Griz Game Day October 15th, 2021

MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE • KICKOFF: 1 P.M. SATURDAY • TV: ABC/FOX MONTANA • FRIDAY, OCT. 15, 2021

TURNING THE CORNER Cornerback Omar Hicks Onu taking game to another level at UM BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN

Q&A: GARRETT GRAVES • PICKS: THE STAFF PREDICTS THE BIG SKY • PLAYERS TO WATCH: SACRAMENTO STATE

MISSOULA’S BEST SELECTION OF

3015 Paxson - Adjacent to Southgate Mall • 728-3220

GEAR!

Shop online 24/7 at bobwards.com

2 | Friday, October 15, 2021

Missoulian

We are Missoula’s premier provider of business fiber internet.

Contact us to learn about our free fiber builds for Missoula businesses!* GoBlackfoot.com/Missoula • 866-541-5000

*Where available

Blackfoot Communications is proud to be the official digital partner of Grizzly Athletics.

Go Griz!

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 3

Resounding resiliency Hicks Onu fueled by adversity, desire to help his teammates FRANK GOGOLA

Missoulian frank.gogola@406mtsports.com‌

Omar Hicks Onu had to let the world know about coach Bobby Hauck after Montana upset Washington to open the season.

“If you got any type of dawg in you, I promise coach Hauck gon bring it out,” the Griz senior cornerback tweeted.

Hicks Onu had just played in his first fall game for UM after he transferred from Oregon State for his final season of college. Everything he had been told while being pushed during winter conditioning, weight room training and practicing was proven to be true on the field.

“He’s a no B.S. type of coach,” Hicks Onu explained. “He expects you to go 100% every snap.

He expects you to win every snap.

Even if you win, he still wants you to demolish your opponent. He instills it in your mind. So, every snap you play, you really want to kill your opponent.”

It’s not that Hicks Onu didn’t have that dawg in him before and other coaches didn’t bring some of it out of him. Hauck just helped squeeze more out of him and bring it to another level while he’s started every game this fall.

Griz sophomore safety TraJon Cotton, who played with Hicks Onu at OSU, has seen that firsthand. He credits it to Hicks Onu and Hauck both being competitive people, seeing that from the former with how much film he studies, even calling Hicks Onu “a guru” in the film room.

“It was a perfect fit,” Cotton said. “I think Montana has brought out what might have been held back a little bit. Just

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌

Teammates surround Montana senior cornerback Omar Hicks Onu (0) while he celebrates at the 50-yard line following the Grizzlies’ 13-7 victory over the Washington Huskies on Sept. 4 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. that dawg. Letting him play. Letting him make plays. Just expecting him to be the best on the field.”

It took Hicks Onu some time to settle in after he transferred in ahead of 2020 spring camp. Hauck has seen him become more accepting that the coaches have his best interests in mind.

“I think he’s opened up since he got here,” Hauck said. “He figured out we were pretty good dudes and care about each other. I think that’s really fit what he wanted out of college.”

It was natural for Hicks Onu to at first question whether it was the right decision to transfer af-

ter he graduated from OSU and there was a coaching change. He never envisioned playing at an FCS school, but the move not only met his expectations but exceeded them.

“I’ve realized my teammates are more than capable, my coaches are the best coaches I’ve ever had,” he said. “Just being here, it taught me one, it doesn’t matter where you play. As long as you can play football, you’ll play. And two, don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Fueled by adversity‌

Hicks Onu had his playing time at OSU limited by a knee injury

during the 2018 offseason.

It was the second time in five years he suffered a freak injury, that one coming when he tangled feet with a wide receiver while doing extra one-on-one work.

His first injury came before his senior year of high school when he tore the meniscus in a knee while jumping in warmups.

Both times, Hicks Onu has shown he can rebound.

“I’m resilient,” he said. “That’s one thing I could say. Everybody goes through their own stuff. Everybody thinks their stuff is harder See Hicks ONU, Page 12

OMAR HICKS ONU Jersey number: 0 Class: Redshirt senior Position: Cornerback Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 195 pounds Hometown: Lewisville, Texas High school: Hebron HS Previous school: Oregon State

4 | Friday, October 15, 2021

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Graves finding his home Eureka grad plays safety after having been QB, RB, WR FRANK GOGOLA

Missoulian frank.gogola@406mtsports.com‌

Garrett Graves feels like he’s finally found his home — and it’s on the defensive side of the football for Montana.

The Eureka grad and fourth-year sophomore has made the first three starts of his career the past three games at safety after he came to UM on offense. He was recruited as an athlete, started off as a quarterback, and played some running back in 2018 and wide receiver in 2019 while starring on special teams.

Graves has shown his next-man-up ability when he’s gotten his chances this fall. In his first start, he had a game-high 11 tackles and has shown his good closing speed and open-field tackling ability. He still contributes on punt coverage and kickoff return.

“You kind of owe it to the guys in the locker room to be ready and go perform as best you can,” UM coach Bobby Hauck said. “He’s done a good job. He’s done a nice job. He’s playing hard.”

Graves sat down with 406mtsports.com to discuss his divergence to defense.

Q: How has the transition from offense to defense gone for you?

A: “I bounced around from a few roles on offense. That’s always been my mentality is to be ready to step up wherever I was needed. I came in as an athlete and wasn’t coming in expecting to play any specific position. Defense is definitely a lot dif-

ferent running backwards. (laughs) I have to learn a new defense. I think mentally that was the toughest part for me.

Physically, I played a little bit of defense in high school.”

Q: Who has helped you the most with the transition?

A: “The whole secondary has been accepting of me. Gavin (Robertson) and Robby (Hauck) are very veteran starters. They teach me a lot. Even though Gavin is sick, he’s still been giving me pointers. Coach Shann (Schillinger) has been a great coach for me, taught me a lot.

Even some of the younger guys like Ryder (Meyer) and David (Koppang) have helped me because they’ve been there longer than I have. I still have a lot to learn because this is my first year on the defense. I’m trying to get up to speed as much as I can.

It’s been a positive push in the room.”

Q: The mentality of being ready to step up at any time, where did you learn that?

