante Olson R-So. LB Jace Lewis R-Fr. LB Eric Williams Jr. KP James Banks Sr. LB Tucker Schye R-Sr. DE Caleb Mitchell R-Fr. LS Brandon Purdy R-So. KP Cy Sirmon R-So. DE Curtis Holmes Fr. CB Josh Buss R-Jr. LB Chris Favoroso R-So. DE Randy Rodriguez R-Fr. DT Vika Fa'atuiese R-So. LB Cole Rosling R-Fr. DE Jesse Sims R-So. DT Cody Meyer R-So. OL Mike Ralston R-Sr. OL Michael Matthews Fr. LB Carder Key Fr. LB Gage Smith R-Jr. LB Kyle Davis R-Jr. DT Marcus Welnel Fr. LB Shayne Cochran R-Jr. LB Colton Keintz Fr. OL Matthew O'Donoghue R-Fr. LS Dylan Eickmeyer R-Fr. OG Ashton Torres R-Fr. OT Thayne Jackson R-Fr. OG Skyler Martin Fr. OL Payton Stoner Fr. OL Cooper Sprunk R-Sr. C Brandon Scott R-Fr. OT Angel Villanueva R-So. OL Robert Luke Sr. OL David Reese Sr. OL

*Cut and take to the game!!

5-9 209 6-2 189 6-2 218 6-1 193 5-10 174 5-11 195 6-3 180 5-11 190 6-2 203 6-2 178 6-4 211 6-0 213 6-1 192 6-5 210 5-10 188 6-0 240 6-0 203 5-11 190 6-4 215 6-1 203 6-2 195 6-3 191 Gr. 5-9 175 6-2 235 6-4 195 6-2 185 6-1 200 5-7 166 6-2 198 Gr. 6-2 193 5-6 197 5-8 176 6-4 169 5-9 196 6-0 190 5-11 216 5-10 197 6-0 162 6-2 236 6-3 230 6-1 220 6-0 188 6-1 215 6-4 242 6-1 195 5-10 182 6-3 250 5-9 175 6-2 220 6-3 245 6-3 244 6-3 230 6-4 230 6-4 272 6-3 293 6-5 302 6-2 206 6-2 210 6-3 217 6-1 283 6-0 212 6-1 220 6-8 275 6-1 248 6-4 292 6-4 292 6-5 296 6-5 255 6-6 282 6-4 300 6-7 295 6-5 324 6-4 318 6-7 301

Hometown

Glendale, Ariz. / Mountain Ridge HS Renton, Wash. / Eastside Catholic HS Auburn, Wash. / Auburn Mountainview HS Anthem, Ariz. / Boulder Creek HS Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS Vancouver, Wash. / Union HS Vancouver, Wash. / Evergreen HS Rialto, Calif. / Summit HS Federal Way, Wash. / Federal Way HS Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS Polson, Mont. / Polson HS Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS Mission Viejo, Calif. / Mission Viejo HS Anaheim, Calif. / Villa Park HS Billings, Mont. / Senior HS Eugene, Ore. / Sheldon HS Aurora, Colo. / Mullen HS Pittsburg, Calif. / Pittsburg HS Brenham, Tex. / Brenham HS Bigfork, Mont. / Bigfork HS Polson, Mont. / Polson HS Sidney, Mont. / Sidney HS

/ Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Lake City HS Boise, Idaho / Capital HS Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Fontana, Calif. / A.B. Miller HS Kennewick, Wash. / Kamiakin HS Vian, Okla. / Vian HS Chula Vista, Calif. / Mission Bay HS

/ Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland HS Los Angeles, Calif. / Venice HS Parker, Colo. / Regis Jesuit HS Burien, Wash. / Kennedy Catholic HS Billings Mont. / West HS Missoula, Mont. / Sentinel HS Tulsa, Okla. / Booker T. Washington HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Woodinville, Wash. / Woodinville HS Boulder, Mont. / Jefferson County HS Medford, Ore. / Cascade Christian HS Townsend, Mont. / Broadwater County HS Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart HS Junction City, Ore. / Sheldon HS Malta, Mont. / Malta HS North Bend, Wash. / Mount Si HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Wenatchee, Wash. / Wenatchee HS Spring Valley, Calif. / Proctor Academy Boise, Idaho / Mountain View HS Port St. Lucie, Fla. / Jensen Beach HS Peoria, AZ / Centennial HS Vista, Calif. / Vista HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Stevensville, Mont. / Corvallis HS San Marcos, Calif. / San Marcos HS Oregon City, Ore. / Sheldon HS Camas, Wash. / Camas HS Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Culbertson, Mont. / Culbertson HS Missoula, Mont. / Big Sky HS Santa Ana, Calif. / Foothill HS Tucson, Ariz. / Salpointe Catholic HS Aurora, Colo. / Cherokee Trail HS Gilbert, Ariz. / Gilbert HS Vancouver, Wash. / Skyview HS San Diego, Calif. / Mt. Carmel HS Tigard, Ore. / Jesuit HS Owasso, Okla. / Owasso HS Duarte, Calif. / Duarte HS Tacoma, Wash. / Charles Wright Academy HS Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS

No. Name

Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Bob Stitt Jason Semore Travis Niekamp Chad Germer Justin Green Joe "JB" Hall Jr. Andrew Selle Mike Ferriter Lennard Manke Brian Hendricks Shann Schillinger Colin Bonnicksen Matt Nicholson Reese Phillips

2017 Montana Coaching Staff Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator Cornerbacks Quarterbacks Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Wide Receivers Assistant Defensive Line Safeties Director of Football Operations Strength & Conditioning Coach Undergraduate Student Coach

77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Dallas Hart R-So. Conlan Beaver R-Fr. Josh Horner Sr. Mitch McLaughlin Jr. Samori Toure R-Fr. Mitch Roberts Fr. Jed Nagler R-Fr. Danny Burton Fr. Bryson Deming Fr. Colin Bingham R-So. Tim Semenza R-So. McKenzie Holt Fr. Brandt Davidson Sr. Myles McKee-Osibodu Sr. Braydon Deming Fr. Devin Maua R-Fr. Andrew Harris R-So. David Shaw Jr. RJ Nelson Fr. Esai Longoria R-Fr. Reggie Tilleman R-Jr.

OL OT WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR K ATH DT DT DE DE LB DT DE DT DT

6-5 6-5 6-5 5-9 6-3 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4

315 293 232 174 186 188 218 172 228 230 155 238 293 272 234 232 231 319 221 305 272

Hometown

Cypress, Calif. / Pacifica HS Fredericksburg, Va. / Massaponax HS Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Riverside, Calif. / Riverside Poly HS Portland, Ore. / Westview HS Missoula, Mont. / Sentinel HS Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Billings, Mont. / West HS Missoula, Mont. / Big Sky HS San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS Thompson Falls, Mont. / Thompson Falls HS Tucson, Ariz / Salpointe Catholic HS Santa Ana, Calif. / Centennial HS Billings, Mont. / West HS Billings, Mont. / Senior HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove HS Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro HS Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS Genesee, Idaho / Genesee HS

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Here’s a look back at the last seven Brawl of the Wild games to get you ready for Saturday’s showdown, which kicks off at 12:08 p.m. and will be broadcast nationwide on Root Sports NW.

field goals, finished 5-6. “We knew they were big up front and knew they would be a physical team,” said Schreibeis, who in January became the first Bobcat to win the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player in the FCS. “We just had to weather the storm for a little bit and then let our speed kind of take control.” The Cats improved to 10-1 and finished 11-2 with a loss in the FCS quarterfinals.

Montana State 21, Montana 16 - 2010, Missoula

Montana 28, Montana State 14 — 2013, Bozeman

The Griz ran into Washington-Grizzly Stadium in new all-black uniforms but couldn’t catch the Bobcats, who scored on their first three possessions and never trailed. DeNarius McGhee, MSU’s freshman quarterback, threw touchdown passes to Great Falls’ Tanner Bleskin and C.J. Palmer, and Orenzo Davis provided the winning points with a 17-yard TD run. The Grizzlies stayed in range, answering the Cats’ first two drives with a 59-yard TD burst from Chase Reynolds and a 6-yard scoring run from QB Justin Roper. But UM was turnover-plagued: Both Reynolds and Gerald Kemp fumbled inside the MSU 5-yard line in the second half. Reynolds’ turnover came after a bad punt snap resulted in an MSU safety. The Griz also turned the ball over on downs at MSU’s 15 with 1:23 left. That cinched the Cats’ first win over the Griz and first Big Sky title since 2005. Davis ran for 140 yards for MSU. Reynolds ran for 180 yards for the Griz, who ended up 7-4 and out of the postseason for the first time since 1992.

The 5th-ranked University of Montana Grizzlies played perhaps their best defensive game of the season and UM's offense made key plays when it needed to, as the Grizzlies defeated the host 13th-ranked Montana State Bobcats 28-14 in front of a record crowd in Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.

Montana’s defense held the Bobcat offense, composed of legendary seniors DeNarius McGhee, Cody Kirk and Tanner Bleskin, to just 257 total yards and 14 points. But Shawn Johnson’s 82-yard punt return for a TD in the first quarter set the tone for a low-scoring first half. The Griz tied the game on a Jordan Canada run late in the first half, and it was locked at 7-7 at intermission. Montana added a Travon Van TD early in the third, and a back breaking TD pass from Jordan Johnson to Clay Pierson early in the fourth stanza. MSU tried to rally behind McGhee, but a Kirk fumble near midfield with the score sitting at 21-14, helped UM secure the victory, and Canada sealed it with a TD run on the Grizzlies’ ensuing possession. It was Montana’s fourth straight win in Bobcat Stadium, and the loss was MSU’s third straight to end the season, knocking the Cats out of the FCS playoff picture.

Montana 36, Montana State 10 - 2011, Bozeman It was set up as a coronation for the newly top-ranked Bobcats, but the No. 7 Griz took command in the second half behind Dan Moore and Peter Nguyen. Moore rushed for 116 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown to put UM up 29-7 at 5:37 of the third quarter. Nguyen ran for 123, including a 21-yard run to cap the scoring with 9:28 left, and send many of the record crowd of 20,247 at an expanded Bobcat Stadium for the exits. Griz quarterback Jordan Johnson threw for two touchdowns, one a 2-yard strike to Kavario Middleton on fourth-and-goal with 2:15 left in the first half. That put Montana up 12-0. MSU drove to a touchdown to start the second half, DeNarius McGee hitting Elvis Akpla from 7 yards. But the Griz answered on their next offensive snap: Johnson found Jabin Sambrano for 79 yards and a TD to make it 19-7. Montana gained 316 yards of offense in the second half, and rushed for 309 yards against the Big Sky’s top run defense. “I’m very proud and honored to be involved in a game like this, when it comes down to the great state of Montana for the championship,” second-year Griz coach Robin Pflugrad said. “It’s nice to get on that bus with a win.” Both teams lost at Sam Houston State in the FCS playoffs; the Griz fell 31-28 in the semifinals. And in 2013, as part of NCAA sanctions, the Griz’ victory that day in Bozeman was wiped off the record books.

