Sept. 1, 2018 Grizzly Game Day

NO. 13 NORTHERN IOWA AT NO. 24 MONTANA • KICKOFF: 7 P.M. • TV: SWX MONTANA • SATURDAY, SEPT. 1, 2018

FAMILY MATTERS Keenan Curran gathers strength from his family

TOM BAUER/Missoulian

Q&A: WR SAMORI TOURE • PICKS: SPELTZ PICKS THE BIG SKY • THE EDGE: JUST GIVES THE NOD TO ...

F FALL ALL TIRE S SALE ALE HAPPENING NOW!

E2 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | Q&A

Young guy, big impact

Samori Toure brings talent to Montana’s receiving corps AMIE JUST 406mtsports.com‌

‌Sophomore wide receiver Samori Toure turned on the jets last season, racking up 553 yards receiving on 31 catches.

That mark was good enough for third on the team, behind Jerry Louie-McGee and Keenan Curran — who both have previously donned Toure’s current jersey in No. 82.

With one season under his belt, he already owns a Montana program record: his 80-yard reception against Savannah State is the longest catch without scoring a touchdown. His name’s in the record book three more times too: ninth longest catch (81 yards versus Weber State), 10th longest catch (the Savannah State grab) and 33rd longest catch (71 yard grab against Idaho State).

The Portland native only started in one game last year — the Portland State game that was played just outside his hometown — but suited up in all 11, playing a big part in Montana’s aerial assault.

The sophomore is ready for more when his second season starts on Saturday against No. 13 Northern Iowa.

Q: You’ve been named a starter for Saturday. How excited are you for that?

“I’m very excited. It’s been a long time.

I’ve been here for a while, even though I’ve only technically played one season, but I’m just really excited. I’m ready to go.”

Q: What are your initial thoughts on Northern Iowa?

“I think they’re a really good team.

They’ve always been a strong program.

We definitely have our hands full with them. I’m just excited because it’s going to be a good matchup. It’s a night game. Everyone’s going to be out. I’m so excited.”

Q: When did you start playing football?

“I started playing football in the third

grade. In Oregon that’s the earliest you can play football, except if you have a dad coaching you can play in second grade, but my dad didn’t coach, so I had to wait until third grade.”

Q: What position did you play?

“I played running back when I first started. I played running back third and fourth grade and then I moved to receiver in fifth grade. I’ve been a receiver ever since.”

Q: What’s it like playing for Coach Hauck?

“Coach Hauck, it’s really good playing for him because he’s not just about turning you into the best player you can be, but he’s about turning you into the best person you can be off the field as well. That’s something I’ve really noticed about him. He really cares about us as people off the field. That’s just something that can make us all more successful in life.”

Q: What’s your major and how did you choose it?

“I’m majoring in communication studies. I just chose it because that’s something I’ve always been really good at. Whether it’s verbal or nonverbal communication, I’ve been really good at reading people and accurately telling people how I feel about certain situations, so I just feel like that’s something I can be good at.”

Q: What’s your favorite spot in Missoula?

“Favorite spot in Missoula has to be, other than my house, the movie theater. I like to go see movies. That’s always been something I’ve done, whether that’s at home or out here. Especially the new movie theater too. They serve you food and whatnot. I really like it there.”

Q: What’s your favorite movie you’ve seen lately?

“Probably ‘Equalizer 2’ with Denzel Washington. I saw it with my dad like a couple weeks ago. It was a really good movie.”

KURT WILSON, Missoulian

Montana receiver Samori Toure hauls in an 81-yard touchdown catch all alone in front of the Weber State bench in Ogden, Utah, in 2017.

I sing, but I’m not a good singer, but I’ll still sing. Other than that, not really.”

Q: Who’s your favorite professional athlete?

Year: Sophomore “That’s a tough one. I’m going to go Position: WR with Antonio Brown, just because I follow Height: 6-foot-3 him on everything and he’s literally working out every single day. It’s crazy. That’s Weight: 193 what it takes to go to the next level so Hometown: that’s something that really inspires me.”

Portland Q: Why No. 82?

“Originally, that was just the number Q: What is next up in your Netlfix/ I got. But I realized that Jerry (LouieMcGee) had that number, Keenan (CurHulu queue? ran) had that number. It’s been getting “Right now I’ve been on an HBO kick passed down. I’ve just stuck with it. lately. I’ve been watching ‘Hard Knocks’ Everyone was telling me like, ‘Switch a lot, but next up is a show called ‘The Shop.’ It’s Odell Beckham, LeBron, Dray- your number’ because they want to keep mond Green, all them at a barbershop just passing it down. They thought I should talking. I’ve been wanting to watch that.” get a more attractive number or whatever, and I was open to changing my number, Q: What’s your go-to pregame but once everyone started telling me to pump up song? change my number, I was like, ‘No. I’m “That’s a tough one. I put everything not changing my number just because on shuffle, but I have to say anything by everyone else is telling me to.’ So I’m Chief Keef gets me hyped up.” keeping it for now. But we’ll see in the Q: Any hobbies outside next couple years. I don’t know.” of football?

Q: What are your goals for the “I really like playing video games. next three years?

Watch movies. I’m really passionate “First of all, get my degree. Beat the about music. I listen to music all the time.

Cats the rest of my years. Get a Big Sky Other than that, anything to do with my friends, bowling, just anything. I’m a laid championship and get a national championship.” back guy. I don’t go out and do stuff a lot, usually I’m just at the house hangAmie Just covers Griz football and ing out.”

Missoula-area preps. Follow her on Q: Any hidden talents?

Twitter @Amie_Just or email her at Amie.

“I can juggle. Definitely. I made my hand-eye coordination better for receiver. Just@406mtsports.com.

SAMORI TOURE, NO. 82

The

CeNTer of YoUr fiNaNCiaL Life is aLL iN The

faMiLY

.

LeT Us heLp YoU CoNNeCT YoUr fiNaNCiaL goaLs To whaT MaTTers MosT Getting to know you and what you are all about - planning for college, taking care of an elder family member, passing a legacy to future generations, buying a second home - is so important. Once we understand your priorities, together, we can help you pursue the goals you’ve set for yourself and your family.

Kimberly roth, CrpC®

scott seifert, Cfp®

Senior Vice President Senior Resident Director Senior Consultant

ryne Mading, CrpC® Financial Advisor

solon Linton, CrpC®

Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

First Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

Michael smith

Lisa woirhaye, CrpC®

danielle eicholtz

Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch 330 N. Higgins Avenue Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 829-2440 (800) 394-6961

daniel Kiely, Cfp®

Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

Registered Senior Client Associate

Client Associate

Joe hertig, CrpC®

Brian eicholtz, Cpfa

Nicci dusek

rachel Berryman

Vice President Wealth Management Advisor Retirement Benefits Consultant

Client Associate

Financial Advisor

Client Associate

®

The power of The righT advisor.™

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products:

are Not fdiC insured

are Not Bank guaranteed

May Lose value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are a trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CRPC® is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® in the U.S. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

ARTR9KH3 | AD-07-17-0466 | 470951PM-1016 | 08/2018

E4 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | KEENAN CURRAN

CURRAN’S CLAN Family tragedy spurs priority re-evaluation for senior captain AMIE JUST 406mtsports.com‌

‌Keenan Curran attributes the best football game of his career to his mother.

After Curran’s breakout game in high school, he found his mom in the stands afterward to tell her that his pick-six was for her.

“She’s literally my rock,” Curran said. “She guides me in everything I do. She’s done everything. It’s not easy to have four African-American kids living in the 90s. I don’t know how she pushed through it, but she managed to raise us and get me to where I’m at now. It’s all thanks to her.

He added: “She’s literally sacrificed everything so I can live out my dream. I’ll never be able to repay her. I don’t even know if she necessarily wants me to, but to see the joy that she gets to experience, it makes me so happy.”

Tattoos sprawl up and down Curran’s right arm and every one of them references his family.

His mom’s name — Shannon — is on the back of his arm. He’s worn the Curran family crest on his arm since he was 14. His older sister’s name — Ashley — is on the inside of his wrist. A depiction of his grandfather’s eye is on his forearm.

Curran’s love for his family has always been there. But his family became an even greater priority after he received a phone call in March of 2015 while he was at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

His younger half-brother on his dad’s side suddenly

KEENAN CURRAN, NO. 6 Position: Wide receiver Year: Senior Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 200 Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.