A: “I think the main thing that comes from is my love for playing football. In high school, I played a lot of positions as well. When I came here, I just wanted to be a Griz, and I wanted to win so bad. If I can help the team win, whether that’s playing left bench or left tackle, I don’t care as long as I’m helping the team win. That’s my favorite part of football is there are 11 positions that all work together, and if you’re not together as a team, you’re not going to win.”

Q: How much did playing on the offensive side in high school and college help you on defense?

A: “I benefited from that

knowledge by understanding what offenses were trying to do to us, so that helped a lot. I think being on the defensive side of the ball and knowing how you’re going to attack offenses and seeing their alignment pre-snap and understanding what an offense is going to try to do, it helps me disguise our defense a little bit. Just knowing football helps you in any position, special teams as well, so having that diverse knowledge comes in handy, maybe in ways I can’t even recognize right now.”

Q: How different is it studying film from the defensive side?

A: “Every time I’d watch a game on TV, I was watching the offense and what they were doing. Now, I find myself kind of getting upset that the TV isn’t showing the defensive back’s footwork. I’m trying to see the safeties, and they’re cut off the screen. It’s definitely a big change. College football is an offensive game. It’s tilted toward allowing the offensive players to not be roughed up as much.

It’s hard to play defense. It’s kind of a fun little challenge from the other side.”

Q: What does it take to play safety in this defense?

A: “I think to play any position in this defense you have to have an immense amount of hustle and an immense amount of work ethic. I think that’s expected from every level, from the defensive line to the corners. I think being at safety, you’re expected to have a high level of knowledge of the game. You’re a big communicator on the field and then we play fast as a defense. We have a lot of speed on our defense, and that’s something that’s needed at

GARRETT GRAVES Jersey number: 5 Class: Redshirt sophomore

the safety position is playing fast. You’ve got to be physical to play on defense. Period.”

Position: Safety

Q: So, was going from being passive on offense by taking hits a hard transition to being active on defense by giving out hits?

A: “Not necessarily. I think practicing is different. When you’re on offense, you don’t hit as much. On defense, we’re still hitting and fitting people up. So, just changing pace in practice was big.

I really liked hitting on offense and hitting on special teams. I love coming out and laying the pads. That’s something for me that was natural from playing special teams is you’re basically playing defense. Definitely working on

Hometown: Eureka, Montana

Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 205 pounds High school: Eureka HS my tackling form was something that was big, but I like the physicality, which I think is why coach likes me on this side of the ball because I have that physicality and hustle aspect.”

playing with. I really think it’s working well with coach Shann. I always say I’m ready to play wherever I’m needed, even if they need me back on offense again.

Right now, I love playing at safety, and I would be happy Q: So, do you feel like to stay here.” you’ve finally found your spot on this team at Frank Gogola covers Griz safety? football and prep sports for A: “I do. I feel like this is a the Missoulian. Follow him good, natural spot for me. on Twitter @FrankGogola or It fits me physically. I enjoy email him at frank.gogola@ playing with the guys I’m missoulian.com.

Montana CustoM Greenhouses

Sizes from 8’x8’ to 25’x100’ and w/many options available so YOU get the greenhouse that YOU want 8 + years experience

mtcustomgreenhouses.com

serving Western Mt

Give me a call @ 396-2851 to determine the best greenhouse for your specific needs and wants

Missoulian

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 5

6 | Friday, October 15, 2021

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Missoulian

HOW WE SEE THE BIG SKY win over Portland State last week, 42-35.

However, their defense has surrendered 22 touchdowns in five games. I just don’t see them containing Eastern QB Eric Barriere. e learn as we go, even when we’re Bill: Eags 54, Vandals 24. Frank: Eastern old.

Washington 42, Idaho 28. Lance: Eagles The nice thing for most of us is 48, Vandals 21. we don’t have to learn hard lessons in front Northern Colorado at No. 13 UC Daof 23,000 people like Montana redshirt Bill Lance Frank vis: None of the Missoulian’s three pickers freshman quarterback Kris Brown did last Speltz Hartzler expected the Aggies to lose at Idaho State Gogola weekend. He did a nice job figuring things 31-6 32-5 30-7 last week, 27-17. That was a little hard to out in the second half and leading the Grizbelieve when you consider Davis won at zlies to a 31-14 home win over Dixie State.

FBS Tulsa earlier this season. This week draw a full house at Washington-Grizzly This Saturday brings a tougher test for represents an opportunity for the Aggies Brown and the Grizzlies. Sacramento State Stadium. I had a fan call me with a good to get back on track at home, and they will seems to have figured things out after a 1-2 point after last week’s game: The empty start, with wins at Idaho State and at home seats we saw on television may have had as do so in a big way. Bill: Aggies 44, Bears 17. much to do with COVID-19 fears as apathy Frank: UC Davis 38, Northern Colorado last weekend against Southern Utah.

20. Lance: Aggies 42, Bears 14. or confidence in the outcome.

Then again, Southern Utah (1-5) and Southern Utah at Northern Arizona: Anyway, I appreciate all feedback, good Idaho State (1-4) aren’t that great, so it’s We’re at that point in the season where or bad. I try to have fun with this weekly hard to tell how salty the Hornets will be games like this one involving mediocre Saturday. Their only game against a ranked piece. And I want to apologize to anyone I teams are tough to call. The Jacks blew out may have offended by not using the corFCS opponent didn’t go real well as they Idaho State two weeks ago, seven days berect name for the Beartracks Bridge in last dropped a 34-16 decision to a Northern Iowa team (No. 16) that traveled a long way week’s column. Cheers on the name change fore the Bengals stunned UC Davis. Three weeks ago, the Jacks lost at struggling and cheers to those the name honors. to play.

Sacramento State at No. 5 Montana: Northern Colorado. The Thunderbirds, on I’m picking the Grizzlies to win Saturday, regardless of whether Brown or Cam Hum- The Hornets’ margin of victory at Dixie State (19-7) on opening week and the close phrey (ankle injury) start at quarterback. nature of their win at Idaho State (23-21) on I will confess, however, that I’m not as confident in the outcome with Brown at the Sept. 25 lead me to believe they’ll never stay helm, simply because of his lack of experi- with the Grizzlies for four quarters in Missoula. Montana needs to play better in the ence. first half than it did last week when it went In the back of my mind, I believe Montana needs Humphrey at the helm to make into the locker room with a 3-0 lead over winless Dixie State. I believe it will play a serious run to Frisco, Texas, home of the FCS title game. That’s taking nothing away better from the onset Saturday. Bill: Griz 28, Hornets 21. Frank: Montana 34, Sacrafrom Brown. It’s just a gut feeling.