Montana State 16, Montana 7 – 2012, Missoula The second-ranked Bobcats relied on defense, kicker Rory Perez and quarterback DeNarius McGhee to subdue the Griz. Montana led 7-3 after Peter Nguyen’s 47-yard scoring run in the first quarter but didn’t score again. Bobcat defensive ends Caleb Schreibeis (16 tackles and a sack) and Brad Daly shut down the Griz running game; Montana punted eight times after Nguyen’s TD. A record Washington-Grizzly Stadium of 26,210 saw MSU go in front on McGhee’s 15-yard scoring pass to Saco product Kruiz Siewing at 7:54 of the second quarter. McGhee threw for 246 yards and ran four times on a clock-killing drive that ended in Perez’s third field goal with 2:23 left.That made it a two-score game and clinched the Grizzlies’ first losing season since 1985. The Griz, who missed two

Nov. 17, 2017

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Montana Grizzlies Defensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Offensive Starters Cats Offensive Numbers

Griz Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 25 ppg, 11th in Big Sky

Scoring: 28 ppg, 6th in Big Sky Markell Sanders #1, 6-2, 185 Cornerback

Total defense: 422 ypg, 6th in Big Sky

Jabarri Johnson #81, 6-4, 210 Receiver

Total offense: 394 ypg, 10th in Big Sky Rushing: 242 ypg, 1st in Big Sky

Rush defense: 154 ypg, 5th in Big Sky

Mitch Brott #63, 6-6, 290 Right tackle

Montana 34, Montana State 7 – 2014, Missoula On an unseasonably warm afternoon, and one of the few Cat-Griz games to ever be played almost all under lights, the No. 12 Grizzlies shocked the No. 11 Bobcats on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Jordan Johnson was cut loose in a surprise spread-option offensive attack, and the Griz scored on five of their first six possessions to lead 27-0 at halftime. On defense, Montana hounded MSU backup QB Jake Bleskin, in for injured starter Dakota Prukop, and forced an astounding seven turnovers, including five interceptions in front of a record crowd of 26,532 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. In the 114th meeting of the Griz and Cats, Montana punched its ticket to the FCS playoffs as Johnson threw for 303 yards and rushed for 91 more, while fellow senior Jordan Canada added 119 yards on the ground. During the game, Zack Wagenmann also broke the Griz’ all-time sack record, while the Bobcats amassed just 281 yards of total offense. The win came just days after UM head coach Mick Delaney announced his retirement.

Montana 54, Montana State 35 – 2015, Bozeman The Grizzlies needed a fifth straight win in the series in Bozeman to have a chance at the FCS playoffs. The Cats needed to snap Montana’s Bobcat Stadium winning streak to secure a winning season. But in a meeting of two offensive powerhouses, the Griz won out. The Griz scored 31 uanswered first-half points, including long touchdown passes by Brady Gustafson to Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson, and they capped a 37point first-half explosion with two Daniel Sullivan field goals to lead the Cats 37-14 at the break. MSU rallied in the third period, and closed to within 44-35 with nine minutes left, but Gustafson answered with his fourth TD pass of the day, lifting Montana to its third straight win in the Brawl. The Griz racked up 537 yards to MSU’s 503, and Gustafson threw for 353 yards after missing six games in the middle of the season with a broken leg. The loss to the Griz turned out to be the last for MSU head coach Rob Ash, who was fired two days later.

Chris Favoroso #43, 6-3, 245 Defensive end Josh Buss

#42, 6-2, 204 Linebacker Josh Sandry #13, 6-1, 203 Strong Safety

AP Photo Montana quarterback Brady Gustafson led the Grizzlies to a win in the 2015 Cat-Griz game in Bozeman. Montana State hasn't won at home in the Brawl of the Wild since 2005.

Montana State 24, Montana 17 – 2016, Bozeman The Bobcats struggled in Jeff Choate’s first season at the helm. But not on the last day. Inside a sold-out Washington-Grizzly Stadium, freshman quarterback Chris Murray led the 3-7 Cats to an improbable win. Murray ran for 152 yards and two scores, and led MSU to victory while completing just two passes. Montana opened the game with a 58-yard Brady Gustafson TD pass, but after that, the Cats rushed for 368 yards and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes in tome of possession as they won for only the fourth time in Missoula since Wash-Griz opened in 1986.

David Shaw #96, 6-5, 319 Nose tackle ConnorStrahm #10, 6-0, 241 Linebacker

Justin Strong #5, 5-11, 195 Strong Safety

Jesse Sims #49, 6-4, 254 Defensive tackle James Banks #36, 6-1, 215 Linebacker

Tucker Schye #37, 6-4, 242 Defensive end

Jeff Choate MSU Head Coach

Taylor Tuiasosopo #60, 6-3, 295 Right guard

Alex Neale #70, 6-3, 290 Center

Chris Murray #8, 6-2, 180 Quarterback

Nick LaSane #23, 6-0, 215 Running back

Lewis Kidd #76, 6-6, 290 Left guard

Dylan Mahoney #55, 6-6, 285 Left tackle

Kevin Kassis #85, 6-0, 190 Receiver

Choate was appointed Montana State's 32nd head football coach on Friday, Dec. 4.

An Idaho native who graduated from UM Western in 1993 and has spent most of his 24 seasons in coaching within a 10-hour drive of Bozeman.

Choate came to MSU from the University of Washington where he was the defensive line coach.

Connor Sullivan #87, 6-5, 250 Tight end

Ryan McKinley #2, 6-1, 193 Corner

Mitchell Herbert #82, 6-4, 205 Receiver

Jered Padmos #40, 6-2, 175 Punter

Gabe Peppenger #31, 6-0, 220 Kicker

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He's got his own legacy now Everything #37 is supposed to be Malta proud, Tucker Schye waited his turn to be a star for the Grizzlies

Montana State's Mac Bignell has carved out his own place in a Bobcat family tradition

George Ferguson

George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

When it comes to football in the Treasure State, his last name says it all — Bignell.

That’s a famous name when it comes to gridiron success in Montana.

So it’s no wonder Montana State senior linebacker Mac Bignell is one of the best at what he does in the Big Sky Conference, ahead of his final game in Bobcat Stadium. And that game, for a guy like Bignell, will mean everything, because it’s against the Montana Grizzlies.

And while Bignell certainly has a famous last name when it comes to Montana high school and Montana State football prowess, and he hails from one of the most successful Class C program’s in Montana history, it didn’t mean Bignell was automatically going to be star when he arrived in Bozeman.

In fact, it was just opposite. Bignell had to work to get there, starting out as a walk-on.

But, as he readies to play the Grizzlies one last time, he’s arrived. After a brilliant fouryear run, Bignell has simply become one of the best linebackers the Bobcats have ever had.

“I told Mac he’s playing at as high of a level as I’ve ever got to coach from a linebacker,” MSU defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak said earlier this season. “He’s like a man possessed. He is playing really, really good football right now.”

No question. When all is said and done, Bignell will be a Big Sky All-Conference performer for the third straight season, and likely an FCS All-American for a second time.

Not bad for a Class C kid out of Drummond, where things were decidedly different than the Big Sky. “Just getting used to 11 guys would be one of the biggest (challenges),” Bignell said.

“Learning the terminology was all different to me. Then again, football is football in the end.”

But making the transition from 8-man football, to playing at the highest level of NCAA football wasn’t the only challenge for Bignell on his rise to stardom.

Bignell was born with mild hearing loss, which makes communication on the football field a little more difficult. But, like so many other challenges over the years, Bignell has never let that one stand in his way.

“When I was younger, my hearing aids — they weren’t really hearing aids at the time — but it was a big old headset and then the teacher had a microphone so I could hear the teacher,” he said during a 2016 interview.

“I’m not a guy who likes to stand out from the crowd. Other than that I never really had a problem. I grew up in a small town and we’re basically a family in a small town so nobody gave me too hard of a time for it.

“In Class C football I would always go to

To guys like Tucker Schye, the Cat-Griz game isn’t any old football game. It’s not the next game on the schedule, or any other cliché’ generally reserved for down-playing hype and excitement.

No, to Schye, who grew up on the Montana Grizzlies, and the Brawl of the Wild down the Hi-Line in Malta, the Cat-Griz game is something more, it’s special, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

“It's really special," Schye said of the rivalry. “It's something you have an appreciation for from day one and I'd say something that me and Josh (Horner) definitely have had an appreciation our whole life of. We've grown up around it. You never miss this game, growing up watching it, at least I didn't. You really know how special it is.”

Indeed, Schye knows all about special. He came to the Grizzlies after a brilliant two-way career with Malta. And right from the start, Schye was pegged as one of the next special players from Montana to wear a Grizzly uniform.

That would culminate last winter with then senior Caleb Kidder handing off the No. 37 legacy jersey to Schye for his senior season.

The number is reserved for a Montana-born defensive players\, and handed down from one No. 37 to the next.

It’s an honor Schye took, and continues to take very seriously.

“Really I'd just like to say that I'm honored, honored to be chosen by Caleb to wear No. 37,” Schye said after finding out he would be the next No. 37. “It's a real humbling experience for me. I'm just proud to represent the number.”

Not only was Schye honored to be chosen, but the former Class B All-State standout seemed to have a great grasp of what type of player you must be to wear the number.

“To me it embodies obviously the Montana spirit,” he said. “I guess what I mean by that is it’s really that blue-collar, hard-working, mentally tough mentality. Just being a badass.”

There’s no question Schye embodies those qualities. Growing up on the Hi-Line, working hard for what you want, earning everything you get is a fabric of life. And he’s always done that, whether in life or football.

And while he’s enjoying an incredible senior season, one in which he’s clearly one of the best defensive ends in the Big Sky Conference, long before he got to wear the legacy jersey, Schye had to earn everything.