I was here and able to go back home and see him for the rest of the summer. He’s recovered.

He’s doing all right.

“I don’t know what would have happened if I wasn’t able to go back. If I was still at Air Force and couldn’t get leave, I would have had a hard time with myself if I wasn’t able to see my brother if he had passed away.”

Along for the ride‌ Curran, a senior captain for the Grizzlies, has racked up 1,538 yards receiving from 2015-17.

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian That’s good enough for No. 24 Montana’s Keenan Curran catches an onside kick from ISU sealing the victory for the Griz in 2017. all-time among Griz receivers.

His name appears in the that I’ve created a second home. record book six times — includending his days in Colorado. At passed away. the end of Curran’s first year, he It’s almost like when I’m back in ing one for a school record. His “I was pretty close with him.

Seattle, I’m itching to come back four receiving touchdowns in was honorably discharged.

He was a really smart kid,” here, spend time with people Curran called Legi Suiaunoa, Curran said. “He got sick and 2016 against Idaho State is tied here. This is my family out here. with Jabin Sambrano, Marc the former Griz defensive line passed away. It really made me I’m so invested in this place.” re-evaluate what was important coach and friend of his family.

Mariani, Joe Douglass, Marvin Curran said coming to Curran said he let Suiaunoa to me.”

Turk and Mike Rice for the Montana and being closer to know how he was feeling and “... It’s unfortunate for school record. his hometown of Federal Way, anybody’s family member to die, that he wanted to come closer His average yards per catch Wash., has been a blessing to home. but what I’ve been able to do is — 17.80 — for his career is third Curran accepted former head in disguise. live every day like it is my last all-time among Griz players.

In the summer of 2016, one coach Bob Stitt’s scholarship because I don’t know. I could That mark is behind Marvin of Curran’s older brothers had a Turk and Mariani. Curran’s 14 offer in May 2015, albeit as a get hit by a bus walking back to close brush with death as well. wide receiver rather than a the locker room. Life is sacred. career receiving touchdowns are “I was here working out. defensive back.

I don’t want to take life for also 14th in the books.

“Griz Nation, they’ve received My brother, he had an ulcer in granted. And that’s him being in And two people have watched me extremely well,” Curran said. his stomach rupture. He was my life.” it all happen — yard by yard, in critical condition. My mom “They’ve received me better Curran had been unhappy catch by catch, touchdown by wasn’t even sure if he was going than I could have ever wished. at Air Force Prep, but Robert’s to live,” Curran said. “Luckily, passing was the catalyst for him I’m happy that in my time here See CURRAN, Page E12

Keeping Missoula Beered since 1988!

Come see the largest selection of cold beer in the Northwest!

“You have to realize, that in Missoula, drinking beer is not considered drinking.” ~ Norman McLean, A river runs Through It

Delivery Service Monday-Friday

704 S.W. Higgins • Local Flavor 7 Days a Week! • 7AM - 10PM • 721-2456 • Locally Owned

E6 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE. PARTS • SALES • SERVICE • RENTAL www.WesternStatesCat.com

406-721-4050

GO

Every minute. Every day. missoulian.com

Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018 — E7

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STRENGTHS

THE EDGE ‌Missoulian reporter AMIE JUST assesses the strengths of both teams

QUARTERBACK: Junior quarterback Dalton Sneed is getting the nod on Saturday over Cam Humphrey. Sneed hasn’t played a game before for Montana, but Hauck’s confident in his abilities. Trade that in for Northern Iowa’s senior signal caller Eli Dunne. Dunne started in 12 games last season for the Panthers and threw for 2,704 yards. But he’s one-dimensional, having -155 net yards rushing last year.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Hauck’s thoughts on his offensive line were succinct on Monday: “I think it’s an area of major concern.

That’s what I think.” Meanwhile, the Northern Iowa pipeline returns three starters: junior right guard Jackson Scott-Brown, senior left tackle Cal Twait and senior left guard Ezrah Szczyrbak.

That trio combines for 53 starts heading into this game.

RUNNING BACK: Redshirt freshman Adam Eastwood will be starting in his first game on Saturday. Northern Iowa returns senior star Marcus Weymiller who led the Panthers in the run game last year with 809 net yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Their No. 2 running back Trevor Allen is also returning too. Allen carried the ball 92 times for 412 yards.

WIDE RECEIVER/TE: The majority of Montana’s arsenal is back and ready for more: Keenan Curran, Jerry Louie-McGee, Samori Toure, Colin Bingham, the list continues. Northern Iowa’s best wideout last year has graduated and their best potential replacement tore his ACL last week.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Two of Montana’s top tacklers on the line either graduated or left the program since last season, but junior Jesse Sims, senior David Shaw and senior Reggie Tilleman are holding down the fort. For Northern Iowa, Montana is game planning for their version of Buss in Rickey Neal Jr., who lines up at both defensive end and linebacker.

LINEBACKERS: Montana’s All-American linebacker Josh Buss might get limited snaps; expect two-time reigning UM special teams MVP Dante Olson to go off with his physicality.

Northern Iowa’s Neal drops back some alongside senior linebacker Duncan Ferch — UNI’s top returning tackler.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Three of Montana’s five starting DBs are either new to the program or new to the position — Robby Hauck, Gavin Robertson, Justin Calhoun. Expect them to give a breath of fresh air into the room. Northern Iowa sophomore Xavior Williams is the lone returning starter in the Panther secondary. Junior safety Christian Jegen, who suited up at running back/wideout last year, is questionable.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Northern Iowa, remember Jerry LouieMcGee and his 81-yard punt return touchdown? Yeah. He’s a junior now. And he has a coach who is a special teams guru teaching him now.

INTANGIBLES: It’s Hauck’s home opener after being gone for seven years and eight months in what should be a packed Washington-Grizzly Stadium. It’s under the lights. It’s going to be intense.

KURT WILSON, Missoulian

Montana linebacker Josh Buss gets an arm around Weber State quarterback Stefan Cantwell before sacking him last season. Weber State is ranked eighth in the preseason 2018 STATS Football Championship Subdivision poll.

STATS FCS POLL ‌The top 25 teams in the preseason 2018 STATS Football Championship Subdivision poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records and points:

Record Record Pts Pts 1. North Dakota State (151) 0-0 3919 14. North Carolina A&T 0-0 1480 2. James Madison (6) 0-0 3764 15. Delaware 0-0 1470 3. South Dakota State 0-0 3470 16. Central Arkansas 0-0 1383 4. Sam Houston State 0-0 3228 17. McNeese 0-0 1133 5. Kennesaw State 0-0 3120 18. Nicholls 0-0 1056 6. Jacksonville State 0-0 3041 19. Villanova 0-0 920 7. New Hampshire 0-0 2873 20. Stony Brook 0-0 798 8. Weber State 0-0 2815 21. Illinois State 0-0 795 9. Eastern Washington 0-0 2541 22. Austin Peay 0-0 709 10. Wofford 0-0 2087 23. Furman 0-0 685 11. Samford 0-0 2003 24. Montana 0-0 626 12. Elon 0-0 1812 25. Youngstown State 0-0 541 13. UNI 0-0 1612 Others: South Dakota 496, Western Illinois 401, Southern Utah 357, Northern Arizona 312, Grambling State 289, Idaho 287, Yale 252, Sacramento State 208, San Diego 202, Richmond 91, Monmouth 53, Colgate 45, Lehigh 27, Central Connecticut State 23, North Dakota 13, UC Davis 12, Western Carolina 10, Bethune-Cookman 9, Montana State 8, Stephen F. Austin 7, Eastern Illinois 6, Mercer 6, Southern Illinois 4, Harvard 4, Howard 4, Columbia 3, Dartmouth 3, Duquesne 3, North Carolina Central 3, Citadel 2, Alcorn State 2, UT Martin 1, Southeastern Louisiana 1.

E8 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME D

Prosuodr of p S on idz GrizK

Western Montana’s Premium Real Estate Brokerage

Engel & Völkers Western Frontier 321 N Higgins Ave · Missoula · 406-926-3322 113 Anchor Way · Polson · 406-872-2233 100 Pinckney · Hamilton · 406-375-5556 Kalispell · Opening Soon Whitefish · Opening Soon

westernfrontier.evusa.com

A Real Estate Brokerage 2018 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act

Sponsor of the Sp

Thanks to Bellamah Vein Center, Aldean is hunting for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Renew your legs . . . renew your life!