Perhaps Brown will skyrocket faster than mento State 17. Lance: Griz 32, Hornets 14.

Idaho at No. 2 Eastern Washington: I expect and show himself to be the easy I’d give the Vandals a much better chance choice as Griz starting QB come playoff THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE of winning this one if they were playing in time. That would be exciting.

'01 NATIONAL CHAMPION GRIZZLIES their dome. They’re coming off a nice home Here’s hoping this Saturday’s game will BILL SPELTZ

Missoulian bill.speltz@406mtsports.com‌

W

the other hand, have lost three in a row but did have a close call with Portland State two weeks ago. I’m going with Northern Arizona in this one, simply because the game is being playing in Flagstaff. Bill: Jacks 40, Thunderbirds 30. Frank: Northern Arizona 28, Southern Utah 27. Lance: Lumberjacks 27, T-Birds 24.

Idaho State at Portland State: Ah, those pesky Bengals. Last week, they beat Davis by 10 points. The week before, they lost by 31 points to Northern Arizona.

Worth considering is the fact that ISU has been blown out both times it played on the road. Portland State has played decent at its home away from home in Hillsboro, Oregon. The Viks have found some consistency on offense, so I’ll go with them to win this one. Bill: Portland State 31, Idaho State 27. Frank: Portland State 27, Idaho State 24.

Lance: Idaho State 32, Portland State 27.

Bill Speltz is Missoulian Sports Editor and has served as Sunday columnist the past 15 years. Do you have a story idea? Email Bill at bill.speltz@missoulian.com.

GRIZ

GREATS

TRIVIA

a) 10-2

c) 20-2

3. Who was the last Griz player with an interception in three consecutive games before Justin Ford pulled off the feat last week?

b) 8-4

d) 12-0

a) Matt Hermanson

c) Alex Gubner

b) Trumaine Johnson

d) Jordan Tripp

against Sacramento State?

2. Which Sacramento State assistant coach was a player on the Grizzlies’ 2001 national championship team? a) Andy Thompson

c) Kraig Paulson

b) Jeremy LaPan

d) Dane Oliver

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

1. What is Montana’s all-time home record

Missoulian

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 7

8 | Friday, October 15, 2021

Missoulian

Windermere is a proud sponsor of Griz Kidz.

‌MONTANA ROSTER

GLOBAL RECOGNITION M O N TA N A E X P E R T I S E WE ARE ENGEL & VÖLKERS.

Montana’s Premium Real Estate Brokerage Missoula | Polson | Hamilton | Whitefish Columbia Falls | Kalispell | Stevensville Helena | Bigfork Learn more at www.westernfrontier.evrealestate.com

©2021 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage 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.

NO. NAME YEAR POS. HGT. 0 Omar Hicks Onu R-Sr. CB 6-1 2 Cam Humphrey R-Sr. QB 6-2 2 Gavin Robertston R-Sr. S 6-1 3 TraJon Cotton R-So. CB 6-1 4 Nash Fouch R-So. S 6-2 4 Ryan Simpson R-Fr. WR 6-6 5 Junior Bergen Fr. RB 5-11 5 Garrett Graves R-So. S 6-3 6 Jackson Pepe R-So. S 6-0 6 Keelan White R-Fr. WR 6-2 7 Gabe Sulser Jr. WR 5-9 8 Daniel Britt Fr. QB 5-11 8 Corbin Walker So. CB 5-11 9 Drew Deck Fr. WR 5-9 9 David Koppang R-So. S 6-0 10 Robbie Patterson R-So. QB 5-11 10 Marcus Welnel R-Jr. LB 6-1 11 Cole Grossman R-Fr. TE 6-4 11 Gabe Longin Fr. S 5-11 12 Kris Brown R-Fr. QB 6-4 12 Camden Capser Fr. K 6-2 13 Xavier Harris Fr. RB 5-10 13 Ryder Meyer R-Fr. S 5-9 14 Ryan Arntson R-Jr. RB 5-7 15 Retired in Honor of Dave Dickenson 16 Aaron Fontes Fr. WR 6-1 17 Robby Hauck R-Jr. S 5-10 18 Samuel Akem R-Sr. WR 6-4 19 Malik Flowers R-Jr. WR 6-2 21 Justin Ford R-Jr. CB 6-2 21 Marcus Knight Jr. RB 6-1 22 Retired in Honor of Terry Dillon 23 Autjoe Soe Fr. CB 6-1 25 Jaxon Lee Fr. S 6-1 26 Nick Ostmo So. RB 6-0 27 Trevin Gradney R-Fr. CB 6-0 28 Isiah Childs Fr. RB 6-1 29 Brian Buschini R-Fr. KP 6-0 30 Colter Janacaro Fr. RB 5-11 32 Drew Turner R-So. RB 6-0 33 Carson Rostad Fr. LB 6-3 34 Asher Croy Fr. LB 6-0 35 Braxton Hill So. LB 6-2 36 Levi Janacaro R-So. LB 6-0 37 Jace Lewis R-Sr. LB 6-1 40 Kale Edwards R-Fr. DE 6-5 41 Kevin Macias R-Sr. KP 6-0 43 Grayson Pibal Fr. LS 6-3 44 Ryan Tirrell R-Fr. LB 6-2 45 Chase Johansen Fr. LB 6-1 46 Micah Ashton Fr. TE 6-5 49 Matthew O’Donoghue R-Sr. LS 6-1 50 DeAri Todd R-Jr. DE 6-2 52 Michael Matthews R-Jr. LB 6-2 53 Lorenzo Brown R-So. DT 6-4 54 Tyler Flink R-So. LB 5-11 55 Alex Hurlburt R-Fr. DE 6-3 56 Joe Babros R-Sr. DE 6-4 57 AJ Forbes R-So. OL 6-4 58 Patrick O’Connell R-Jr. LB 6-2 60 Dillon Botner R-Fr. OL 6-6 61 Hunter Mayginnes R-So. OL 6-5 62 Kevin Good Fr. OL 6-4 63 Trevor Welnel R-So. OT 6-4 64 Dylan Cook R-Sr. OT 6-6 65 Gerrit Bloemendaal R-So. OG 6-3 66 Brandon Casey Fr. OL 6-5 68 Cody Kanouse Jr. OG 6-6 69 Noah Ambuehl R-Fr. OL 6-3 70 Skyler Martin R-Jr. OL 6-5 71 Kordell Pillans R-Sr. OG 6-6 73 Colin Dreis R-Fr. OL 6-7 74 Kukila Lincoln Fr. OL 6-5 77 Moses Mallory R-Sr. OG 6-3 78 Conlan Beaver R-Sr. OT 6-5 80 Mitch Roberts R-Jr. WR 6-1 82 Carver Gilman R-Fr. KP 6-4 83 Matt Simkins Fr. TE 6-4 84 Joey Elwell So. TE 6-3 85 Danny Burton Sr. WR 5-10 86 Colten Curry R-So. TE 6-7 88 Erik Barker Fr. TE 6-4 89 Peyton Brammer Fr. TE 6-5 90 Justin Belknap R-Sr. DE 6-3 91 Eli Alford Jr. DT 6-1 92 Jacob McGourin R-Fr. DE 6-5 94 Noah Kaschmitter Fr. DE 6-3 96 Henry Nuce Fr. DL 6-4 97 RJ Nelson R-Jr. DE 6-4 98 Journey Grimsrud Fr. DL 6-3 99 Alex Gubner R-So. DT 6-3