He arrived at Montana in 2013, and while expectations were high, Schye was a linebacker at 197 pounds. And in a linebacker room filled with stars, playing time was going to be an uphill climb. In Schye’s time at UM, he’s spent time around some of the greatest linebackers to ever play for the Griz, like Brock Coyle and Jordan Tripp, and Kendrick Van

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State senior linebacker Mac Bignell has been tearing up the Big Sky Conference for the last four years. Bignell, a native of Drummond, came to MSU with his family name already firmly entrenched in Bobcat lore. But now, as his last Cat-Griz game approaches, his name will forever be part of Bobcat history. the coaches on the sideline and they would tell me the plays so I was pretty much face-toface. It really didn’t affect me there,” Bignell continued. “Here we do everything by signal so during games I’m not really affected by my hearing, but where it does bother me is in school, not hearing all the information. My biggest thing is not being able to write notes in class because if I’m looking down I’m not able to read his lips. The challenges are there but I’ve faced them my whole life so I’m used to them.”

Consider any challenge Bignell has faced completely overcome at this point.

As a red-shirt freshman in 2014, Bignell was a special team’s standout for the Bobcats, but, by the time his sophomore year rolled around, he found himself in the starting lineup at Mike LB, a position he’s since left to play on the outside.

In 2015, Bignell led the Big Sky in solo tackles and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. As a junior, he exploded, racking up 101 tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss, which

was tops in the Big Sky on his way to All-Conference and All-American honors. In his final campaign with MSU, Bignell has 89 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, even while constantly being double-teamed because of his defensive prowess. He has already set the MSU all-time record for forced fumbles and will finish his incredible career with over 300 tackles.

“He’s just got a great feel for the game,” MSU head coach Jeff Choate said of Bignell.

“He’s a natural football player. He’s not the biggest guy, he’s not the fastest guy and he’s not the strongest guy, but he’s got great instincts, a great feel for the game with great body position and he does a really, really nice job.”

In other words, Bignell is simply one of the best to ever suit up at Montana State. And that family name mentioned earlier — his father Joe being an All-American tight end at MSU, his brother Nate having a great career at MSU and his cousins Clay and Brian also having one-time starring roles on the MSU defense — it doesn’t matter, Mac has carved

out his own Bignell legacy in Bozeman.

And it’s been more than just a job or a collegiate experience for Bignell at MSU. It’s been a way of life that started when he was just a little boy. Whether it was the Cat-Griz rivalry, or his family name, Bignell has always been a Bobcat. He’s always been part of a legacy, and, while it will be over after he plays the Grizzlies on more time, it’s a legacy that will last a lifetime.

After all, it’s in his name, and it’s in his blood.

“I didn't create the legacy, but it's my job to uphold it,” Bignell said of his last name being so synonymous with MSU football.

“Not many people get to say they play for the team they've truly loved their whole life,” he added. “When I was a kid I was at Avon school from K through 8 and we'd divvy up sides for playground football (based on) Cats vs. Griz. All the Bignells, my brothers and cousins, would be on the same team, the Cats, and we always stomped them (Griz). So it's great (playing for MSU). It's truly an honor.”

Ackeren and the list goes on and on. And Still, Schye earned his way onto special teams and some playing time as a red-shirt freshman in 2014, even intercepting a pass for a touchdown.

However, with his special combination of power and speed, and his height, standing at almost 6-5, Schye, and the Grizzlies envisioned him as something more than a LB, and so, his sophomore season, he was moved to defensive end.

And yet, that was a crowded position too.

Zach Wagenmann, Tyrone Holmes, Caleb Kidder and Ryan Johnson were all there, and that’s a list of some of the most productive defensive ends in recent Griz history.

So once again, Schye had to wait his turn and earn his time.

But by his junior season, he was starting to turn heads, even with Kidder and Johnson as starters. Schye recorded 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a sack in a backup role in 2016, knowing that both Kidder and Johnson were leaving, and that, his role would be heavily increased for his fifth and final season at Montana.

“I set my standard for myself very high and I've worked very hard for what I want to achieve,” he said. “Obviously there will be some more hype behind me this year, I guess, but as far as what I expect and the pressure I feel, I kind of have that cranked all the way up myself.

“Athletically Tucker is as good as there are in the Big Sky (Conference),” Griz defensive coordinator Jason Semore said. “I think if he played on a lot of other Big Sky teams he'd have been starting for a couple years by now.”

No doubt. When Kidder handed the No. 37 off to Schye, he put the pressure on himself to perform. And he hasn’t disappointed. Heading into the Cat-Griz game, Schye has 7 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for loss, which is second in the Big Sky. He also leads the Big Sky in forced fumbles and has been a wrecking machine for a Grizzly defense that may have gotten off to a rough start, but has come on strong over the last month.

Schye has also done his diligence as a leader of the Montana football team. He’s done everything to not only produce, but to represent the Grizzlies, the 37 legacy and his hometown of Malta the right way. He’s one of the most respected players in the Grizzly locker room, and, through his hard work, his determination to succeed, and his unselfishness over the years, simply, he’s embodied everything the No. 37 stands for.

“I think his personality and how he carries himself, he's going to be humble about it and work his butt off,” Semore said.

And the work has paid off. Schye is everything Semore and the Grizzlies were hoping for this season. And now, things have come full circle. Schye grew up loving the Grizzlies and the Cat-Griz game. Now, in his last CatGriz game of his career, he steps into Bobcat Stadium wearing the most highly-respected number on the Montana roster. For a kid from Malta, it doesn’t get any better than that — minus one thing — a win over the Bobcats.

“Go out and take it,” Schye said. “That's really what it's all about. It's something that you look forward to all year. It really comes down to who wants it more I think.”

AP Photo Former Malta standout Tucker Schye has spent his senior season at the University of Montana wearing the No. 37 legacy jersey. Schye has also become one of the most feared defensive players in the Big Sky Conference, and, he's hoping he's not done yet, as a win Saturday in the Cat-Griz game would launch Montana into the FCS playoffs.

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He's got his own legacy now Everything #37 is supposed to be Malta proud, Tucker Schye waited his turn to be a star for the Grizzlies

Montana State's Mac Bignell has carved out his own place in a Bobcat family tradition

George Ferguson

George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

When it comes to football in the Treasure State, his last name says it all — Bignell.

That’s a famous name when it comes to gridiron success in Montana.

So it’s no wonder Montana State senior linebacker Mac Bignell is one of the best at what he does in the Big Sky Conference, ahead of his final game in Bobcat Stadium. And that game, for a guy like Bignell, will mean everything, because it’s against the Montana Grizzlies.

And while Bignell certainly has a famous last name when it comes to Montana high school and Montana State football prowess, and he hails from one of the most successful Class C program’s in Montana history, it didn’t mean Bignell was automatically going to be star when he arrived in Bozeman.

In fact, it was just opposite. Bignell had to work to get there, starting out as a walk-on.

But, as he readies to play the Grizzlies one last time, he’s arrived. After a brilliant fouryear run, Bignell has simply become one of the best linebackers the Bobcats have ever had.

“I told Mac he’s playing at as high of a level as I’ve ever got to coach from a linebacker,” MSU defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak said earlier this season. “He’s like a man possessed. He is playing really, really good football right now.”

No question. When all is said and done, Bignell will be a Big Sky All-Conference performer for the third straight season, and likely an FCS All-American for a second time.

Not bad for a Class C kid out of Drummond, where things were decidedly different than the Big Sky. “Just getting used to 11 guys would be one of the biggest (challenges),” Bignell said.

“Learning the terminology was all different to me. Then again, football is football in the end.”

But making the transition from 8-man football, to playing at the highest level of NCAA football wasn’t the only challenge for Bignell on his rise to stardom.

Bignell was born with mild hearing loss, which makes communication on the football field a little more difficult. But, like so many other challenges over the years, Bignell has never let that one stand in his way.

“When I was younger, my hearing aids — they weren’t really hearing aids at the time — but it was a big old headset and then the teacher had a microphone so I could hear the teacher,” he said during a 2016 interview.

“I’m not a guy who likes to stand out from the crowd. Other than that I never really had a problem. I grew up in a small town and we’re basically a family in a small town so nobody gave me too hard of a time for it.

“In Class C football I would always go to

To guys like Tucker Schye, the Cat-Griz game isn’t any old football game. It’s not the next game on the schedule, or any other cliché’ generally reserved for down-playing hype and excitement.

No, to Schye, who grew up on the Montana Grizzlies, and the Brawl of the Wild down the Hi-Line in Malta, the Cat-Griz game is something more, it’s special, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

“It's really special," Schye said of the rivalry. “It's something you have an appreciation for from day one and I'd say something that me and Josh (Horner) definitely have had an appreciation our whole life of. We've grown up around it. You never miss this game, growing up watching it, at least I didn't. You really know how special it is.”

Indeed, Schye knows all about special. He came to the Grizzlies after a brilliant two-way career with Malta. And right from the start, Schye was pegged as one of the next special players from Montana to wear a Grizzly uniform.

That would culminate last winter with then senior Caleb Kidder handing off the No. 37 legacy jersey to Schye for his senior season.

The number is reserved for a Montana-born defensive players\, and handed down from one No. 37 to the next.

It’s an honor Schye took, and continues to take very seriously.

“Really I'd just like to say that I'm honored, honored to be chosen by Caleb to wear No. 37,” Schye said after finding out he would be the next No. 37. “It's a real humbling experience for me. I'm just proud to represent the number.”

Not only was Schye honored to be chosen, but the former Class B All-State standout seemed to have a great grasp of what type of player you must be to wear the number.

“To me it embodies obviously the Montana spirit,” he said. “I guess what I mean by that is it’s really that blue-collar, hard-working, mentally tough mentality. Just being a badass.”

There’s no question Schye embodies those qualities. Growing up on the Hi-Line, working hard for what you want, earning everything you get is a fabric of life. And he’s always done that, whether in life or football.

And while he’s enjoying an incredible senior season, one in which he’s clearly one of the best defensive ends in the Big Sky Conference, long before he got to wear the legacy jersey, Schye had to earn everything.

He arrived at Montana in 2013, and while expectations were high, Schye was a linebacker at 197 pounds. And in a linebacker room filled with stars, playing time was going to be an uphill climb. In Schye’s time at UM, he’s spent time around some of the greatest linebackers to ever play for the Griz, like Brock Coyle and Jordan Tripp, and Kendrick Van

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State senior linebacker Mac Bignell has been tearing up the Big Sky Conference for the last four years. Bignell, a native of Drummond, came to MSU with his family name already firmly entrenched in Bobcat lore. But now, as his last Cat-Griz game approaches, his name will forever be part of Bobcat history. the coaches on the sideline and they would tell me the plays so I was pretty much face-toface. It really didn’t affect me there,” Bignell continued. “Here we do everything by signal so during games I’m not really affected by my hearing, but where it does bother me is in school, not hearing all the information. My biggest thing is not being able to write notes in class because if I’m looking down I’m not able to read his lips. The challenges are there but I’ve faced them my whole life so I’m used to them.”