541-3200 www.VeinMontana.com

‌‌MONTANA ROSTER

No. Name Year Pos. 2 Cam Humphrey R-So. QB 2 Gavin Robertson R-So. S 3 Justin Calhoun R-Jr. CB 4 Nash Fouch Fr. S 4 Rey Green R-So. RB 5 Kobey Eaton R-Jr. CB 5 Garrett Graves Fr. QB 6 Keenan Curran Sr. WR 6 Jackson Pepe Fr. S 7 Dareon Nash R-So. CB 7 Gabe Sulser Fr. WR 8 Jeremy Calhoun Sr. RB 8 Lewis Cowans R-So. CB 9 Brennan Corbin R-So. TE 9 David Koppang Fr. S 10 Reid Miller Sr. S 11 Dalton Sneed R-Jr. QB 12 Caleb Hill Sr. TE 13 Josh Sandry R-Jr. S 13 Tanner Wilson R-Fr. QB 14 Seamus Hennessy Fr. QB 14 Michael McGinnis R-Fr. S 15 RETIRED IN HONOR OF DAVE DICKENSON 16 Jerry Louie-McGee R-Jr. WR 17 Wheeler Harris R-Fr. QB 17 Robby Hauck R-Fr. S 18 Samuel Akem R-So. WR 19 Malik Flowers R-Fr. WR 20 Gavin Crow R-So. CB 21 Lamarriel Taylor R-Jr. WR 22 RETIRED IN HONOR OF TERRY DILLON 23 Josh Egbo R-So. CB 24 Alijah Lee R-Sr. RB 25 Adam Eastwood R-Fr. RB 27 Kadeem Hemphill R-Jr. CB 29 Nick Fouch So. WR 30 Evan Epperly R-Sr. S 30 Jackson Groff Fr. WR 31 Trase Le Texier R-So. FB 32 Drew Turner Fr. RB 33 Dante Olson R-Jr. LB 34 Jace Lewis R-So. LB 35 Eric Williams Sr. KP 36 Levi Janacaro Fr. FB 37 Jesse Sims R-Jr. DE 38 Caleb Mitchell R-So. LS/S 39 Brandon Purdy R-Jr. KP 41 Gabe Peppenger Jr. KP 42 Josh Buss R-Sr. LB 43 Jake Olsen Fr. TE 44 Randy Rodriguez R-So. DE 45 Vika Fa’atuiese R-Jr. FB 46 Jed Nagler R-So. DE 47 Cole Rosling R-So. DE 48 Devin Maua R-So. DE 49 Matthew O’Donoghue R-So. LS 50 Cody Meyer R-Jr. OL 51 Cole Sain Fr. OL 52 Michael Matthews R-Fr. LB 53 Lorenzo Brown Fr. DE 54 Tyler Flink Fr. LB 55 Kyle Davis R-Sr. DT 56 Marcus Welnel R-Fr. LB 57 Shayne Cochran R-Sr. LB 58 Patrick O’Connell So. LB 59 Milton Mamula Fr. DE 60 Cody Hartsoch Fr. OT 61 Adam Wilson Jr. KP 62 Dylan Eickmeyer R-So. OG 63 Trevor Welnel Fr. OT 65 Gerrit Bloemendaal Fr. OL 66 Cy Sirmon R-Jr. OL/DT 67 Tyler Ganoung Fr. OL 68 Cody Kanouse Fr. OT 70 Skyler Martin R-Fr. OT 71 Payton Stoner So. OL 72 Conor Quick Fr. OL 73 Brandon Scott R-So. OT 74 Angel Villanueva R-Jr. OL 75 Sean Anderson Fr. OT 76 Colton Keintz R-Fr. OL 77 Dallas Hart R-Jr. OL 78 Conlan Beaver R-So. OT 79 Esai Longoria R-So. OL 80 Mitch Roberts R-Fr. WR 81 Matt Rensvold R-Fr. TE 82 Samori Toure R-So. WR 83 Nick Germer Fr. WR 84 Max Morris Fr. TE 85 Danny Burton So. WR 86 Colten Curry Fr. TE 87 Bryson Deming R-Fr. TE 88 Colin Bingham R-Jr. TE 89 Tim Semenza R-Jr. K 91 Eli Alford Fr. DT 92 Jace Schneider Fr. LB 93 Braydon Deming R-Fr. DE 94 Nathaniel Ferguson Fr. P 95 Andrew Harris R-Jr. DE 96 David Shaw Sr. DT 97 RJ Nelson R-Fr. DE 98 Alex Gubner Fr. DT 99 Reggie Tilleman R-Sr. DE

MONTANA STARTING OFFENSE

Hgt. 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-5 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-3

Wt. 192 222 176 192 205 180 196 200 196 190 161 210 195 240 200 208 207 241 210 210 182 205

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

180 203 179 196 195 202 195

6-2 5-6 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-7 6-5 6-7 6-8 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-7 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-1 5-8 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4

195 Gilbert, Ariz.

196 Los Angeles, Calif.

215 Del Mar, Calif.

187 Chicago, Ill. 170 Woodinville, Wash.

197 Kalispell, Mont.

180 Phoenix, Ariz.

247 Boulder, Mont.

210 Kalispell, Mont.

237 Medford, Ore. 230 Townsend, Mont.

188 Missoula, Mont.

226 Missoula, Mont.

270 Stevensville, Mont.

187 North Bend, Wash.

176 Kalispell, Mont.

220 Missoula, Mont.

220 Boise, Idaho 210 Great Falls, Mont.

250 Peoria, Ariz.

230 Vista, Calif.

230 Whitefish, Mont.

250 Helena, Mont.

250 Billings, Mont.

255 Santa Ana, Calif.

282 San Marcos, Calif.

277 Bellflower, Calif.

210 Camas, Wash.

238 Las Vegas, Nev. 210 Missoula, Mont.

270 San Diego, Calif.

220 Helena, Mont.

225 Culbertson, Mont.

220 Kalispell, Mont.

216 Newtown Square, Penn.

284 Kalispell, Mont.

181 San Diego, Calif.

301 Tucson, Ariz.

247 Helena, Mont.

291 Great Falls, Mont.

272 Wenatchee, Wash.

336 Hillsboro, Ore. 335 Gig Harbor, Wash.

272 Vancouver, Wash.

282 San Diego, Calif.

273 Helena, Mont.

321 Owasso, Okla.

324 Duarte, Calif.

318 Litchfield Park, Ariz.

287 Missoula, Mont.

305 Cypress, Calif.

295 Fredericksburg, Va. 315 Caldwell, Idaho 191 Missoula, Mont.

235 Polson, Mont.

193 Portland, Ore. 190 Missoula, Mont.

219 Kalispell, Mont.

175 Helena, Mont.

215 Valier, Mont.

245 Billings, Mont.

245 Missoula, Mont.

150 San Diego, Calif.

285 Park City, Utah 176 Bellevue, Wash.

252 Billings, Mont.

234 Butte, Mont.

220 Kalispell, Mont.

290 Spring Grove, Pa. 231 Hillsboro, Ore. 295 West Hills, Calif.

265 Genesee, Idaho

WR 6 Keenan Curran

TE 88 Colin Bingham

Hometown Issaquah, Wash.

Auburn, Wash.

Long Beach, Calif.

Woodinville, Wash.

Vancouver, Wash.

Vancouver, Wash.

Eureka, Mont.

Federal Way, Wash.

Kalispell, Mont.

Covina, Calif.

Billings, Mont.

Long Beach, Calif.

Mission Viejo, Calif.

Anaheim, Calif.

Missoula, Mont.

Hollidaysburg, Pa. Scottsdale, Ariz.

Brenham, Tex. Bigfork, Mont.

Polson, Mont.

Corvallis, Ore. Sidney, Mont.

QB 11 Dalton Snead

LT 78 Conlan Beaver

RB 25 Adam Eastwood

LG 74 Angel Villanueva C 50 Cody Meyer

RG 62 Dylan Eickmeyer

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Mesa, Ariz.

Missoula, Mont.

Broken Arrow, Okla.

Fontana, Calif.

Kennewick, Wash.

Chula Vista, Calif.