WT. 195 201 215 204 205 210 175 205 198 190 170 185 180 160 194 196 225 220 190 220 165 182 180 180

HOMETOWN Lewisville, Texas Issaquah, Wash.

Auburn, Wash.

Sacramento, Calif.

Woodinville, Wash.

Bozeman, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Eureka, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

North Vancouver, B.C. Billings, Mont.

Las Vegas, Nev. Renton, Wash.

Kalispell, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Medford, Ore. Helena, Mont.

Vancouver, Wash.

Great Falls, Mont.

Bozeman, Mont.

Billings, Mont.

Oxnard, Calif.

Fairfield, Mont.

Helena, Mont.

170 185 210 200 190 215

Oxnard, Calif.

Missoula, Mont.

Broken Arrow, Okla.

Fontana, Calif.

Concord, N.C. San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

170 210 218 180 205 219 214 229 222 217 225 235 230 240 185 195 225 215 237 260 272 215 220 227 242 230 303 225 260 330 300 280 305 319 285 320 294 302 330 275 253 332 315 200 192 222 245 170 230 238 220 240 290 265 260 250 250 272 294

Murray, Utah Missoula, Mont.

Portland, Ore. Billings, Mont.

Manhattan, Kan. Helena, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

Hamilton, Mont.

Bozeman, Mont.

Anaconda, Mont.

Missoula, Mont.

Townsend, Mont.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Mesa, Ariz.

Clackamas, Ore. Missoula, Mont.

Park City, Utah San Diego, Calif.

Santa Ana, Calif.

Lorain, Ohio Camas, Wash.

Chicago, Ill. Missoula, Mont.

Salem, Ore. Mission Viejo, Calif.

Bellevue, Neb. Kalispell, Mont.

Whitefish, Mont.

Chandler, Ariz.

Rocklin, Calif.

Helena, Mont.

Butte, Mont.

Great Falls, Mont.

Sandpoint, Idaho Gig Harbor, Wash.

Great Falls, Mont.

Vancouver, Wash.

Kodiak, Alaska Tucson, Ariz.

Kamuela, Hawaii Herriman, Utah Fredericksburg, Va. Missoula, Mont.

Whitefish, Mont.

Butte, Mont.

Meridian, Idaho Helena, Mont.

Valier, Mont.

Keizer, Ore. Brush Prairie, Wash.

Henderson, Nev. Park City, Utah Cheney, Wash.

Grangeville, Idaho Kalispell, Mont.

Hillsboro, Ore. Huntley, Mont.

West Hills, Calif.

Missoulian

406.370.1377 aspirefitnesspt.com

GRIZZLY GAME DAY MATCHUPS MONTANA STARTING OFFENSE

CB 1 Munchie Filer III

LT 78 Conlan Beaver

QB 2 -OR- 12 Cam Humphrey -OR- Kris Brown TB 13 Xavier Harris

C 57 AJ Forbes

RT 64 Dylan Cook

MONTANA BACKUPS ON OFFENSE LG 71 Kordell Pillans WR 4 Ryan Simpson C 77 Moses Mallory WR 19 Malik Flowers RG 70 Skyler Martin TE 88 Erik Barker RT 66 Brandon Casey LT 73 Colin Dreis

LB 10 Marcus Welnel

Garrett Graves

FS 17 Robby Hauck Nickel 4 Nash Fouch

LB 37 Jace Lewis

SACRAMENTO STATE BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE 40 Killian Rosko DT 99 Leke Fashola DT 56 Brandon Knott RUSH 42 Marshaun Hunter

DE 96 Henry Nuce

DE 97 RJ Nelson

WR 84 Pierre Williams RT 77 Kooper Richardson RG 78 Brandon Weldon C 79 Thomas Parker LG 72 Jackson Slater LT 52 Ivan Garza