Consider any challenge Bignell has faced completely overcome at this point.

As a red-shirt freshman in 2014, Bignell was a special team’s standout for the Bobcats, but, by the time his sophomore year rolled around, he found himself in the starting lineup at Mike LB, a position he’s since left to play on the outside.

In 2015, Bignell led the Big Sky in solo tackles and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. As a junior, he exploded, racking up 101 tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss, which

was tops in the Big Sky on his way to All-Conference and All-American honors. In his final campaign with MSU, Bignell has 89 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, even while constantly being double-teamed because of his defensive prowess. He has already set the MSU all-time record for forced fumbles and will finish his incredible career with over 300 tackles.

“He’s just got a great feel for the game,” MSU head coach Jeff Choate said of Bignell.

“He’s a natural football player. He’s not the biggest guy, he’s not the fastest guy and he’s not the strongest guy, but he’s got great instincts, a great feel for the game with great body position and he does a really, really nice job.”

In other words, Bignell is simply one of the best to ever suit up at Montana State. And that family name mentioned earlier — his father Joe being an All-American tight end at MSU, his brother Nate having a great career at MSU and his cousins Clay and Brian also having one-time starring roles on the MSU defense — it doesn’t matter, Mac has carved

out his own Bignell legacy in Bozeman.

And it’s been more than just a job or a collegiate experience for Bignell at MSU. It’s been a way of life that started when he was just a little boy. Whether it was the Cat-Griz rivalry, or his family name, Bignell has always been a Bobcat. He’s always been part of a legacy, and, while it will be over after he plays the Grizzlies on more time, it’s a legacy that will last a lifetime.

After all, it’s in his name, and it’s in his blood.

“I didn't create the legacy, but it's my job to uphold it,” Bignell said of his last name being so synonymous with MSU football.

“Not many people get to say they play for the team they've truly loved their whole life,” he added. “When I was a kid I was at Avon school from K through 8 and we'd divvy up sides for playground football (based on) Cats vs. Griz. All the Bignells, my brothers and cousins, would be on the same team, the Cats, and we always stomped them (Griz). So it's great (playing for MSU). It's truly an honor.”

Ackeren and the list goes on and on. And Still, Schye earned his way onto special teams and some playing time as a red-shirt freshman in 2014, even intercepting a pass for a touchdown.

However, with his special combination of power and speed, and his height, standing at almost 6-5, Schye, and the Grizzlies envisioned him as something more than a LB, and so, his sophomore season, he was moved to defensive end.

And yet, that was a crowded position too.

Zach Wagenmann, Tyrone Holmes, Caleb Kidder and Ryan Johnson were all there, and that’s a list of some of the most productive defensive ends in recent Griz history.

So once again, Schye had to wait his turn and earn his time.

But by his junior season, he was starting to turn heads, even with Kidder and Johnson as starters. Schye recorded 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a sack in a backup role in 2016, knowing that both Kidder and Johnson were leaving, and that, his role would be heavily increased for his fifth and final season at Montana.

“I set my standard for myself very high and I've worked very hard for what I want to achieve,” he said. “Obviously there will be some more hype behind me this year, I guess, but as far as what I expect and the pressure I feel, I kind of have that cranked all the way up myself.

“Athletically Tucker is as good as there are in the Big Sky (Conference),” Griz defensive coordinator Jason Semore said. “I think if he played on a lot of other Big Sky teams he'd have been starting for a couple years by now.”

No doubt. When Kidder handed the No. 37 off to Schye, he put the pressure on himself to perform. And he hasn’t disappointed. Heading into the Cat-Griz game, Schye has 7 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for loss, which is second in the Big Sky. He also leads the Big Sky in forced fumbles and has been a wrecking machine for a Grizzly defense that may have gotten off to a rough start, but has come on strong over the last month.

Schye has also done his diligence as a leader of the Montana football team. He’s done everything to not only produce, but to represent the Grizzlies, the 37 legacy and his hometown of Malta the right way. He’s one of the most respected players in the Grizzly locker room, and, through his hard work, his determination to succeed, and his unselfishness over the years, simply, he’s embodied everything the No. 37 stands for.

“I think his personality and how he carries himself, he's going to be humble about it and work his butt off,” Semore said.

And the work has paid off. Schye is everything Semore and the Grizzlies were hoping for this season. And now, things have come full circle. Schye grew up loving the Grizzlies and the Cat-Griz game. Now, in his last CatGriz game of his career, he steps into Bobcat Stadium wearing the most highly-respected number on the Montana roster. For a kid from Malta, it doesn’t get any better than that — minus one thing — a win over the Bobcats.

“Go out and take it,” Schye said. “That's really what it's all about. It's something that you look forward to all year. It really comes down to who wants it more I think.”

AP Photo Former Malta standout Tucker Schye has spent his senior season at the University of Montana wearing the No. 37 legacy jersey. Schye has also become one of the most feared defensive players in the Big Sky Conference, and, he's hoping he's not done yet, as a win Saturday in the Cat-Griz game would launch Montana into the FCS playoffs.

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Here’s a look back at the last seven Brawl of the Wild games to get you ready for Saturday’s showdown, which kicks off at 12:08 p.m. and will be broadcast nationwide on Root Sports NW.

field goals, finished 5-6. “We knew they were big up front and knew they would be a physical team,” said Schreibeis, who in January became the first Bobcat to win the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player in the FCS. “We just had to weather the storm for a little bit and then let our speed kind of take control.” The Cats improved to 10-1 and finished 11-2 with a loss in the FCS quarterfinals.

Montana State 21, Montana 16 - 2010, Missoula

Montana 28, Montana State 14 — 2013, Bozeman

The Griz ran into Washington-Grizzly Stadium in new all-black uniforms but couldn’t catch the Bobcats, who scored on their first three possessions and never trailed. DeNarius McGhee, MSU’s freshman quarterback, threw touchdown passes to Great Falls’ Tanner Bleskin and C.J. Palmer, and Orenzo Davis provided the winning points with a 17-yard TD run. The Grizzlies stayed in range, answering the Cats’ first two drives with a 59-yard TD burst from Chase Reynolds and a 6-yard scoring run from QB Justin Roper. But UM was turnover-plagued: Both Reynolds and Gerald Kemp fumbled inside the MSU 5-yard line in the second half. Reynolds’ turnover came after a bad punt snap resulted in an MSU safety. The Griz also turned the ball over on downs at MSU’s 15 with 1:23 left. That cinched the Cats’ first win over the Griz and first Big Sky title since 2005. Davis ran for 140 yards for MSU. Reynolds ran for 180 yards for the Griz, who ended up 7-4 and out of the postseason for the first time since 1992.

The 5th-ranked University of Montana Grizzlies played perhaps their best defensive game of the season and UM's offense made key plays when it needed to, as the Grizzlies defeated the host 13th-ranked Montana State Bobcats 28-14 in front of a record crowd in Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.

Montana’s defense held the Bobcat offense, composed of legendary seniors DeNarius McGhee, Cody Kirk and Tanner Bleskin, to just 257 total yards and 14 points. But Shawn Johnson’s 82-yard punt return for a TD in the first quarter set the tone for a low-scoring first half. The Griz tied the game on a Jordan Canada run late in the first half, and it was locked at 7-7 at intermission. Montana added a Travon Van TD early in the third, and a back breaking TD pass from Jordan Johnson to Clay Pierson early in the fourth stanza. MSU tried to rally behind McGhee, but a Kirk fumble near midfield with the score sitting at 21-14, helped UM secure the victory, and Canada sealed it with a TD run on the Grizzlies’ ensuing possession. It was Montana’s fourth straight win in Bobcat Stadium, and the loss was MSU’s third straight to end the season, knocking the Cats out of the FCS playoff picture.

Montana 36, Montana State 10 - 2011, Bozeman It was set up as a coronation for the newly top-ranked Bobcats, but the No. 7 Griz took command in the second half behind Dan Moore and Peter Nguyen. Moore rushed for 116 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown to put UM up 29-7 at 5:37 of the third quarter. Nguyen ran for 123, including a 21-yard run to cap the scoring with 9:28 left, and send many of the record crowd of 20,247 at an expanded Bobcat Stadium for the exits. Griz quarterback Jordan Johnson threw for two touchdowns, one a 2-yard strike to Kavario Middleton on fourth-and-goal with 2:15 left in the first half. That put Montana up 12-0. MSU drove to a touchdown to start the second half, DeNarius McGee hitting Elvis Akpla from 7 yards. But the Griz answered on their next offensive snap: Johnson found Jabin Sambrano for 79 yards and a TD to make it 19-7. Montana gained 316 yards of offense in the second half, and rushed for 309 yards against the Big Sky’s top run defense. “I’m very proud and honored to be involved in a game like this, when it comes down to the great state of Montana for the championship,” second-year Griz coach Robin Pflugrad said. “It’s nice to get on that bus with a win.” Both teams lost at Sam Houston State in the FCS playoffs; the Griz fell 31-28 in the semifinals. And in 2013, as part of NCAA sanctions, the Griz’ victory that day in Bozeman was wiped off the record books.