RT 76 Colton Keintz

WR 81 Samori Toure

WR 16 Jerry Louie-McGee

K 89 Tim Semenza

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB WR RB WR WR TE

2 80 24 18 85 87

Cam Humphrey, So. Mitch Roberts, R-Fr. Alijah Lee, Sr. Samuel Akem, So. Danny Burton, So. Bryson Deming, R-Fr.

K LT LG C RG RT

39 75 66 70 79 71

Brandon Purdy, Jr. Sean Anderson, Fr. Cy Sirmon, Jr. Skyler Martin, R-Fr. Esai Longoria, So. Payton Stoner, So.

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE S 17 Robby Hauck

CB 3 Justin Calhoun

LB 33 Dante Olson

DE 97 R.J. Nelson

NB 13 Josh Sandry

DT 96 David Shaw

S2 Gavin Robertson LB 34 Jace Lewis

DT 49 Jesse Sims

DE 99 Reggie Tilleman

CB 7 Dareon Nash

P 35 Eric Williams

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE LB LB DE DE DT

56 57 46 44 91

Marcus Welnel, R-Fr. Shayne Cochran, Sr. Jed Nagler, So. Randy Rodriguez So. Eli Alford, Fr.

NB CB CB S S

14 20 8 10 30

Michael McGinnis, R-Fr. Gavin Crow, So. Lewis Cowans, So. Reid Miller, Sr. Evan Epperly, Sr.

Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018 — E9

DAY MATCHUPS NORTHERN IOWA STARTING DEFENSE CB 9 Xavior Williams

MLB 48 Chris Kolarevic

DE 7 Rickey Neal

MLB 39 Duncan Ferch

DT 98 Bryce Douglas NT 64 Hezekiah Applegate

r

S5 Korby Sander

S 27 Austin Evans

OLB 95 Blake Thomas

DE 95 Seth Thomas

P 88 Michael Kuntz

CB 1 Roosevelt Lawrence

NORTHERN IOWA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE NT DT DE LB LB

91 44 94 47 3 42

Brawntae Wells, So. Jared Brinkman, So. Tim Butcher, So. Elerson G. Smith, So. Suni Lane, So. Kendrick Suntken, Sr.

LB S CB S CB

33 31 26 23 19

Jake Hartford, So. Jevon Brekke, Fr. Isaiah Nimmers, So. A.J. Allen, Sr. Shakespeare Williams, Fr.

NORTHERN IOWA STARTING OFFENSE WR 4 Deion McShane

WR 83 Jaylin James

RT 76 Spencer Brown RG 71 Nick Ellis

QB 14 Eli Dunne

RB 8 Marcus Weymiller

C 79 Ezra Szczyrbak LG 74 Jackson Scott-Brown LT 75 Cal Twait

TE 85/86 Elias Nissen or Briley Moore

PK 43/62 Austin Errthum or Sam Drysdale

WR 87 Jalen Rima

NORTHERN IOWA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE LT LG C RG RT QB

78 72 69 70 77 11

Tyler Putney, Sr. Justin Peine, R-Fr. Colton Lueck, Jr. Trevor Penning, R-Fr. Matt Vanderslice, So. Colton Howell, Sr.

RB WR WR WR TE

25 37 6 82 81

Trevor Allen, Jr. Aaron Graham, Jr. Terrell Carey, R-Fr. Nick Fossey, So. Tristan Bohr, Jr.

Find it in the

HUNTING

September 23

NORTHERN IOWA ROSTER No. Name — Jesse Cardenas — Taylor Otterstatter 6 Terrell Carey 7 Rickey Neal Jr. 8 Marcus Weymiller 9 Xavior Williams 11 Colton Howell 13 Jon Nzombo 14 Eli Dunne 15 Jacob Keller 17 Christian Ellsworth 18 John Sullivan 19 Suni Lane 21 Christian Jegen 22 Max Steffen 23 A.J. Allen 24 Nikholi Jaghai 25 Trevor Allen 26 Isaiah Nimmers 27 Austin Evans 29 Roosevelt Lawrence 30 Alphonso Soko 31 Tyler Hoosman 32 Jack Wegher 33 Jake Hartford 35 Nick Phillips 36 Korby Sander 37 Aaron Graham 38 Zac Kibby 39 Duncan Ferch 40 Alfonzo Lambert 41 Blake Thomas 42 Kendrick Suntken 43 Cristian Perez 44 Jared Brinkman 45 Brock Hadachek 47 Elerson Smith 48 Chris Kolarevic 49 Desmond Chapple 50 Bryce Flater 51 Riley Van Wyhe 52 Zac Ebeling 53 Weston Schultz 55 Colton Lueck 56 Ricky Grimes 57 Joe Friedrich 58 Austin Errthum 59 Max Erpelding 61 Matthew Vanderslice 62 Sam Drysdale 63 Nate Murphy 64 Hezekiah Applegate 65 John Yount 66 Philip Arendt 67 Erik Sorensen 68 William Blaser 69 Tyus Phillips 70 Trevor Penning 71 Nick Ellis 72 Justin Peine 73 Mason Neisen 74 Jackson Scott-Brown 75 Cal Twait 76 Spencer Brown 78 Tyler Putney 79 Ezrah Szczyrbak 80 Isaiah Weston 82 Nick Fossey 83 Jaylin James 85 Elias Nissen 86 Briley Moore 87 Jalen Rima 88 Michael Kuntz 89 Trey Recknor 91 Brawntae Wells 94 Tim Butcher 94 Sonny Onken 95 Seth Thomas 96 Nick Simpson 97 Marcel Minniefield 98 Bryce Douglas

Year So. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr.

Pos. LB TE WR LB RB DB QB RB QB QB QB QB DB RB DB DB DB RB DB DB DB RB RB RB LB WR DB WR DB LB LB LB LB LB DL LB DL LB DL LB LB LB LB OL LB LS PK OL OT PK PK DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR TE TE WR P TE DL DT DL DL LS DL DL

Hgt. 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-7 6-5 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-0 5-10 6-3 5-7 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-7 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-6 6-1 6-7 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-8 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-5 5-8 6-2 6-0

Wt. Hometown 225 Lakeville, Minn.

251 Mayer, Minn.

211 Madison, Wis. 241 Racine, Wis. 204 Waukon, Iowa 175 Burlington, Iowa 213 Wichita, Kan. 205 Tiffin, Iowa 238 Grinnell, Iowa 206 Aurora, Ill. 210 Grand Island, Neb. 187 Clinton, Iowa 203 Bettendorf, Iowa 205 Shawnee, Kan. 185 Peosta, Iowa 215 Waukee, Iowa 181 Miami Gardens, Fla. 203 Waukee, Iowa 185 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 189 Kansas City, Mo. 170 Tampa, Fla. 179 Muscatine, Iowa 201 Plainfield, Ill. 205 North Sioux City, S.D. 226 Circle Pines, Minn.

188 Iowa City, Iowa 212 Belmond, Iowa 201 Oak Grove, Mo. 203 Algona, Iowa 234 State Center, Iowa 209 Rockford, Ill. 224 Waterloo, Iowa 240 Hampton, Iowa 246 Harlem, N.Y. 290 Iowa City, Iowa 208 Dysart, Iowa 230 Minneapolis, Minn.

223 Traverse City, Mich.

235 Edwardsville, Ill. 224 Grundy Center, Iowa 215 Rock Rapids, Iowa 220 Mount Pleasant, Iowa 215 Mason City, Iowa 286 Dyersville, Iowa 228 Eldridge, Iowa 206 Cedar Falls, Iowa 180 Kalona, Iowa 260 Bettendorf, Iowa 257 Olathe, Kan. 180 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 166 West Des Moines, Iowa 285 Johnston, Iowa 295 Ankeny, Iowa 303 Iowa City, Iowa 320 Waukee, Iowa 281 Peosta, Iowa 285 Waterloo, Iowa 289 Clear Lake, Iowa 308 Parkersburg, Iowa 293 Parker, Kan. 329 Denver, Iowa 312 Council Bluffs, Iowa 305 Manson, Iowa 290 Lenox, Iowa 302 Forest City, Iowa 299 Moose Lake, Minn.

207 Albertville, Minn.

199 Lakeville, Minn.

202 Des Moines, Iowa 243 Springville, Iowa 242 Blue Springs, Mo. 192 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 188 Cedar Falls, Iowa 230 Mount Horeb, Wis. 261 Des Moines, Iowa 300 Palmer, Iowa 256 Norwalk, Iowa 262 Stilwell, Kan. 203 Des Moines, Iowa 282 Lee’s Summit, Mo. 304 Plainfield, Ill.