P 29 Brian Buschini

P 91 Sam Clark

MLB 30 Armon Bailey SLB 39 Jeremy Harris NICKEL 46 Jace O’Hara CB 24 Davion Ross

CB 2 Patric Dean SS 27 Gavin Davis-Smith FS 7 Cameron Broussard

SACRAMENTO STATE STARTING OFFENSE CB 0 Omar Hicks Onu

NT 99 Alex Gubner LB 58 Patrick O’Connell

MLB 5 Marcus Hawkins

CB 35 Dominick Sanders

MONTANA STARTING DEFENSE SS 5

FS 20 Abel Ordaz NICKEL 15 Marte Mapu

RUSH 44 Josiah Erickson

WR 18 Sammy Akem

TB 5 Junior Bergen

SLB 4 Taylor Powell

DT 55 Jett Stanley

RG 77 Moses Mallory

K 41 Kevin Macias

SS 10 Malik Jeter

DE 94 Wyatt Hjelm DT 93 Tyler Hardeman

LG 61 Hunter Mayginnes

FB 84 Joey Elwell

CB 8 Corbin Walker

MONTANA BACKUPS ON DEFENSE DE 92 Jacob McGourin CB 21 Justin Ford DE 90 Justin Belknap CB 23 Autjoe Soe LB 35 Braxton Hill FS 25 Jaxon Lee LB 52 Michael Matthews Nickel 3 TraJon Cotton LB 36 Levi Janacaro SS 9 David Koppang

SACRAMENTO STATE ROSTER

SACRAMENTO STATE STARTING DEFENSE

WR 80 Mitch Roberts

TE 11 Cole Grossman

Brenda Mahlum | Kristen Bade

TE 16 Marshel Martin

WR 3 -OR- 11 Chris Miller OR Parker Clayton QB 12 -OR- 10 Jake Dunniway OR Asher O’Hara

WR 5 -OR- 8 Devin Gandy OR Jared Gipson

RB 21 BJ Perkinson

K 98 Kyle Sentkowski

SACRAMENTO STATE BACKUPS ON OFFENSE QB 1 Kaiden Bennett WR 6 Jordan Chin Richardson RB 9 Marcus Fulcher TE 88 Charlie McBride C 59 Nathan Mejia WR 80 Lucas Triplett RT 72 Jackson Slater LG 61 Paula Hafoka WR 4 Isaiah Gable RG 74 Kaden LT 72 Jackson Slater

‌No. 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 88 90 91 93 94 98

Name Year Pos. Hgt. Marqui Johnson Fr. WR 5-8 Kaiden Bennett Fr. QB 5-11 Munchie Filer III Sr. CB 6-0 Patrick Dean Fr. CB 5-11 Dorian Hale Fr. QB 6-0 Chris Miller Fr. WR 6-2 Prince Washington Sr. CB 5-9 Isaiah Gable Sr. WR 5-4 Taylor Powell Sr. LB 6-1 Devin Gandy Fr. WR 6-1 Marcus Hawkins Sr. LB 5-11 Jordan Chin Sr. WR 6-0 Cameron Broussard Fr. S 6-0 Yaro Duvalko Fr. QB 6-3 Jared Gipson Fr. WR 6-1 Marcus Fulcher So. RB 5-9 Elijah King Fr. CB 5-10 Malik Jeter Sr. S 5-11 Asher O’Hara Jr. QB 6-0 Parker Clayton So. WR 6-0 Jake Dunniway Jr. QB 6-1 Isaiah Capoocia Jr. NB 5-11 Marcus Aponte So. S 6-0 Marte Mapu Jr. NB 6-3 Marshel Martin So. TE 6-2 Dewey Cotton Jr. WR 5-4 Xavier Mason Fr. WR 6-0 Tykee Woods So. CB 5-7 Abel Ordaz Jr. S 6-1 BJ Perkinson Sr. RB 5-10 Eian Moore Jr. S 6-0 Michael Johnson Fr. RB 5-7 Kainalu Martin Jr. S 5-10 Davion Ross So. S 5-11 Elijah Tau-Tolliver Fr. RB 6-1 Hunter Hall Fr. WR 5-8 Gavin Davis-Smith Fr. S 5-11 Kameron Rocha Fr. S 6-0 Javion Macias Jr. NB 6-1 Armon Bailey Jr. LB 6-1 Josiah Jacobs Fr. NB 6-1 Donovan Roebuck Fr. CB 6-0 Cameron Skattebo Fr. RB 5-10 Elijah Dotson Sr. RB 6-0 Ariel Ngata Jr. DL 6-3 Dominick Sanders Jr. CB 6-0 Jalin Speed Fr. CB 6-0 Nick Wyatt Fr. RB 5-10 DeVaughn Houston Fr. CB 5-10 Jeremy Harris So. LB 6-0 Killian Rosko Jr. DL 6-4 DeShawn Lynch Fr. DL 6-5 Marshaun Hunter So. DL 6-2 Retired in Memory of John Bloomfield Josiah Erickson Sr. DL 6-2 Xavier Williams Fr. DL 6-2 Jace O’Hara So. NB 5-11 Darian Pollard Fr. NB 6-1 Dylan Jorge Fr. LB 6-0 Kurt Landers, Jr. Fr. LB 5-10 Oge Feo Fr. LB 6-1 Don Long Jr. OL 6-3 Ivan Garza Fr. OL 6-5 Justin Houlihan So. LB 6-0 Tali Finefeuiaki Jr. LB 6-0 Jett Stanley So. DL 6-4 Brandon Knott Fr. DL 6-3 Zach Corbitt Fr. LB 6-2 Mitchell Wolfe Fr. LB 6-3 Nathan Mejia Fr. OL 6-3 Robert Fiene So. LS 5-11 Paula Hafoka Fr. OL 6-1 Kenndel Riley Fr. OL 6-3 Dustin Cognetti Jr. LS 5-11 Aidan Meek Fr. OL 6-5 Josh Reba Jr. OL 6-2 Billy Lutui Fr. DL 6-1 Parker Kernek So. OL 6-4 Sawyer Hays Fr. OL 6-6 Eric Fellenzer So. P 6-5 Daniel Bradbury So. OL 6-3 Troy Stiefel Jr. OL 6-5 Jackson Slater Fr. OL 6-3 Ray Matelau So. OL 6-3 Tyler Perez Fr. OL 6-5 Kooper Richardson Sr. OL 6-5 Brandon Weldon Jr. OL 6-3 Thomas Parker Sr. OL 6-3 Lucas Triplett Sr. WR 6-2 Tao McClinton Jr. TE 6-4 Joey Lewis Sr. WR 5-11 Jarrell Anderson Jr. TE 6-4 Pierre Williams Jr. WR 6-1 Charlie McBride So. TE 6-3 Josh Cooper So. DL 6-2 Sam Clark So. P 6-3 Tyler Hardeman So. DL 6-3 Wyatt Hjelm Sr. DL 6-4 Kyle Sentkowski Jr. K 6-0

Wt. 167 186 168 177 189 191 177 150 243 175 227 174 198 178 196 205 170 196 195 185 198 215 200 221 209 149 202 175 202 216 196 182 178 186 186 176 191 178 207 227 200 185 212 193 214 193 177 190 179 215 259 294 229

Hometown Philadelphia, Pa. Sparks, Nev. Compton, Calif.