Montana State 16, Montana 7 – 2012, Missoula The second-ranked Bobcats relied on defense, kicker Rory Perez and quarterback DeNarius McGhee to subdue the Griz. Montana led 7-3 after Peter Nguyen’s 47-yard scoring run in the first quarter but didn’t score again. Bobcat defensive ends Caleb Schreibeis (16 tackles and a sack) and Brad Daly shut down the Griz running game; Montana punted eight times after Nguyen’s TD. A record Washington-Grizzly Stadium of 26,210 saw MSU go in front on McGhee’s 15-yard scoring pass to Saco product Kruiz Siewing at 7:54 of the second quarter. McGhee threw for 246 yards and ran four times on a clock-killing drive that ended in Perez’s third field goal with 2:23 left.That made it a two-score game and clinched the Grizzlies’ first losing season since 1985. The Griz, who missed two

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Montana Grizzlies Defensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Offensive Starters Cats Offensive Numbers

Griz Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 25 ppg, 11th in Big Sky

Scoring: 28 ppg, 6th in Big Sky Markell Sanders #1, 6-2, 185 Cornerback

Total defense: 422 ypg, 6th in Big Sky

Jabarri Johnson #81, 6-4, 210 Receiver

Total offense: 394 ypg, 10th in Big Sky Rushing: 242 ypg, 1st in Big Sky

Rush defense: 154 ypg, 5th in Big Sky

Mitch Brott #63, 6-6, 290 Right tackle

Montana 34, Montana State 7 – 2014, Missoula On an unseasonably warm afternoon, and one of the few Cat-Griz games to ever be played almost all under lights, the No. 12 Grizzlies shocked the No. 11 Bobcats on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Jordan Johnson was cut loose in a surprise spread-option offensive attack, and the Griz scored on five of their first six possessions to lead 27-0 at halftime. On defense, Montana hounded MSU backup QB Jake Bleskin, in for injured starter Dakota Prukop, and forced an astounding seven turnovers, including five interceptions in front of a record crowd of 26,532 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. In the 114th meeting of the Griz and Cats, Montana punched its ticket to the FCS playoffs as Johnson threw for 303 yards and rushed for 91 more, while fellow senior Jordan Canada added 119 yards on the ground. During the game, Zack Wagenmann also broke the Griz’ all-time sack record, while the Bobcats amassed just 281 yards of total offense. The win came just days after UM head coach Mick Delaney announced his retirement.

Montana 54, Montana State 35 – 2015, Bozeman The Grizzlies needed a fifth straight win in the series in Bozeman to have a chance at the FCS playoffs. The Cats needed to snap Montana’s Bobcat Stadium winning streak to secure a winning season. But in a meeting of two offensive powerhouses, the Griz won out. The Griz scored 31 uanswered first-half points, including long touchdown passes by Brady Gustafson to Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson, and they capped a 37point first-half explosion with two Daniel Sullivan field goals to lead the Cats 37-14 at the break. MSU rallied in the third period, and closed to within 44-35 with nine minutes left, but Gustafson answered with his fourth TD pass of the day, lifting Montana to its third straight win in the Brawl. The Griz racked up 537 yards to MSU’s 503, and Gustafson threw for 353 yards after missing six games in the middle of the season with a broken leg. The loss to the Griz turned out to be the last for MSU head coach Rob Ash, who was fired two days later.

Chris Favoroso #43, 6-3, 245 Defensive end Josh Buss

#42, 6-2, 204 Linebacker Josh Sandry #13, 6-1, 203 Strong Safety

AP Photo Montana quarterback Brady Gustafson led the Grizzlies to a win in the 2015 Cat-Griz game in Bozeman. Montana State hasn't won at home in the Brawl of the Wild since 2005.

Montana State 24, Montana 17 – 2016, Bozeman The Bobcats struggled in Jeff Choate’s first season at the helm. But not on the last day. Inside a sold-out Washington-Grizzly Stadium, freshman quarterback Chris Murray led the 3-7 Cats to an improbable win. Murray ran for 152 yards and two scores, and led MSU to victory while completing just two passes. Montana opened the game with a 58-yard Brady Gustafson TD pass, but after that, the Cats rushed for 368 yards and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes in tome of possession as they won for only the fourth time in Missoula since Wash-Griz opened in 1986.

David Shaw #96, 6-5, 319 Nose tackle ConnorStrahm #10, 6-0, 241 Linebacker

Justin Strong #5, 5-11, 195 Strong Safety

Jesse Sims #49, 6-4, 254 Defensive tackle James Banks #36, 6-1, 215 Linebacker

Tucker Schye #37, 6-4, 242 Defensive end

Jeff Choate MSU Head Coach

Taylor Tuiasosopo #60, 6-3, 295 Right guard

Alex Neale #70, 6-3, 290 Center

Chris Murray #8, 6-2, 180 Quarterback

Nick LaSane #23, 6-0, 215 Running back

Lewis Kidd #76, 6-6, 290 Left guard

Dylan Mahoney #55, 6-6, 285 Left tackle

Kevin Kassis #85, 6-0, 190 Receiver

Choate was appointed Montana State's 32nd head football coach on Friday, Dec. 4.

An Idaho native who graduated from UM Western in 1993 and has spent most of his 24 seasons in coaching within a 10-hour drive of Bozeman.

Choate came to MSU from the University of Washington where he was the defensive line coach.

Connor Sullivan #87, 6-5, 250 Tight end

Ryan McKinley #2, 6-1, 193 Corner

Mitchell Herbert #82, 6-4, 205 Receiver

Jered Padmos #40, 6-2, 175 Punter

Gabe Peppenger #31, 6-0, 220 Kicker

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Montana Grizzlies Offensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Defensive Starters

Griz Offensive Numbers

Cats Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 37 ppg, 1st in Big Sky Total offense: 457 ypg, 3rd in Big Sky

Scoring: 25 ppg, 2nd in Big Sky Keenan Curran #6, 6-2, 201 Receiver

Tyrel Thomas #2, 5-8, 175 Cornerback

Total defense: 403 ypg, 4th in Big Sky

Passing: 304 ypg, 4th in Big Sky

Pass defense: 231 ypg, 3rd in Big Sky

David Reese #76, 6-7, 301 Left tackle Jerry Louie-McGee #16, 5-9, 168 Receiver

Bob Stitt UM Head Coach Bob Stitt was formally introduced as the 36th head football coach in University of Montana history on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014.

He signed a three-year contract, which will take him through the 2017 season.

He comes to Montana after a 15-season stint as the head football coach at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) where he had an overall record of 108-62 and 13 winning seasons.

Angel Villanueva #75, 6-3, 314 Left guard

Tyrone Fa'anono #57, 6-2, 270 Defensive End

Mac Bignell #49, 6-0, 190 Linebacker Khari Garcia #12, 5-10, 178 Free Safety

Jeremy Calhoun #8, 6-0, 213 Running Back

Gresch Jensen #2, 6-2, 218 Quarterback

Cooper Sprunk #72, 6-4, 300 Center

Zach Wright #96, 6-2, 260 Defensive tackle

Josh Hill #58, 5-11, 200 Linebacker Bryson McCabe #10, 6-0, 190 Strong Safety

Robert Luke #75, 6-4, 318 Right guard

Tucker Yates #92, 6-0, 303 Nose tackle Brayden Konkol #18, 6-2, 200 Linebacker

Mike Ralston #51, 6-5, 302 Right tackle

Derek Marks #95, 6-1, 227 Defensive end

Josh Horner #80, 6-5, 232 Receiver Brandon Purdy #39, 5-10, 182 Kicker

Eric Williams #35, 5-11, 183 Punter

Justn Calhoun #3, 5-10, 168 Receiver

Bryce Alley #24, 5-11, 180 Cornerback

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No. Name 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61 62 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 76

Grizzlies Numerical Roster Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Treshawn Favors R-Sr. RB Markell Sanders R-Jr. CB Gresch Jensen R-Fr. QB Ryan McKinley R-Sr. CB Justin Calhoun R-So. WR Rey Green R-Fr. RB Kobey Eaton R-So. WR Justin Strong Sr. S Keenan Curran Jr. WR Dareon Nash R-Fr. CB Matt Rensvold Fr. WR Jeremy Calhoun Jr. RB Lewis Cowans R-Fr. CB Brennan Corbin R-Fr. WR Nate Dick Fr. QB Connor Strahm R-Sr. LB Isiahia Banks Fr. S Korey Alexander Sr. S Caleb Hill Jr. QB Josh Sandry R-So. S Tanner Wilson Fr. QB Michael McGinnis Fr. S Retired in Honor of Dave Dickenson Jerry Louie-McGee R-So. WR Makena Simis R-Sr. WR Samuel Akem R-Fr. WR Malik Flowers Fr. WR Gavin Crow R-Fr. CB Terron Moses Fr. RB Lamarriel Taylor R-So. WR Retired in Honor of Terry Dillon Josh Egbo R-Fr. CB Alijah Lee R-Jr. RB Shane Moody R-Sr. RB Jared Thurber Fr. WR Cody McCombs R-So. RB Josh Deshner Fr. ATH Kendall Sweet Fr. LB Evan Epperly R-Jr. S Nick Fouch Fr. WR Trase Le Texier R-Fr. LB Dante Olson R-So. LB Jace Lewis R-Fr. LB Eric Williams Jr. KP James Banks Sr. LB Tucker Schye R-Sr. DE Caleb Mitchell R-Fr. LS Brandon Purdy R-So. KP Cy Sirmon R-So. DE Curtis Holmes Fr. CB Josh Buss R-Jr. LB Chris Favoroso R-So. DE Randy Rodriguez R-Fr. DT Vika Fa'atuiese R-So. LB Cole Rosling R-Fr. DE Jesse Sims R-So. DT Cody Meyer R-So. OL Mike Ralston R-Sr. OL Michael Matthews Fr. LB Carder Key Fr. LB Gage Smith R-Jr. LB Kyle Davis R-Jr. DT Marcus Welnel Fr. LB Shayne Cochran R-Jr. LB Colton Keintz Fr. OL Matthew O'Donoghue R-Fr. LS Dylan Eickmeyer R-Fr. OG Ashton Torres R-Fr. OT Thayne Jackson R-Fr. OG Skyler Martin Fr. OL Payton Stoner Fr. OL Cooper Sprunk R-Sr. C Brandon Scott R-Fr. OT Angel Villanueva R-So. OL Robert Luke Sr. OL David Reese Sr. OL

*Cut and take to the game!!