3015 Paxson next to Southgate Mall

GO

i Gr

z!

www.spasofmontana.com 3916 Brooks St, Missoula (406) 251-6742 1140 Enterprise Dr, Helena (406) 442-4881 40th AnniversAry sAle Up to 5 yeArs no interest OAC

2015 Honda 1.9% APR OAC on Certified Pre-owned Accords & CR-V’s through 9/3/2018.

Accord

18,950

$

4-Speed Manual, Sport Pkg, 30,154 miles

(406) 721-4900

3600 S. ReSeRve StReet

Missoula, MT

dennymenholtuniversityhonda.com

www.BHHSMT.com

E10 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Around the Big Sky

HOW WE SEE THE BIG SKY BILL SPELTZ 406mtsports.com‌

‌ nyone that tells you he knows what’s A going to happen when the Montana football team hits the field Saturday night is full of beans.

Even Griz coach Bobby Hauck doesn’t know for certain.

That’s what amuses me about the preseason: Media types and fans blather on about how it’s going to shake out against 13th-ranked Northern Iowa and none of them have even witnessed a summer scrimmage (the two Hauck conducted in August were closed to the public).

When it comes to the Griz, all this sports writer has to go by is what he saw in the spring game and during the one practice he attended several weeks ago.

Watching that practice was a little like watching gym class. By the end I was disinterested.

The most impressive bit of Griz football I’ve witnessed since the second coming of Hauck occurred in the spring game. New quarterback Dalton Sneed was deadly accurate on his mid-range throws and cat quick with his feet.

Take that for what it’s worth.

One thing is for certain: Hauck will have a hard time trumping what Bob Stitt did in his debut as Montana coach three years ago. Stitt’s Grizzlies beat FCS gold standard North Dakota State with a fellow named Carson Wentz under center for the Bison. You may have heard of him.

Northern Iowa won four straight games to reach the playoffs last year, so the Panthers are no slouch. Plus they’re 0-5 against the Grizzlies, so there’s extra incentive to knock off Hauck and his troops.

Forgive my poor English, but it’s time to see what you got, Griz. We know you’ll be amped up, but will we see some solid blocking and tackling? Can you stop the pass this year? Are you guys going to play smart? Is there enough talent there to beat Northern Iowa?

We’ll soon find out.

No. 13 Northern Iowa at No. 24 Montana: Is UNI coach Mark Farley on the hot seat with a record of 13-11 over the past two seasons? It’s hard to say, but you know he’s craving a debut win with a tough road

Cal Poly at No. 1 North Dakota State‌ Saturday, 1:30 p.m. MT Fargo, North Dakota Fargodome (19,000 AstroTurf) ESPN+

BILL SPELTZ

KYLE HOUGHTALING

FRANK GOGOLA

AMIE JUST

0-0

0-0

0-0

0-0

game at Iowa next weekend. The challenge for Northern Iowa’s coaching staff is coming up with a plan with no game film on Hauck’s team. That’s a tough one. Plus UNI will have to deal with a raucous near-capacity crowd.

This game is a coin flip but I’m going with the home team. Bill: Montana 24, Northern Iowa 21. Amie: Montana 21, Northern Iowa 20. Frank: Northern Iowa 24, Montana 17.

Kyle: Montana 24, UNI 20.

Central Washington at No. 9 Eastern Washington: The Eagles have nine starters back on offense and eight on defense. They were picked to win the Big Sky title by the media and coaches. No way NCAA Division II Central Washington pulls an upset. In fact it might get ugly. Bill: Eagles 56, Wildcats 14. Amie: Eastern 45, Central 21. Frank: Eastern Washington 49, Central Washington 14. Kyle: EWU 60, Central Wash. 2.

No. 17 McNeese State at No. Colorado: The Bears are picked to finish near the bottom in the Big Sky Conference. The Cowboys are fast and deep with a third-year starter at quarterback in senior James Tabary.

Bill: McNeese 31, No. Colorado 13. Amie: McNeese 35, UNC 14. Frank: McNeese 35, Northern Colorado 17. Kyle: McNeese 28, UNC 17.

North Alabama at So. Utah: The Lions are transitioning up to the FCS level, competing as an independent after finishing 5-5 as an NCAA Division II team last year.

The Thunderbirds were co-champs of the Big Sky last year and although they’re picked to finish sixth this year, they’ll be too much for North Alabama in Cedar City. Bill: Thunderbirds 28, Lions 10. Amie: Southern Utah 28, N. Alabama 14. Frank: Southern Utah 31, North Alabama 14. Kyle: So. Utah 35, N. Alabama 21.

St. Francis (Ill.) at Sac State: Here’s a funny fact — St. Francis (Ill.) plays Saint Francis (Ind.) on the second week of the season. Geez, I hope their nicknames aren’t

the same, otherwise that shapes up to be a sports broadcaster’s nightmare. Look for the Hornets to come away with a win over the NAIA Fighting Saints. Bill: Sac State 35, St. Francis 10. Amie: Sac. State 42, St. Francis 12. Frank: Sacramento State 31, St. Francis 13. Kyle: Sac State 20, St. Francis 14.

Idaho at Fresno State: The Bulldogs were picked to repeat as West Division champs in the Mountain West preseason poll. Last year they split a pair of games with Boise State before beating Houston in the Hawaii Bowl. They’re going to be too much for the Vandals. Bill: Fresno State 45, Idaho 21. Amie: Fresno State 30, Idaho 21. Frank: Fresno State 35, Idaho 20. Kyle: Fresno 44, Idaho 13.

No. Arizona at UTEP: The Lumberjacks have that new receivers coach this year in Robin Pflugrad. He’s a nice addition to the NAU brain trust and his team, picked to finish third in the Big Sky, has a talented veteran quarterback in Case Cookus. UTEP is coming off a winless season and the Miners are going to have trouble keeping up with the Jacks on the scoreboard. Bill: Northern Arizona 32, UTEP 17. Amie: NAU 30, UTEP 12. Frank: Northern Arizona 28, UTEP 17. Kyle: Jacks 23, UTEP 21.

Cal Poly at No. 1 North Dakota State: There they are again, perched atop the FCS rankings. Those stubborn Bison have quite the dynasty going and they’re not about to lose to a California team in their home opener in Fargo. The Mustangs just don’t have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the defending FCS champs. Bill: Bison 51, Mustangs 13. Amie: NDSU 55, Cal Poly 24. Frank: North Dakota State 49, Cal Poly 14. Kyle: NDSU 41, Cal Poly 14.

Bill Speltz is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Missoulian. Email him at bill. speltz@406mtsports.com.

Series History: North Dakota State leads the all-time series, 4-3.

Last Meeting: North Dakota State earned a 31-28 victory in 2007.

The Coaches: Tim Walsh enters his 10th season as the head coach of Cal Poly. Chris Klieman begins his fifth season guiding North Dakota State.

Notes: All-American fullback Joe Protheroe is back for Cal Poly after missing most of last season with an injury. North Dakota State has won three national titles in Klieman’s first four seasons.

No. 17 McNeese at Northern Colorado‌ Saturday, 2 p.m. MT Greeley, Colorado Nottingham Field (8,533 Grass) Pluto TV

Series History: This is the first-ever meeting between McNeese and Northern Colorado.

The Coaches: Lance Guidry is in his third season as head coach of McNeese. Earnest Collins enters his eighth year at North Colorado, his alma mater.

Notes: Senior quarterback James Tabary enters his third year as the starter for McNeese, which got snubbed and missed the playoffs at 9-2. Alex Wesley not only led Northern Colorado in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last year, but he won the Big Sky outdoor track and field title in the 400-meter dash.

Central Washington at No. 9 Eastern Washington‌ Saturday, 2:05 p.m. MT Cheney, Washington Roos Field (8,600 SprinTurf) Pluto TV

Series History: Eastern Washington leads the series of long-time rivals, 34-30.

Last Meeting: Eastern Washington beat Central Washington, 35-32, in 2010.

The Coaches: Ian Shoemaker begins

CAPSULES, Page E11

Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018 — E11

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

Capsules From E10 his fifth year as the head coach of Central Washington. Aaron Best starts his second season leading the Eastern Washington program.

Notes: Central Washington is a Division II team. Eastern Washington’s All-American quarterback, Gage Gubrud, ranked second in the FCS in total offense, fourth in passing yards per game and 11th in passing yards last season.