Ontario, Calif.

Brentwood, Calif.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Fresno, Calif.

Sylmar, Calif.

Tucson, Ariz.

Fontana, Calif.

Fresno, Calif.

San Fernando, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

Vancouver, Wash.

Stockton, Calif.

Fresno, Calif.

Elk Grove, Calif.

Seaside, Calif.

Rolling Meadows, Ill. Folsom, Calif.

Tracy, Calif.

Lakeside, Calif.

Salida, Calif.

Hawthorne, Calif.

Vallejo, Calif.

Stockton, Calif.

Tacoma, Wash.

Fresno, Calif.

Brentwood, Calif.

Hawthorne, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

Oxnard, Calif.

San Francisco, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

Sparks, Nev. Elk Grove, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

San Jacinto, Calif.

Salinas, Calif.

Vallejo, Calif.

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Gardena, Calif.

Rio Linda, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

Reno, Nev. Lincoln, Calif.

Lancaster, Calif.

Lancaster, Calif.

Compton, Calif.

Simi Valley, Calif.

Sonora, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

228 282 196 213 223 215 230 281 299 219 229 281 260 225 222 295 238 295 325 206 283 280 291 276 261 230 295 292 294 304 291 295 295 305 190 206 180 244 212 246 223 198 278 253 209

San Dimas, Calif.

Gustine, Calif.

Rolling Meadows, Ill. Stockton, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

Oakland, Calif.

Waianae, Hawaii Norco, Calif.

Delano, Calif.

Grass Valley, Calif.

Sunnyvale, Calif.

Brentwood, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

Sumner, Wash.

Arcadia, Calif.

Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Corona, Calif.

Lincoln, Calif.

San Jose, Calif.

Bakersfield, Calif.

Fresno, Calif.

Corona, Calif.

Castaic, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif.

Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Anchorage, Alaska Yorba Linda, Calif.

Bellevue, Wash.

Ontario, Calif.

Chino Hills, Calif.

Folsom, Calif.

Compton, Calif.

Coto de Caza, Calif.

Fort Bragg, Calif.

Seattle, Wash.

Vallejo, Calif.

Spanaway, Wash.

Gustine, Calif.

Rocklin, Calif.

Bellflower, Calif.

Lilyfield, Australia Cameron Park, Calif.

Oakdale, Calif.

Blaine, Wash.

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 9

Go #37 (406) 721-2729 • Rasmussonlaw.com

406 Sports Get everything from comprehensive Friday night scores to profiles of Montanans past and present whose impacts have been felt inside and outside the lines.

• News, analysis and commentary for all the sports that matter to Montanans • Photos and videos • Scores & schedules • Live event coverage

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | PLAYERS TO WATCH

10 | Friday, October 15, 2021

Missoulian

SCOUTING SACRAMENTO STATE Quarterback: Jake Dunniway, No. 12‌

Defensive line: Josiah Erickson, No. 44‌

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound junior from Tracy, California, is the primary passer in the two-QB system. Dunniway has thrown for 862 yards, five TDs compared to one INT and minus-25 rushing yards. He threw for 370 yards against Cal and 302 against Idaho State. Asher O’Hara, a Middle Tennessee State transfer, brings the ground element. His 289 rushing yards lead the offense, and he has four of the six TD runs. O’Hara threw for 457 yards in the first two games but had two TDs, three INTs. He’s thrown only 21 passes for 131 yards in the past three games.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pound senior from San Dimas, California, is on pace to match his numbers from 2019, when he got All-Big Sky honorable mention status. Erickson is tied for the team lead with three sacks and has totaled 5.5 tackles for loss, second on the team, as he’s again showing his ability to beat the linemen across from him. His 24 total tackles are tied for third on the team, while his 15 solo tackles are tied for the second most. Erickson totaled 56 tackles, 11.5 TFLs and two sacks in 13 games in 2019 after he came off knee surgery that forced him to miss 2018.

Running back/fullback: BJ Perkinson, No. 21‌

Linebacker: Marcus Hawkins, No. 5‌

The 5-foot-10, 216-pound senior from Hawthorne, California, took over top running back duties last week following the retirement of All-American Elijah Dotson for family reasons.

Perkinson ran for 85 yards on nine carries in the 41-20 win over Southern Utah. That was his second time in five games leading the Hornets in rushing yards, having run for 75 in the season opener. QB Asher O’Hara has also led them in rushing yards twice, with 55, 49 yards. Sophomore Marcus Fulcher led them with 49 rushing yards two games ago and then went for 51 this past weekend.

The 5-foot-11, 227-pound senior middle linebacker from Fresno, California, is playing even better than when he earned second-team All-Big Sky honors in 2019. Hawkins has found his way to the ball for a team-leading 39 tackles. He’s also got into the backfield for a team-high eight TFLs out of the team’s 29, and he has three of the team’s eight sacks, tied for the team lead. Once Hawkins gets to the ball, he’s forced two of the team’s three fumbles. He also has one of the team’s seven interceptions. He joined the Hornets from Fresno City College in 2019.

Wide receiver/tight end: Pierre Williams, No. 84‌

Cornerback/safety: Munchie Filer III, No. 1‌

The 6-foot-1, 212-pound junior from Gustine, California, is again looking like a first-team All-Big Sky wide receiver, an honor he received in 2019. Williams ranks fourth in the Big Sky with 476 receiving yards, an average of 95.2 per game, 15.4 per catch. He’s gone over 100 yards three times this year, with 122 against Northern Iowa, 121 against Cal and 130 against Idaho State. Williams, who has two TD catches, is joined by sophomore tight end Marshel Martin, who has three of the team’s eight TD catches and is second with 254 receiving yards.