5-9 209 6-2 189 6-2 218 6-1 193 5-10 174 5-11 195 6-3 180 5-11 190 6-2 203 6-2 178 6-4 211 6-0 213 6-1 192 6-5 210 5-10 188 6-0 240 6-0 203 5-11 190 6-4 215 6-1 203 6-2 195 6-3 191 Gr. 5-9 175 6-2 235 6-4 195 6-2 185 6-1 200 5-7 166 6-2 198 Gr. 6-2 193 5-6 197 5-8 176 6-4 169 5-9 196 6-0 190 5-11 216 5-10 197 6-0 162 6-2 236 6-3 230 6-1 220 6-0 188 6-1 215 6-4 242 6-1 195 5-10 182 6-3 250 5-9 175 6-2 220 6-3 245 6-3 244 6-3 230 6-4 230 6-4 272 6-3 293 6-5 302 6-2 206 6-2 210 6-3 217 6-1 283 6-0 212 6-1 220 6-8 275 6-1 248 6-4 292 6-4 292 6-5 296 6-5 255 6-6 282 6-4 300 6-7 295 6-5 324 6-4 318 6-7 301

Hometown

Glendale, Ariz. / Mountain Ridge HS Renton, Wash. / Eastside Catholic HS Auburn, Wash. / Auburn Mountainview HS Anthem, Ariz. / Boulder Creek HS Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS Vancouver, Wash. / Union HS Vancouver, Wash. / Evergreen HS Rialto, Calif. / Summit HS Federal Way, Wash. / Federal Way HS Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS Polson, Mont. / Polson HS Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS Mission Viejo, Calif. / Mission Viejo HS Anaheim, Calif. / Villa Park HS Billings, Mont. / Senior HS Eugene, Ore. / Sheldon HS Aurora, Colo. / Mullen HS Pittsburg, Calif. / Pittsburg HS Brenham, Tex. / Brenham HS Bigfork, Mont. / Bigfork HS Polson, Mont. / Polson HS Sidney, Mont. / Sidney HS

/ Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Lake City HS Boise, Idaho / Capital HS Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Fontana, Calif. / A.B. Miller HS Kennewick, Wash. / Kamiakin HS Vian, Okla. / Vian HS Chula Vista, Calif. / Mission Bay HS

/ Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland HS Los Angeles, Calif. / Venice HS Parker, Colo. / Regis Jesuit HS Burien, Wash. / Kennedy Catholic HS Billings Mont. / West HS Missoula, Mont. / Sentinel HS Tulsa, Okla. / Booker T. Washington HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Woodinville, Wash. / Woodinville HS Boulder, Mont. / Jefferson County HS Medford, Ore. / Cascade Christian HS Townsend, Mont. / Broadwater County HS Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart HS Junction City, Ore. / Sheldon HS Malta, Mont. / Malta HS North Bend, Wash. / Mount Si HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Wenatchee, Wash. / Wenatchee HS Spring Valley, Calif. / Proctor Academy Boise, Idaho / Mountain View HS Port St. Lucie, Fla. / Jensen Beach HS Peoria, AZ / Centennial HS Vista, Calif. / Vista HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Stevensville, Mont. / Corvallis HS San Marcos, Calif. / San Marcos HS Oregon City, Ore. / Sheldon HS Camas, Wash. / Camas HS Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Culbertson, Mont. / Culbertson HS Missoula, Mont. / Big Sky HS Santa Ana, Calif. / Foothill HS Tucson, Ariz. / Salpointe Catholic HS Aurora, Colo. / Cherokee Trail HS Gilbert, Ariz. / Gilbert HS Vancouver, Wash. / Skyview HS San Diego, Calif. / Mt. Carmel HS Tigard, Ore. / Jesuit HS Owasso, Okla. / Owasso HS Duarte, Calif. / Duarte HS Tacoma, Wash. / Charles Wright Academy HS Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS

No. Name

Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Bob Stitt Jason Semore Travis Niekamp Chad Germer Justin Green Joe "JB" Hall Jr. Andrew Selle Mike Ferriter Lennard Manke Brian Hendricks Shann Schillinger Colin Bonnicksen Matt Nicholson Reese Phillips

2017 Montana Coaching Staff Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator Cornerbacks Quarterbacks Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Wide Receivers Assistant Defensive Line Safeties Director of Football Operations Strength & Conditioning Coach Undergraduate Student Coach

77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Dallas Hart R-So. Conlan Beaver R-Fr. Josh Horner Sr. Mitch McLaughlin Jr. Samori Toure R-Fr. Mitch Roberts Fr. Jed Nagler R-Fr. Danny Burton Fr. Bryson Deming Fr. Colin Bingham R-So. Tim Semenza R-So. McKenzie Holt Fr. Brandt Davidson Sr. Myles McKee-Osibodu Sr. Braydon Deming Fr. Devin Maua R-Fr. Andrew Harris R-So. David Shaw Jr. RJ Nelson Fr. Esai Longoria R-Fr. Reggie Tilleman R-Jr.

OL OT WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR K ATH DT DT DE DE LB DT DE DT DT

6-5 6-5 6-5 5-9 6-3 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4

315 293 232 174 186 188 218 172 228 230 155 238 293 272 234 232 231 319 221 305 272

Hometown

Cypress, Calif. / Pacifica HS Fredericksburg, Va. / Massaponax HS Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Riverside, Calif. / Riverside Poly HS Portland, Ore. / Westview HS Missoula, Mont. / Sentinel HS Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS Helena, Mont. / Capital HS Billings, Mont. / West HS Missoula, Mont. / Big Sky HS San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS Thompson Falls, Mont. / Thompson Falls HS Tucson, Ariz / Salpointe Catholic HS Santa Ana, Calif. / Centennial HS Billings, Mont. / West HS Billings, Mont. / Senior HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove HS Hillsboro, Ore. / Hillsboro HS Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS Genesee, Idaho / Genesee HS

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Bobcats Numerical Roster No.Name 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 40 41 42 43 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Pos.

Jake Roper RB Tyrel Thomas CB Justin Paige WR James Campbell WR Braelen Evans CB Edward Vander RB Ben Folsom S JoJo Henderson CB Jalen Cole CB Chris Murray QB Jacob Hadley LB Bryson McCabe DB Willie Patterson WR Khari Garcia DB Tucker Rovig QB Karl Tucker II WR Keaton Anderson DB Brady McChesney QB Troy Andersen RB Kamden Brown QB Luke May QB Ty Okada DB Jacob Byrne WR Tadan Gilman LB Brayden Konkol S Callahan O'Reilly QB Dre Jackson DB Noah James RB Nick LaSane RB Bryce Alley CB Tyrel Burgess RB Anthony Pegues RB Damien Washington CB Logan Jones RB West Wilson DB Sean Opland LB Gabe Peppenger K Jakob McCarthy LB Coy Steel WR Balue Chapman LB Will Martel S Adam Jordt CB Brian Campbell S Shawn Borges S Jaxen Hashley DL Jered Padmos P/K Grant Collins LB R. J. Fitzgerald FB Walker Cozzie LB Sal Aguilar LB Ryan Davis TE Mac Bignell LB Chase Benson DE Jackson McCleery LB Kyle Finch DL Chad Kanow DE Dylan Mahoney OL Brandon Hayashi DT Rocky Hogue LS Tyrone Fa'anono DL Josh Hill LB Zach Redd OL Taylor Tuiasosopo OL Jake Sessions OL Logan MacDonald LS Mitch Brott OT

Ht. Wt. Year Hometown/School

5-11 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-8 6-2 6-5 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-5 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-6

190 175 175 165 190 200 210 195 150 180 220 205 175 195 205 205 180 190 215 190 205 165 165 200 200 210 173 215 220 175 160 180 176 175 205 200 220 215 175 200 185 175 195 180 260 175 240 215 215 210 230 215 265 210 225 205 275 310 225 270 215 275 314 276 175 290

Rf. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. So. Rf. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Rf. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Rf. So. Jr. Sr. Rf. So. Sr. Fr. Rf. Rf. Rf. Rf. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Rf. Fr. Rf. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Rf. Rf. Fr. So.

Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Compton, CA St. John Bosco Katy, TX Morton Ranch Palatka, FL Palatka Frisco, TX Hebron Mission Viejo, CA Jackson, MT Beaverhead County Salt Lake City, UT Olympus Snow College Carson, CA Mater Dei Inglewood, CA Lawndale Billings, MT Central Spirit Lake, IA Spirit Lake Iowa Western Tacoma, WA Franklin Pierce Pomona, CA Charter Oak Meridian, ID Mountain West Great Falls, MT CMR Billings, MT Senior Kalispell, MT Glacier Dillon, MT Beaverhead County Covina, CA Charter Oak Whitefish, MT Whitefish Minnesota Woodbury, MN East Ridge Missoula, MT Loyola Kalispell, MT Glacier Belgrade, MT Belgrade Bozeman, MT Bozeman Atlanta, GA Central Gwinnett Kalispell, MT Glacier Dallas, TX Lovejoy Houston, TX North Shore Haines City, FL Ridge Community Frisco, TX Centennial Covina, CA Charter Oak Kalispell, MT Glacier Columbia, MO Rock Bridge Troy, MT Troy Missoula, MT Sentinel La Habra, CA Sonora Fullerton JC Sheridan, WY Sheridan Bozeman, MT Bozeman Bozeman, MT Bozeman Bigfork, MT Bigfork Covington, WA Kentwood Honolulu, HI Damien Kalispell, MT Glacier Boulder, MT Jefferson Bozeman, MT Bozeman Dillon, MT Beaverhead Helena, MT Capital Santa Ana, CA Mater Dei Billings, MT Skyview Drummond, MT Drummond Helena, MT Helena Huntington Beach, CA Mater Dei Dillon, MT Beaverhead Temecula, CA Great Oak Great Falls, MT CM Russell Hacienda Heights, CA Los Altos Merced, CA Merced Oxnard, CA Oaks Christian Kalispell, MT Glacier Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Lancaster, CA Paraclete Colstrip, MT Colstrip Moraga, CA Campolindo Billings, MT West His

No.Name 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Pos.

Ht. Wt. Year Hometown/School

Brody McKnight OL Connor Wood OL Jarrod Asche OL Denver Krone OL Alex Neale C Conner Floden OL Colin Hammock OL Caleb Gillis OL Wade Webster OL Sean Hatten OL Lewis Kidd OL Curtis Amos, Jr. TE Jabarri Johnson WR Mitchell Herbert WR Kapili Livingston-Lopez WR Peyton Hanser WR Kevin Kassis WR Lance McCutcheon WR Connor Sullivan TE John D'Agostino WR Clark Judisch TE Fou Polataivao DT Michael Jobman DE Tucker Yates DT Kyle Rygg DL Travis Yates DL Derek Marks DL Zach Wright DL Wilson Brott TE Elu Leota DT Marcus Ferriter DL

6-3 6-5 6-8 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-3

295 310 300 265 285 270 275 285 305 275 290 230 210 210 160 205 190 190 240 195 220 305 211 290 235 266 245 265 265 255 245

Fr. Fr. Rf. Rf. Jr. Rf. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Rf. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Rf. Sr. Rf. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So.