Northern Arizona at UTEP‌ Saturday, 5:30 p.m. MT El Paso, Texas Sun Bowl (51,500 FieldTurf) ESPN3

Series History: Northern Arizona trails UTEP in the all-time series, 5-0-1.

Last Meeting: Northern Arizona

got rolled in a 40-0 loss in 1947.

The Coaches: Jerome Souers, the longest-tenured coach in the conference, enters his 21st season at the helm. Dana Dimel is in his first year as the head coach at UTEP. Notes: Northern Arizona, led by two-time all-conference quarterback Case Cookus, is coming off the program’s first playoff appearance since 2013. UTEP went winless last year in the FBS Conference USA.

North Alabama at Southern Utah‌ Saturday, 6 p.m. MT Cedar City, Utah Eccles Coliseum (8,500 Artificial Turf) Pluto TV

Series History: This is the firstever meeting between North Alabama and Southern Utah.

The Coaches: Chris Willis starts his second season as the head coach of North Alabama. Demario Warren enters his third year at the helm of Southern Utah.

Notes: North Alabama is in its first year in the FCS as it moves up from Division II. Southern Utah won a school-record nine games last year and earned the No. 8 overall seed in the playoffs.

St. Francis (Ill.) at Sacramento State‌ Saturday, 7 p.m. MT Sacramento, California Hornet Stadium (21,195 FieldTurf) Pluto TV

Series History: This is the firstever meeting between St. Francis and Sacramento State.

The Coaches: Joe Curry starts his seventh season as the head coach of St. Francis. Jody Sears begins his fifth season leading Sacramento State.

Notes: St. Francis is an NAIA team.

Sacramento State led the Big Sky in scoring offense, pass efficiency and sacks last year, and also led the FCS in sacks per game. Hornets wide receiver Andre Lindsey led the FCS in yards per reception, won the

60-meter hurdles at the conference indoor championships and was third in the 110-meter hurdles at the outdoor championships.

No. 13 Northern Iowa at No. 24 Montana‌ Saturday, 7 p.m. MT Missoula, Montana Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217 FieldTurf) SWX | GoGriz.com Series History: Montana has never lost to Northern Iowa, leading the all-time series 6-0, with the win in 2011 vacated.

Last Meeting: Montana beat Northern Iowa, 20-14, in 2016.

The Coaches: Mark Farley enters his 18th season with Northern Iowa.

Bobby Hauck is in his first year back with Montana after coaching the Griz from 2003-09.

Notes: Northern Iowa returns 6-foot5 senior quarterback Eli Dunne, who led the team on an eight-game winning streak after a 2-3 start to reach the playoffs. Hauck led the Griz to three

national championship appearances, seven consecutive conference titles and an 80-17 record in his previous stint at Montana.

Idaho at Fresno State‌ Saturday, 8 p.m. MT Fresno, California Bulldog Stadium (40,727 FieldTurf) Facebook

Series History: Idaho trails the all-time series, 11-4.

Last Meeting: Idaho got crushed

by Fresno State, 61-14, in 2013.

The Coaches: Paul Petrino, a Carroll College alum, is in his sixth season at Idaho. Jeff Tedford begins his second season leading Fresno State.

Notes: Fresno State is favored to repeat as the division champ in the FBS Mountain West conference.

Idaho, an original member of the Big Sky Conference in 1963, is back in the league for the first time since 1995 as it moves down to the FCS.

E12 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | KEENAN CURRAN

Curran Continued

touchdown. Curran’s mom and grandma are in the stands for each and every contest. “’Man, you’re so fortunate,’” Curran recalled one of his teammates saying. “And sometimes I forget that. I don’t want to say I take it for granted, but, wow.

They do make sacrifices for me every single game. I think they enjoy it. It’s their place away from home, but it’s special.

“It’s easy to come to the Griz home games when there’s 27,000 fans. It’s hard when you’re making sacrifices flying to Illinois or when they’re sitting in Cal Poly two years ago and it’s like 107 degrees. My mom’s sitting there and she’s watching the game. Even when we’re playing Portland State in a high school stadium. It’s less enjoyable than Washington-Grizzly, but it doesn’t matter to them.”

Even when Curran donned the No. 82 jersey and primarily played special teams, his biggest fans were in the stands. And to Curran, that means the world.

“Some peoples’ parents don’t come to every game. They don’t make a game ever. They were at every home game, even when I wasn’t even playing. When I was No. 82, playing special teams, not really catching the football.

“That just means everything to me. I’m glad that they can enjoy it. Not just because they’re there to support me — that would be selfish. I’m happy because they get to enjoy it.

Now they have friends that are Griz fans and they have friends who are parents of other Grizzlies. That’s what Griz Nation is.

It’s cool that it’s become part of who we are.”

‘A good, quality guy’‌ Curran’s leadership skills aren’t new to his days at Montana. They go all the way back to his days at Federal Way. After his Eagles lost in the semifinals in the Class 4A state playoffs his senior year, Curran

gathered his team around.

“I don’t remember what the score was, but it wasn’t very close,” Curran’s high school coach John Meagher said. “There’s the tears and everybody’s all upset at the end and he called all the players over. He gave this inspirational speech telling everybody, ‘Hey we should be proud of what we did this year. Next year you guys gotta go win it all.’

“It was an impressive speech, especially with the emotions of the moment that we all were going through and he rose above it, brought the team together and gave them his last hurrah. It was awesome.”

Montana’s current head coach Bobby Hauck was immediately introduced to that side of Curran as well back in December.

“When we walked in the door, we gave everyone a clean slate to either achieve or not.

And just how quickly who he is became apparent,” Hauck said.

“Immediately you know this guy’s a quality guy. He’s going to do whatever he can to help his team. He’s not in it for himself.

He’s in for his teammates and they recognize that. That was quick. That’s what stood out the most.”

Hauck added: “He’s such a solid person. He’s a good, quality guy to be around every day for everyone involved with the team. He’s got a good, strong leadership-oriented personality, both in his meeting room with the wide receivers and on the offense. He’s exactly what your seniors want to be in those aspects.”

Curran tries to be a leader off the field as well. He volunteers at every Griz camp he can. He referees youth basketball games.

Curran does that because he knows he’s a role model.

“Charles Barkley said, ‘I’m an athlete, not a role model.’ I don’t believe in that,” Curran said.

He added: “It was cool to go out and be seen by the younger kids and let them know that I’m a human. You don’t have to see me as the Griz football player.

Yes I play football for the Griz, but that’s not it. I want you guys to be able to come up to me and say, ‘I remember when you reffed my basketball game. You’re a terrible ref.’ But that’s all right.

It’s more so being out in the community.”

Curran, who has 10 nieces and nephews, sees what good role models can do for kids.

“I don’t want them to ever think they have limits on their life,” Curran said of his nieces and nephews. “That’s all I try to do is be the best person I can be so they can have some inspiration.”

Curran’s desire to be a good role model comes from having good role models in his every day life.

Curran said he didn’t realized what sacrifices his mom made for him when he was a kid, but he’s well aware now.

“What my mom has managed to do in her life with what’s she’s been through, it makes me never want to complain,” Curran said.

“She had to raise four kids on her own with not a full college education, so job opportunities were slim. There were lots of times where we were on government assistance. I see now a lot of people are like, ‘People take advantage of that.’ Well, my mom was working two jobs and sometimes working more than 12-hour days, 13-hour days at my school.

“We’d get there early in the morning at 6:30 and she’d bring breakfast to the kids. She’d work a full day of work and then she’d be the gym monitor for basketball games and we’d be there until 10 o’clock at night after she cleaned up the whole gym. She would do that. She did that for so many years. To me, it’s like, how can I ever complain when my mom has sacrificed everything?”

Curran’s other role model is his older sister, who went back to school, was on dean’s list for eight quarters and graduated while working full-time and being a full-time mom to her three kids.

Curran said watching her succeed helped him make the dean’s list last semester.

“I attribute that 100 percent to my sister,” Curran said of making the dean’s list in the spring. “She has three little ones and she managed to finish her degree and be on the dean’s list for eight quarters while having a little girl, a little boy, a full-time job and sometimes a second job. That to me was impressive. I can’t come out here and complain and say, ‘Oh I’m tired from football.’ She’s doing actual life and still making the dean’s list. Shout out to her. She just graduated this last quarter.