The 6-foot, 168-pound senior cornerback from Compton, California, is excelling in his first year with the Hornets after grad transferring from Montana State. Filer has two of the team’s seven INTs, including one against Cal, while Marte Mapu has three. He’s broken up two other passes, is fifth on the team with 20 tackles and has 1.5 TFLs. Filer spent three years at MSU after starting his career at Compton Junior College. He was an All-Big Sky honorable mention pick in 2018 and a preseason All-Big Sky pick in 2019, when an injury limited him to just three games.

Offensive line: Thomas Parker, No. 79‌

Special teams: Kyle Sentkowski, No. 98‌

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior center from Coto de Caza, California, has started in 28 career games for Sac State at right guard, left guard and now center. The other four projected starters on the O-line have a combined 28 starts at Sac State, although right tackle Kooper Richardson started 26 games at UC Davis before transferring. Behind that line, the Hornets are averaging 25.8 points per game and 437.6 totals yards per contest. That breaks down to 293.2 passing yards per game with eight TDs and four INTs, and 144.4 rushing yards per game with six scores.

The 6-foot, 209-pound junior from Blaine, Washington, is one of the top kickers in the Big Sky in his first full season.

Sentkowski, who redshirted in 2019 after spending two years at College of the Siskiyous, has averaged a league-best two makes per game. His 10 makes (on 13 attempts) and conversion percentage (76.9%) are second in the league among players who’ve attempted more than three FGs. Sam Clark is fifth in the conference averaging 46.4 yards on 21 punts. Marcus Fulcher is averaging 22.2 yards on five kick returns and 10.6 yards on five punt returns.

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | CONFERENCE CAPSULES

Missoulian

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 11

Now Hiring No. 5 Montana (4-1) versus Sacramento State (3-2) ‌

No. 2 Eastern Washington (6-0) versus Idaho (2-3)‌

Portland State (2-4) versus Idaho State (1-4)‌

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Missoula, Montana Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217 FieldTurf) SWX/ESPN+ Series History: Montana leads the series, 20-2, and is 12-0 in Missoula.

Last Meeting: Montana suffered a 49-22 loss at Sac State in 2019.

The Coaches: Bobby Hauck enters his 10th overall season as the Griz head coach and is in his second stint as the head coach. Troy Taylor is in his third season with Sac State.

Notes: UM will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its 2001 championship with a team reunion on Saturday. The 2001 title was the second for the program and is the most recent.

Saturday, 12:30 p.m. MT Cheney, Washington Roos Field (8,600 Red Sprinturf) ESPN+/ROOT Sports Series History: The Eagles lead the series, 3-2.

Last Meeting: The Eagles took a 38-31 win during the spring.

The Coaches: Aaron Best is in his fifth season as the Eagles head coach and is in his 25th season overall at EWU between being a former player and assistant coach.

Paul Petrino, a former Carroll College quarterback, enters his ninth year as the head coach of Idaho, which returned to the FCS from the FBS in 2018.

Notes: Historically, the games between EWU and Idaho, which are separated by just over an hour’s drive, have been tight. The last three have been decided by one score apiece — with two of those games being in Moscow.

Saturday, 3 p.m.

Hillsboro, Oregon Hillsboro Stadium (7,600 FieldTurf) ESPN+ Series History: The Vikings lead the series, 9-8.

Last Meeting: The Bengals took a 51-24 win over the Vikings in 2019.

The Coaches: Bruce Barnum is in his seventh season as the Vikings head coach and 12th overall with the program. Rob Phenicie enters his fifth season as the ISU head coach.

Notes: The Bengals took a surprising win last week when they upset then-No. 7 UC Davis at home in Pocatello. The Bengals won by 10 to get their first win of the season. Portland State, meanwhile, has played in two straight onescore games with a win over SUU two weeks ago and a loss to Idaho last week.

No. 19 Weber State (2-3) versus No. 9 Montana State (5-1)‌ Friday, 8 p.m.

Ogden, Utah Stewart Stadium (17,312 Natural grass) ESPNU Series History: The Bobcats lead the series, 10-7.

Last Meeting: Weber State took a 10-point win, 34-24, on Oct. 20, 2018.

The Coaches: Jay Hill is in his eighth season at the helm of Weber State. Brent Vigen begins his first season with MSU after he was an assistant at Wyoming.

Notes: Since a near upset over FBS Wyoming, the Bobcats have rolled to five straight wins against a schedule that could be considered weak. The rest of the slate is the opposite, with three games against ranked opponents on the road looming. Weber State, meanwhile, is 0-2 against ranked teams this year with losses to then-No. 2 James Madison and then-No. 12 UC Davis.

Up to $16.50 HR Apply today at CAREERS.WALMART.COM OR text HIRE ME to 240240 Contact Bobbi or Sophia

No. 13 UC Davis (5-1) Northern Arizona versus Northern (2-3) versus Southern Colorado (2-4)‌ Utah (1-5)‌ Saturday, 6 p.m.

Saturday, 2 p.m.

Flagstaff, Arizona J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome (11,230 FieldTurf) ESPN+ Series History: The Thunderbirds lead the series, 7-6.

Last Meeting: The Lumberjacks beat the Thunderbirds, 28-20, during the spring season.

The Coaches: Chris Ball is in his second full season with the Lumberjacks after a long career as an FBS assistant coach. Demario Warren is in his sixth season as the Thunderbirds head coach and 13th overall with the school.

Notes: The Grand Canyon Rivalry — which is what the SUU-NAU game has been dubbed — will have its final in-conference game between the programs because SUU leaves for the WAC next year. The rivalry started off more in favor of SUU, which won six of the first nine.

Since then, NAU has won three of the past four.

Davis, California UC Davis Health Stadium (10,743 Shaw Sports Turf) ESPN+ Series History: UC Davis is 7-3 in the series.

Last Meeting: UC Davis won, 49-36, in 2018.

The Coaches: Dan Hawkins is in his third season at UC Davis, his alma mater. Ed McCaffrey enters his first season with Northern Colorado.