Sammamish, WA Eastside Catholic Meridian, ID Rocky Mountain Glendive, MT Dawson County Augusta, MT Choteau Duvall, WA Eastside Catholic El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Missoula, MT Sentinel Glen, MT Beaverhead County Bettendorf, IA Bettendorf Bakersfield, CA Garces Fridley, MN Totino-Grace Burleson, TX Centennial Oakland, CA Franklin Eugene, OR Sheldon Honolulu, HI Damien Billings, MT Central El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Bozeman, MT Bozeman Ennis, MT Ennis Bozeman, MT Bozeman Conrad, MT Conrad Medford, OR N. Medford Huntley Project, MT Huntley Project Colstrip, MT Colstrip Eugene, OR Sheldon Placentia, CA Orange Lutheran Belgrade, MT Belgrade New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels Billings, MT West Euless, TX Trinity Butte, MT Central

2017 Bobcat Coaching Staff Jeff Choate

Head Football Coach

Ty Gregorak

Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

B.J. Robertson

Special Teams Coordinator/High School Relations

Brian Armstrong

Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends

Michael Pitre

Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator

Matt Miller

Wide Receivers

DeNarius McGhee

Quarterbacks

Joshua Taufalele

Offensive Line Coach

Byron Hout

Defensive Line

Mark Orphey

Secondary

Kyle Risinger

Secondary Assistant

Garrett Becker

Video Coordinator

Brittney Johnson

Director of Football Operations

Cole Moore

Football Administrative Associate

Ryan Saparto

Special Teams Intern

Kendrick Van Ackeren

Defensive Intern

Joe Dunning

Offensive Intern

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Big Sky Conference Standings

Southern Utah Weber State Northern Arizona Montana Eastern Washington Sacramento State Montana State UC Davis Idaho State North Dakota Northern Colorado Cal Poly Portland State

Conf. Overall WL WL

6-1 6-1 6-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 4-3 3-4 2-5 2-6 1-6 1-6 0-7

8-2 8-2 7-3 7-3 7-3 6-4 4-6 5-5 4-6 3-8 2-7 1-9 0-10

FCS Stats Top 25

1. James Madison (163) 2. Jacksonville State 3. Central Arkansas 4. North Dakota State 5. Sam Houston State 6. South Dakota State 7. Wofford 8. North Carolina A&T 9. Western Illinois 10. Stony Brook 11. Elon 12. Weber State

Rec. Pts Rnk

10-0 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 8-2 9-1 10-0 7-3 8-2 8-2 8-2

4075 3840 3700 3510 3451 3331 3043 2829 2417 2263 2197 2096

1 2 3 5 4 6 8 9 11 12 7 14

9-1 8-2 7-3 7-3 7-3 6-4 8-2 7-3 6-4 9-1 7-3 6-4 8-2

1942 1823 1769 1667 1598 1049 967 954 798 787 717 515 485

13 15 10 18 16 19 20 21 17 23 24 25 NR

Others receiving votes: :Monmouth 366, Delaware 225, Montana 215, Yale 89, Richmond 83, Western Carolina 70, Austin Peay 46, Columbia 18, North Carolina Central 16, Sacramento State 7, Youngstown State 6, Howard 5, Central Connecticut State 3, Dartmouth 2, San Diego 1.

Big Sky Conference

Saturday's Games Montana at Montana State Portland State at Eastern Washington Northern Arizona at Southern Utah Idaho State at Weber State UC Davis at Sacramento State Cal Poly at Northern Colorado

13. Grambling State 14. Southern Utah 15. South Dakota 16. New Hampshire 17. Samford 18. Eastern Washington 19. McNeese 20. Furman 21. Illinois State 22. Kennesaw State 23. Northern Arizona 24. UNI 25. Nicholls

Individual Leaders For 2017

Passing: Jake Maier, UCD, 334 ypg Receiving: Keelan Doss, UCD, 133 ypg Receptions: Keelan Doss, UCD, 10 rpg Rushing: Jared Mohamed, CP, 107 ypg Tackles: James Banks, UM, 10 tpg Sacks: Ben Sorensen, SAC, 9 sacks INT's: Dre Terrell, SAC, 5 INT's

Montana Born and Raised A breakdown of the current Montanan's playing for Cats, Griz

Montana Grizzlies (33) Matt Rensvold, Polson Nate Dick, Billings Josh Sandy, Bigfork Tanner Wilson, Polson Michael McGinnis, Sidney Cody McCombs, Billings Josh Desner, Missoula Evan Epperly, Kalispell Trase LeTexier, Boulder Jace Lewis, Townsend Eric Williams, Missoula Tucker Schye, Malta Brandon Purdy, Kalispell Cole Rosling, Helena Jesse Sims, Stevensville Gage Smith, Whitefish Marcus Welnel, Helena Shayne Cochran, Culbertson Colton Keintz, Missoula Josh Horner, Great Falls Mitch Roberts, Missoula Jed Nagler, Whitefish Danny Burton, Helena Bryson Deming, Billings Colin Bingham, Missoula McKenzie Holt, Thompson Falls Braydon Deming, Billings Devin Maua, Billings Andrew Harris, Kalispell Mick Delaney, Bozeman

Montana State Bobcats (43) Ben Folsom, Dillon Jacob Hadley, Billings Karl Tucker II, Great Falls Keaton Anderson, Billings Brady McChesney, Kalispell Troy Andersen, Dillon Luke May, Whitefish Jacob Byrne, Missoula Tadan Gilman, Kalispell Brayden Konkol, Belgrade Callhan O’Reilly, Bozeman Noah James, Kalispell Logan Jones, Kalispell Sean Opland, Troy Gabe Peppenger, Missoula Balue Chapman, Bozeman Will Martel, Bozeman Adam Jordt, Bigfork Jaxen Hashley, Kalispell

Jered Padmos, Boulder Grant Collins, Bozeman R.J. Fitzgerald, Dillon Walker Cozzie, Helena Ryan Davis, Billings Mac Bignell, Drummond Chase Benson, Helena Kyle Finch, Dillon Dylan Mahoney, Great Falls Josh Hill, Kalispell Jake Sessions, Colstrip Mitch Brott, Billings Jarrod Asche, Conrad Denver Krone, Choteau Colin Hammock, Missoula Caleb Gillis, Dillon Peyton Hanser, Billings Lance McCutcheon, Bozeman John D’Agostino, Bozeman Clark Judisch, Conrad Michael Jobman, Huntley Tucker Yates, Colstrip Derek Marks, Belgrade Wilson Brott, Billings Marcus Ferriter, Butte

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A day in Montana unlike any other George Ferguson

Cats and Griz has some high intrigue, very similar to last year’s game in Missoula. The Bobcats are set to finish with a losing season for the third straight year, but, they also can spoil their worst enemy’s season yet again.

At 4-6, but a solid 4-3 in the Big Sky, MSU has improved a ton this season, and, on their home turf, they have a chance to keep the Grizzlies out of the FCS playoffs for the second year in a row. Montana comes to Bozeman at 7-3, and a win n the Brawl would send them to the playoffs for the second time in head coach Bob Stitt’s tenure. It would also be give the Griz a 6-1 finish to the regular season. A loss however, would send Montana all the way down to a tie for fourth in the final Big Sky standings, with the Bobcats, and would give the Griz no chance of reaching the playoffs.

So, once again, there’s a ton riding on the Brawl, and not just for the Griz and Cats, but for the divided fans of the state of Montana.

After all, they don’t call it the Divide Trophy for nothing.

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats have met 116 times on the field. Many of those games, whether played in Bozeman, Missoula or Butte, have been memorable.

It’s a rivalry so stepped in tradition, it even sparked the legendary Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz to recommend the game being on college football fan’s bucket list.

Yes, no matter what side of the divide fans are on, Cat-Griz brings the Treasure State to a standstill on the third Saturday of every November. This year’s venue, Bobcat Stadium, will instantly become the sixth-largest city in Montana as a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 21,000 is expected to be on hand.

Of course, the evolution of the Cat-Griz game has also reached a global scale, as the game will be televised nationally on Root Sports for the fifth straight year, while hundreds of Cat and Griz satellite parties will be held, not only all across the U.S., but in many foreign counties as well.

Of course, this year’s meeting between the

Montana State Bobcats vs Montana Grizzlies Montana State University Location: Bozeman Nickname: Bobcats Colors: Blue/Gold Enrollment: 16, 703 2017 record: 4-6 (4-3)

2016 record: 4-7 (3-5) Head coach: Jeff Choate (8-12) Stadium: Bobcat Stadium Streak: The Bobcats are on a one-game winning streak in the series, entering the 2017 Brawl. Montana State ended a three-game slide to the Griz with a close win last November in Missoula.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 Bobcat Stadium ~ 12:10 pm University of Montana Location: Missoula Nickname: Grizzlies Colors: Maroon/Silver Enrollment: 11, 865 2017 record: 7-3 (5-2)

2014 record: 6-5 (3-5) Head coach: Bob Stitt (21-12) Stadium: WashingtonGrizzly Stadium Streak: The Griz have beaten MSU six straight times away from Missoula.

Now, they'll look to start a new overall winning streak against the Cats, after losing in Missoula last year.

Montana Grizzlies

Montana State Bobcats

7-3, 5-2

4-6, 4-3

def. Valparaiso 45-23 lost at Washington 63-7 def. Savannah State 56-3 lost to Eastern Washington 48-41 def. Portland State 45-33 def. Idaho State 39-31 def. North Dakota 41-17 lost at Weber State 41-27 def. Northern Arizona 17-15 def. Northern Colorado 44-14 UM Offense

AP Photo The Montana State Bobcats hoisted the Great Divide Trophy last year in Missoula. The trophy is once again on the line when the Bobcats host the Montana Grizzlies in the 117th Brawl of the Wild Saturday in Bozeman.

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2017 Cat-Griz By the Numbers 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/28 11/4 11/11

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The Grizzlies have once again dealt with major quarterback injuries this season, losing senior starter Reece Phillips after just two-plus games. But, the offense has not skipped a beat and appears to be becoming everything Bob Stitt promised when he was hired in 2014. Montana is first in the Big Sky in scoring at 37 ppg, and the Griz are third in passing and fourth in total offense at over 450 yards per outing. Montana is also running the ball much more efficiently this season, while the Griz are an excellent 40-of-47 in redzone scoring chances this fall. Pass efficiency has been a key to the Grizzlies’ success, while, if they have one, turnovers have been a bugaboo. Some of that can be attributed to the QB position, as red-shirt freshman Gresch Jensen and now backup Caleb Hill have had to find their footing while playing meaningful Big Sky games. But no doubt, turnovers have plagued the Griz at times, as they’ve given the ball away 24 times this season.

And still, with the high-effeciency offense, and so many explosive WR’s and running backs, UM, when healthy, fired on all cylinders, and the Griz have a Top 20 FCS offense entering the Brawl.