“She did it in the hardest of ways but she still managed to excel at it. I’m super proud of her.”

albeit not on the same side of the ball.

Defensive line coach Barry Sacks played at Montana from 1976-79. Before then, he was an Eagle just like Curran.

“We have a special bond about that,” Curran said of their shared Federal Way ties. “He knows my head coach back home. Coincidentally, he said he was tracking a lot my senior year because we had made it the farthest that any team had since his team. That’s a little unique thing we have. He went to the state championship and lost to Snohomish. I went to the semifinals and lost to the eventual state champs.”

Not done yet‌

Back in 2015 in a Q & A with the Missoulian, Curran said by the time his career at UM Strong roots‌ was over, he wanted to grow as Curran’s been around football, a football player, person and especially Federal Way football, student to become the best person he could be. He added that since preschool. breaking some records along the “He was running around way would be nice as well. being our ball boy since he was Curran has at least 11 games five years old,” Meagher said. left in his Grizzly career. And “He had older brothers on the team and he was always around he’s not done yet.

“I always think I can do betFederal Way football. “It’s no ter,” Curran said. “I won’t say surprise that he comes back I’m satisfied with where I’m at. when he’s in town because it’s part of his upbringing and a part Football, you know, it’s, who knows. I’m just happy to be of who he is.” here. If I set some records, if I Curran goes back and speaks don’t, my focus is winning and to Federal Way athletes whenmentoring the young guys.” ever he’s home. And Meagher “I know that maybe three appreciates every minute Curran years from now, there are some spends giving back. guys we have in the receiver “He’s just got a special way room that could bypass everyabout him in terms of his outthing I’ve done and then some. look. He’s got great leadership qualities, certainly, but when he You’ve got Samori, Sammy, Gabe Sulser, Mitch Roberts, comes back and speaks to our Malik Flowers — guys who really current players — he was great are explosive. I’ve just tried to in high school, I don’t want to demean him — but now he’s hit- show them what I know and what I was taught from Jamaal ting it out of the park. and Ellis and Ben Roberts. So “I want to run through a wall hopefully when they’re in my now after he talks to the kids. shoes, they can surpass anyHe’s that motivational. He’s an thing I do.” inspiration. That’s really what he is.”

Amie Just covers Griz Curran is just the fourth football and Missoula-area letterwinner from Federal Way preps. Follow her on Twitter @ in Montana’s program history.

The first Federal Way product is Amie_Just or email her at Amie.

Just@406mtsports.com. at every practice with Curran,

Guess who’s cominG to the Griz Games this year!

t

stadium store LoCated in the west Corner of the north endzone.

Carrying the best

gear and more!

@bobwardsgrizstore

E14 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | STAT PACK

2017 BY THE NUMBERS ‌‌MONTANA (7-4)

‌‌NORTHERN IOWA (8-5)

‌Offensive leaders

‌Offensive leaders

Griz Opp Scoring average 35.0 29.0 Rushing yards 1648 1865 Avg./Rush 3.7 4.1 Passing 252-416-16 216-391-16 Passing yards 3361 2778 Average per pass 8.1 7.1 Total offense 5009 4643 Average per play 5.8 5.5 3rd-down conv.

74-179 65-172 Time of possession 27:40 32:20 Fumbles-lost 15-10 12-7 Kick returns 46-18.0 59-20.6 Punt returns 21-7.4 10-13.2 Punting 53-40.1 68-36.2 Sacks by-yards 40-293 20-111 Montana 93 113 85 94 - 385 Opponents 64 102 59 94 - 319

‌Rushing *Jeremy Calhoun 158-684 (4.3 ypc.), long 24, 7 TDs *Alijah Lee 131-509 (3.9 ypc.), long 33, 6 TDs Gresch Jensen 53-203 (3.8 ypc.), long 22, 6 TDs ‌Passing Jensen 177-294-10, 2531 yards, long 81, 20 TDs Reese Phillips 57-80-3, 652 yards, long 63, 4 TDs Caleb Hill 12-23-2, 134 yards, long 29 ‌Receiving *Jerry Louie-McGee 50-645 (12.1 ypc.), long 64, 3 TDs *Keenan Curran 38-803 (21.1 ypc.), long 66, 7 TDs *Justin Calhoun 32-505 (15.8 ypc.), long 56, 4 TDs

‌Defensive leaders

‌Tackles LB James Banks 111, 39 unassisted *LB Josh Buss 94, 50 unassisted LB Connor Strahm 88, 42 unassisted ‌Tackles for loss DE Schye 15.5-75 LB Banks 15.5-49 *LB Buss 13.5-74 ‌Sacks DE Schye 8.5-57 DE Favoroso 6.0-42 *LB Buss 5.5-53 *DT Sims 3.5-17 *DT Rodriguez 3.0-28 ‌Interceptions S Strong 3-116, 1 TD *S Sandry 3-114, 1 TD CB McKinley 2-58, 1 TD *LB Buss 2-21 *S Epperly 2-(-6) ‌Fumbles forced-recovered DE Schye 3-3 *DT Rodriguez 0-1 LB Strahm 1-1 *S Sandry 1-1 ‌Pass breakups CB McKinley 13 *LB Buss 5 *S Nash 5 *CB Sanders 4 *S Epperly 3 DE Schye 3

‌Special teams leaders

‌PATs/Field goals *Brandon Purdy 44-47/15-17, long 47, 89 points ‌Punting *Eric Williams 53-40.1, long 58, 19 inside 20 ‌Punt returns *Louie-McGee 20-150 (7.5 ypr.) long 48, 1 TD *Olson 1-6 ‌Kickoff returns *Toure 21-379 (18.0 ypr.) long 31 *Kobey Eaton 12-217 (18.1 ypr.) long 28 *Louie-McGee 6-151 (25.2 ypr.), long 42 *=RETURNING FOR 2018-19

Panthers Opp Scoring average 29.38 23.62 Rushing yards 1548 1636 Avg./Rush 3.1 3.5 Passing 255-408-12 228-414-21 Passing yards 3063 3056 Average per pass 7.5 7.3 Total offense 4611 4692 Average per play 5.1 5.3 3rd-down conv.

80-198 66-187 Time of possession 32:02 27:58 Fumbles-lost 14-10 11-9 Kick returns 44-18.3 41-24.0 Punt returns 13-6.2 25-7.6 Punting 68-38.8 68-39.6 Sacks by-yards 27-184 31-251 N. Iowa 70 155 54 96 7 - 382 Opponents 51 85 70 101 0 - 307

‌Rushing *Marcus Weymiller 200-809 (4.0 ypc.), long 28, 8 TDs *Trevor Allen 92-412 (4.5 ypc.), long 52, 2 TDs J’Veyon Browning 64-304 (4.8 ypc.), long 57, 1 TD ‌Passing *Eli Dunne 224-358-11, 2704 yards, long 59, 26 TDs *Howell 31-49-1, 359 yards, long 39, 2 TDs *Jaylin James 0-1-0 ‌Receiving Daurice Fountain 66-943 (14.3 ypc.), long 46, 12 TDs *Briley Moore 38-494 (13.0 ypc.), long 40 *James 33-338 (10.2 ypc.), long 25, 1 TD *Allen 33-206 (6.2 ypc.), long 24, 2 TDs

‌BIG SKY TEAM LEADERS

‌Total Offense

G Plays Yds Yds Pg UC Davis 11 855 5,332 484.7 Eastern Wash.

11 839 5,244 476.7 Southern Utah 11 895 5,010 455.5 Montana 11 860 5,009 455.4 Northern Ariz.

11 874 4,932 448.4 Sacramento St. 11 745 4,860 441.8 Idaho St. 11 823 4,784 434.9 Portland St. 11 857 4,719 429.0 Weber St. 11 757 4,493 408.5 ‌Rushing Offense

G Car RuYD Tds Yds Pg Montana St. 11 482 2,744 20 249.5 Cal Poly 11 668 2,549 16 231.7 Sacramento St. 11 496 2,484 26 225.8 Weber St. 11 468 2,161 24 196.5 Southern Utah 11 488 1,986 28 180.5 Idaho St. 11 476 1,962 19 178.4 North Dakota 11 386 1,895 17 172.3 Portland St. 11 415 1,866 18 169.6 Eastern Wash.

11 388 1,719 20 156.3 ‌Passing Offense

G Att Cp InL Yds Tds Yds Pg UC Davis 11 472 318 10 3,831 29 348.3 Eastern Wash. 11 451 278 14 3,525 29 320.5 Northern Ariz. 11 477 273 7 3,434 23 312.2 Montana 11 416 252 16 3,361 24 305.5 Northern Colo. 10 357 195 12 2,809 19 280.9 Southern Utah 11 407 260 15 3,024 21 274.9 Portland St. 11 442 231 14 2,853 17 259.4 Idaho St. 11 347 198 11 2,822 22 256.5 Sacramento St. 11 249 131 5 2,376 22 216.0

‌Scoring Offense

G FG Pts Avg Sacramento St. 11 14 414 37.6 Weber St. 11 16 393 35.7 Southern Utah 11 12 390 35.5 Montana 11 15 385 35.0 Eastern Wash. 11 10 379 34.5 UC Davis 11 8 370 33.6 Northern Ariz. 11 12 353 32.1 Idaho St. 11 9 309 28.1 Northern Colo. 10 11 278 27.8 ‌Total Defense

G Plays Yds Yds Pg Weber St. 11 712 3,720 338.2 Northern Ariz.

11 773 4,147 377.0 Montana St. 11 821 4,476 406.9 Sacramento St. 11 844 4,488 408.0 Southern Utah 11 803 4,525 411.4 Montana 11 848 4,643 422.1 Cal Poly 11 706 4,755 432.3 North Dakota 11 811 4,984 453.1 UC Davis 11 824 5,053 459.4 ‌Scoring Defense

G Saf Pts Avg Weber St. 11 0 183 16.6 Montana St. 11 0 275 25.0 Southern Utah 11 0 306 27.8 Northern Ariz. 11 0 315 28.6 Montana 11 0 319 29.0 Sacramento St. 11 1 327 29.7 Cal Poly 11 0 352 32.0 UC Davis 11 1 354 32.2 Eastern Wash. 11 0 367 33.4

‌Defensive leaders

‌Tackles Jared Farley 122, 62 unassisted *Duncan Ferch 94, 42 unassisted Adam Reth 79, 34 unassisted Malcolm Washington 63, 45 unassisted ‌Tackles for loss *Neal 15.0-84 Reth 10.0-37 *Douglas 8.0-20 ‌Sacks *Neal 9.5-68 Brookins 4.0-25 Reth 3.0-24 *Applegate 3.0-20 ‌Interceptions Campbell 5-85 *Xavior Williams 4-71 Nikholi Jaghai 3-19 ‌Fumbles forced-recovered Campbell 3-1 *Neal 2-2 Reth 1-1 *Douglas 1-0 *Sander 1-0 ‌Pass breakups Campbell 12 *Williams 8 Farley 5 Washington 5 *Sander 5

‌SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS

‌PATs/Field goals *Sam Drysdale 37-39/17-21, long 47, 88 points ‌Punting Sam Kuhter 68-41.8, long 76, 24 inside 20 ‌Punt returns *Rima 11-55 (5.0 ypr.), long 16 Jaghai 2-26 (13.0 ypr.), long 26 ‌Kickoff returns *Williams 17-414 (24.4 ypr.), long 51 *Rima 9-153 (17.0 ypr.), long 29 *Graham 4-71 (14.2 ypr.), long 16 Browning 4-62 (15.5 ypr.), long 23 *Nick Phillips 3-55 (18.3 ypr.), long 21 *=RETURNING FOR 2018-19

Thanks to our

Saint Francis University Game Day Sponsors

Missoulian, Saturday, Saturday, September November 1, Missoulian, 1, 2014 2018 — — G23 E15

Buy1 get1

GRIZ TRIVIA GRIZ TRIVIA

1220 SW Higgins Ave, Suite 1

Serving Western Montana for 34 years 1735 Mullan Trail $249,900

view all our of listings at

Immaculate Home with unbelievable yard!

Spectacular views and newer paint and carpet.

All you need is your toothbrush!

MLS #: 20146073 Mike Wamsley • Broker/Owner 360-6362

w w w. w a m s l e y re a l t y m t . c o m

Good Luck Griz!

Junkermier • Clark • Campanella • Stevens • P.C. Certified Public Accountants • Business Advisors

2620 Connery Way • Missoula • Ph: 406-549-4148 • Fax: 406-549-3003 400 W. Main St, Ste 101 • Hamilton • Ph: 406-363-2820 • Fax: 406-363-6159

w w w. j c c s c p a . c o m

1. Who scored the TD in overtime last year to give the Griz a win at Sac State?

‌1.A. Montana Northern Iowa are both ranked Jordanand Johnson in the Top 25 going into this game. When was the B. Travon Van last game in Washington-Grizzly Stadium where C.teams Jordan Canada both were ranked? a)D. 2017, Arizona vs. Montana EllisNorthern Henderson b) 2015, North Dakota State vs. Montana c) 2015, South Dakota State vs, Montana d) 2017, Eastern Washington vs. Montana

2. Which of these mega-stars attended Sac State?

2. What is Montana’s all-time record against

Northern Iowa?

A. Brad Pitt a) 6-2, with one win vacated B. Amy Adams b) 5-0, with one win vacated Tom c)C. 2-1, withHanks one win vacated d)D. 10-0, with one win vacated Johnny Depp

3. What was the result of Bobby Hauck’s 2003 home opener?

Sacramento State has played in a)3.

Win over Maine, 30-20 Missoula b) Win overnine Sam times.

HoustonHow State, many 38-14 times c) Loss Idaho, 41-28 have thetoHornets won? d) Loss to North Dakota State, 25-24

A. 3 B. 2 C. 1 D. 0

Answers: 1) D. 2) B. 3) D.

half off of equal or lesser value

Answers: 1. D. 2. C . 3. D.

20% off an entrée.

One coupon per visit.

Expires 12/1/14

Go Griz Go! 2275 N. Reserve Street

• Bus service to All Home FootBAll GAmes!

BEFORE THE GAME...

Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas & our Bloody Mary bar!

AFTER THE GAME...

Win big in the casino! Present ticket stub in the ‘Blue Bar’ for buy one get one 1/2 off appetizers and $2 off of pitchers of beer

• • • •

Canopies • Chairs Heaters • Coolers Grills • Balloons Tables

Don’t be left out in the cold...

Heat up your pre-game with a custom tailgate package from

500 E Spruce • 549-5114

GRIZZLY GAME DAY

E16 — Missoulian, Saturday, September 1, 2018

INTRODUCING THE

INTRODUCING THE

REPUTATION

OPEN RANGE A/T OUR NEWEST PREmIUm ALL-SEASON PICKUP & SUV TIRE!

OUR NEWEST PREmIUm ALL-SEASON PASSENGER TIRE!

• 60,000-65,000-mile warranty • Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating

• 70,000-80,000-mile warranty • Superior performance in wet & dry braking

PASSENGER CAR TIRES

GREAT BUY!

ROAD CONTROL TOURING A/S

AS LOW AS

39 99

$

AS LOW AS

8139

$

155/80TR-13

ALL-SEASON TIRE ECONOmICALLY PRICED

195/60HR-14

ALL-SEASON TREAD SmOOTH, QUIET RIDE

Tread design may vary.

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

ECLIPSE AS LOW AS

9119

$

P205/70SR-14

PREmIUm TRACTION SUPERIOR RIDE QUALITY

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

PICKUP & SUV TIRES

GREAT BUY!

BACK COUNTRY

AS LOW AS

ALL TERRAIN

89 99

$

147 07

$

P235/75TR-15

ALL-SEASON TIRE ECONOmICALLY PRICED

PRICES GOOD THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2018

235/75TR-15

ALL-SEASON TREAD ADVANCED NOISE REDUCTION

Tread design may vary.

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

MISSOULA NORTH 2800 W. Broadway 721-1770

AS LOW AS

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

MISSOULA SOUTH 1505 Dearborn Ave. 721-0888

HAMILTON 211 North 1st 363-3884

RONAN 63360 Hwy 93 S. 676-7800

OPEN COUNTRY A/T II AS LOW AS

154 99

$

P225/75SR-15

ALL-TERRAIN TREAD ImPROVED TIRE LIFE

Your size in stock. Call for size & price.

STEVENSVILLE 4026 Hwy 93 N. 777-4667

POLSON 36030 Memory Ln 883-1099 www.LesSchwab.com