Star Watch: The focus will be on QB Gresch Jensen as he makes his first-career Cat-Griz start. Stepping in for Phillips, Jensen has shined, throwing for 2,205 yards and 19 touchdowns, with a 60 percent completion percentage.

But Jensen would say, he’s only as good as his receivers, and no receiver on the field may be more explosive then sophomore Jerry Louie-McGee, who has 42 catches for 552 yards. McGee is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball, but then again, so is Keenan Curran and Justin Calhoun. In fact, Montana has an embarssment of riches at WR, with the like of Samori Toure, Sammy Akem, Josh Horner and Makena Simis also having at least 15 catches on the season.

UM Defense Halfway through the season, the Grizzly defense was much maligned. It oince ranked dead last in the Big Sky in both pass defense and total defense. However, during the heart of the Big Sky schedule, things have started to change.

Montana has been playing at a high level for weeks now, and the meltdown against Eastern Washington seems like a distant memory. The Griz allow just 28 points and 422 yards of offense, while being especially good against the

run. Montana’s redzone defense has been outstanding all season long, as the Griz are second in the Big Sky and sixth in the FCS at 72 percent. Getting to the quarterback has always been a trademark of the UM defense and it is again this season, as Montana is second in the conference in sacks with 35, while the Griz also have over 80 TFL’s on the season as well. Takeaways have been key too. The Griz have 16 interceptions this season, and lead the Big Sky in forced fumbles. Montana’s blitzing style is risky, as the Griz are still 10th in the Big Sky in pass defense. Still, Montana’s defense, which has allowed just three offensive touchdowns in its last 12 quarters, is heading in the right direction, and, UM is also the second-least penalized team in the conference, which also helps.

Star Watch: Like with WR’s, Montana has a plethora of impactful players on defense, including its trio of linebackers, all of whom will be key in the Brawl. Junior Josh Buss is the star with his 91 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12.5 TFL’s, but senior James Banks is having a monster season with a Big Sky best 101 stops to go with 12.5 TFL’s. And, no one can overlook senior DE Tucker Schye, wearing the legacy No. 37. Schye has 6.5 sacks and 13.5 TFL’s, and he leads the Big Sky in forced fumbles. Senior LB Connor Strahm, sophomore defensive end Chris Favoroso and junior CB Ryan McKinley are also stars on the Grizzly defense, while safety Josh Sandry leads the team with four INT’s.

UM Special Teams It seems as though Montana’s kicking woes are gone. Last year, Tim Semenza and Brandon Purdy missed a combined 11 extra points. This season, Purdy, however has been outstanding, as he’s hit on 12-of-14 field goals, with a long of 47. Bob Stitt has also put starters like Curran and McGee, as well as all three starting LB’s, on coverage teams, and that’s made a difference as well. The Griz though, have yet to find a sold kickoff returner, as they are near the bottom of the league in kickoff returns. Still, with Purdy having a great season, and punter Eric Williams among the Big Sky leaders with an average of 41 yards per boot and 18 inside the opponent’s 20-yard-line, Montana’s high-scoring offense has been bolstered by a sound kicking game.

Star Watch: Cat-Griz may come down to a kick, but it could also come down to Louie-McGee. Not only is he dangerous on offense, but, he’s probably the most dynamic punt returner the Griz have had since Marc Mariani. He returned a punt for a score against Northern Arizona, his second of his young career, and his gambling style of returns makes him a game-changer for sure.

9/2 9/9 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4 11/11

lost at Washington State 31-0 lost to South Dakota State 31-27 def. North Dakota 49-21 lost to Weber State 25-17 def. Portland State 30-22 lost at Eastern Washington 31-19 def. Northern Colorado 27-24 def. Idaho State 28-14 lost to Kennesaw State 16-14 lost at Northern Arizona 37-36 MSU Offense

Jeff Choate believes in running the football, and the Bobcats have done that as well as anybody in the Big Sky this season. MSU leads the league in rushing, averaging 242 yards per game. Montana has a stable of rushers, including quarterback Chris Murray, who has over 1,000 yards on the ground. MSU also dominates time of possession as a result. And the Cats are first in the conference, converting third downs at a 45 percent clip. MSU also takes good care of the ball, having given it away just 12 times the entire season. However, the Cats have also been one dimensional much of the year. MSU is just 10th in the conference in total offense at 339 ypg, while the Cats are averaging just 152 yards per game passing. Scoring has been an issue as well. While MSU may chew up the clock, the Cats average just 25 ppg, and they rank 12th in the Big Sky in red zone offense, as MSU has scored just 19 touchdowns inside the opponent’s 20. And still, with their ball control offense, the Cats have been able to drag almost every game into the fourth quarter with a chance to win. Of their six losses this season, all to ranked opponents, MSU has lost by margins of 4, 8, 12, 2 and 1 point.

Star Watch: The success of the offense rises and falls with Chris Murray, the dynamic sophomore QB who has rushed for 1,083 yards and nine TD’s. He’s the first Bobcat QB to ever run for 1,000 yards in a season, and his elusiveness and escapability make him a nightmare matchup.

But, Murray’s arm will also be a factor. At times, he’s made big plays with his arm, and he’s got great WR’s to throw to in Mitch Herbert, Kevin Kassis and Jabarri Johnson.

But overall, Murray has struggled at times in the passing game, as he’s thrown for just 1,499 yards and nine INT’s this season. Still, with his style of play, and the emergence of senior Nick LaSane at RB, Murray is as dangerous a player as there is in the entire Big Sky. MSU Defense Once the most porous defense in the Big Sky, the Cats, under Choate and former UM DC Ty Gregorak, are now one of the best defensive units in the league. Even with several key season-ending injuries, including to DE Grant Collins, the Cats are second in the Big Sky in scoring defense (25 ppg), fourth in total defense (403 ypg) and third in the league against the pass (230 ypg). MSU’s physical style also works in spite of the fact the Cats have produced

few turnovers this season (12), and they are only 11th in the league in sacks with 19. But even without the turnovers and sacks, Montana State is just really hard to move the ball against. The Cats have a huge front line, led by DT Tucker Yates, and, the back end is really good with senior safety Bryson McCabe. And while their numbers aren’t flashy, MSU just flat-out gets the job done on defense.

Star Watch: Senior Mac Bignell is the heart of the Bobcat defense. He’s racked up 83 tackles, 12 TFL’s and two sacks to go with one INT and a forced fumble. Bignell is as good as it gets from sideline to sideline, and his play has freed up fellow LB Josh Hill to have a great season as well. Against the Grizzlies, DE Derek Marks will be called upon to have a big game for what is a young over Cat defense, while safety Khari Garcia will be important as well as UM looks to throw the ball a lot.

MSU Special Teams Special teams has been a struggle at times for the Bobcats this season. The Cats are just 4-of-10 on field goals this season, while they also rank near the bottom of the Big Sky on both kickoff coverage and punt coverage. A true bright spot however, has been MSU’s punting. The Cats average 40 yards per punt, and that has helped to alleviate some of the coverage issues. Overall though, because of some of the kicking game woes, the Cats go for 4th-downs and rank first in 4th-down conversions, converting 16-of-21 tries this season.

Star Watch: Punter Jered Padmos has been a weapon for the Cats this season. He averages 43 yards per punt and has 12 of them that have pinned an opponent inside the 20-yard-line. He’s also had five punts of 50 or yards this season, and, if the Cats do have to turn to Padmos, his rugby-style punting may prove to be very effective against UM standout Jerry Louie-McGee. Kevin Kassis has also become a very dangerous punt returner in his own right for the Bobcats, as he has 338 all-purpose yards on the season.

Get your Cat-Griz coverage with the HDN The Havre Daily News will have live coverage of the 2017 Cat-Griz game on Twitter, as well as postgame coverage at www.havredailynews.com and a full report in Monday's Hi-Line Sports Roundup.

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Respect the rivalry, respect each other From the Fringe...

George Ferguson Sports Editor

Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s the fact that I’ve watched the Cat-Griz rivalry for about as long as I can remember now. Maybe it’s just part of growing up.

But whatever it is, I’m going to make a plea to all of you Griz and Bobcat fans who are gearing up for the 117th Brawl of the Wild this Saturday.

And that plea is simple. Wherever you are, and whoever you’re with, can you all please treat each other at least decently? Can you all at the very least, treat each other with some respect and class?

Look, I’m not trying to take the fun out of this rivalry. It’s something so special to the state of Montana, and it is truly a rivalry in every sense of the word. It’s no different that Michigan/Ohio State, North Carolina/Duke, Auburn/Alabama or the Yankees and the Red Sox. In fact, because of how small our state is, and with no professional sports in Montana, the Cat-Griz game might even be more special than those rivalries I just mentioned, and people who haven’t experienced, can’t possibly understand.

So because of that, I expect animosity, I expect hard feelings, I expect jokes, and teasing and ribbing at each other’s expense. And whoever wins Saturday, I expect for that fan base to brag for the next 364 days. I expect the winning team to gloat and parade the Great Divide Trophy around Bobcat Stadium. I expect all of that.

But, no matter how intense this rivalry is, no matter how heated it is, no matter how divided we are as Bobcats or Grizzlies, what I don’t expect is fans treating each other badly. What I don’t expect is for things to get out of hand.

The Cat-Griz rivalry will be a rivalry no mat-

ter how much respect we and decency we show to each other as fans. It will be the rivalry we all love, without people getting in fights over it in bars, without name-calling, with vandalism and without harassment. The rivalry doesn’t need any of that to be the rivalry it is.

Especially, in this time, where there is so much divisiveness it seems in this country, there doesn’t need to be any of that between us, as Montanan’s. In other words, you can love the Cats, you can love the Griz, you can dislike the other team, the other school, and all of that, without a bunch of immature nonsense.

Trust me, you can do that, and the rivalry will not be softened or cheapened. No one needs to behave like the Alabama fan who poisoned the trees at Auburn to make this rivalry what it is.

And if you don’t believe me, watch the players on both sides Saturday. They’re going to treat each other with respect and class. Watch them come together after the game is over. If they can do it, so can we.

So, wherever you are Saturday, in a bar, at a tailgate party, or at Bobcat Stadium, please, just be decent to each other. Treat each other with respect. This special thing we have, Montana vs Montana State, Cat-Griz, the Brawl of the Wild, whatever you want to call it, it’s so special and, even from the stands, it needs to be treated with class and respect, and treating each other with class and respect is exactly how you honor this great football game.