Notes: The Bears have lost two in a row to ranked opponents. The Aggies were upset last week by Idaho State and dropped from No. 7 to No. 13 in the FCS poll this week.

You could be the missing piece!

Join our team today!

We offer benefits galore, flexible schedules, competitive pay, health insurance, associate 10% discount, 100% paid college tuition, stock options, matching 401k, just to name a few.

Walmart Super Center #3259 3555 Mullan Road Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 829-8489

Walmart #2147 4000 U.S. - 93 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 251-6060

12 | Friday, October 15, 2021

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Missoulian

Hicks Onu From Page 3

than the next man, but they’re not. Everybody goes through some challenging times, but it just depends on how you get through those challenges that could either make you or break you.”

Hicks Onu learned the makeor-break nature of football when he started playing at 5 years old in football-crazed Texas because he wanted to be like his older brother, who went on to play at Div. II Midwestern State. By 10, he was making a list of about 25 schools where he wanted to play college football, including Miami, USC, Florida and Texas.

Hicks Onu had to work hard in high school to achieve that dream because he was a late bloomer. He went into varsity football as an undersized freshman, not some stud athlete who got everything handed to him.

At Hebron High School, he even excelled on the track as a sprinter in Lewisville, Texas. He’d go through offseason football workouts led by coach Brian Brazil, only to follow up that by heading over to track practice.

“He’s someone who understands the process and can follow the coach’s lead because he feels like he’s got a lot to prove,” Brazil said. “When things didn’t come easy, it made him work harder to prove what he thought he could do. It makes him a blue-collar, hard-working guy. If he rested on his ability and didn’t put in the work, I don’t think he’d become the player he is.”

People who didn’t know Hicks Onu well would call him cocky when he was in high school. He saw it as being confident. That’s when he knew he had something others didn’t, even getting voted as a team captain.

Hicks Onu’s belief in himself carried over to OSU, where he played in 24 games and started twice as a freshman and sophomore before his injury. He played in only six games there after the injury, but he wasn’t worried when he entered the transfer portal without a destination in mind, feeling others would recognize his

BEN ALLAN SMITH, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana senior cornerback Omar Hicks Onu (7) runs with the ball during the college football game between the Griz and Portland State on April 17 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. abilities.

That confident nature was nurtured through the hard work he put in over the years.

“When you’re in the weight room, when you’re in the film room and you’re on the field and doing what you’re supposed to, you just build confidence,” he said. “It’s kind of easy to learn how to be confident when you learn how to trust yourself and know what you’re capable of.”

Veteran leader‌

When Hicks Onu got injured at OSU, he wished there would’ve been more experienced veterans to help him handle the adversity during the recovery phase.

As a seventh-year senior now, he’s tried to bring that veteran leadership to UM. It’s how he can make an impact beyond just his

on-the-field play and can leave the place better than he found it.

“Those are my guys, the young guys,” he said. “I treat them just like my little brother. I want to see them succeed. I want to see them be better than me.”

Cotton has seen Hicks Onu open up more and more the longer they’ve been at UM. They had started out together in the cornerbacks group before Cotton got moved to safety.

“He’s definitely more vocal than when he got here,” Cotton said. “Even at Oregon State, he wasn’t that vocal. Here, he’s kind of taken command of that corner room. He’s like an on-field leader.

He’s a lead-by-example guy, but if he has to say something, he’s not scared to say it at all.”

It might not seem surprising that Hicks Onu can take on a vo-

cal role given how well-spoken he is off the field. Sophomore Garrett Graves, a Eureka grad, has seen from the safety position just how much Hicks Onu cares about the game.

“He attacks this like a business,” he said. “That’s something that you really love to see out of your teammates, that they care about it and this is something that is very meaningful and important and they’re not just coming out and goofing off on the days that aren’t Saturdays. I think that’s something about Omar that’s special is he’s very diligent and a serious person.”

Hicks Onu is also a player whose smarts — he’s getting a master’s degree in anthropology — can help take his play to another level. His knowledge on the field increases the responsibilities the

coaches can ask of him and can allow him to adjust better within a game.

Hauck welcomes the stable veteran presence that Hicks Onu has brought to what was a rather young position group at cornerback. So, when he heard about Hicks Onu’s comments after the Washington game, it struck a chord.

“I always appreciate that, especially from veteran players,” he said. “I think that the veterans have a tendency to be able to see the big picture and why we do what we do. That’s always enjoyable.”

Frank Gogola covers Griz football and prep sports for the Missoulian. Follow him on Twitter @ FrankGogola or email him at frank. gogola@missoulian.com.

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 13

Missoulian

Some of your most important connections can be found close to home Proudly serving Missoula since 1995.

Merrill financial advisors are committed to the individuals and businesses in Missoula.

We can help you build upon your success, prepare for the future and create a strategy that’s uniquely yours.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 330 North Higgins Avenue • Missoula, MT 59802 406.829.2440

14 | Friday, October 15, 2021

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Missoulian

2001 national champs give back FRANK GOGOLA

paying full cost of atten-

Missoulian dance. They’ve got their guys frank.gogola@406mtsports.com‌ there, and they’ve got staff-

Montana’s most-recent national championship football team might just be helping the Griz win their next title.

The 2001 FCS champions have raised nearly $300,000 to endow a scholarship and help with initial funding for an indoor practice facility.

They’re nearing that goal as they prepare for their 20-year anniversary celebration this weekend when the Griz host Sacramento State.

“I think it’s a sign of how much the place means to them,” Montana athletic director Kent Haslam said. “I think it’s a sign of how special of a team this was. They had a great impact immediately in winning the national championship, but their impact now is going to go on forever.”

An indoor football facility helps put the Griz on a more even playing field with FCS powers such as North Dakota State, South Dakota State and North Dakota, which all also deal with severe winter weather conditions. SDSU opened its facility in 2014 at a cost of $32 million, UND in 2015 and NDSU has been working on its since 2018 at a reported cost of $35 to $40 million.

Unlike those permanent buildings, UM’s is expected to be a temporary bubble structure, which NDSU has had since November 2014. An indoor facility has been part of the master plan on campus, and facilities were one of the items Hauck highlighted at the 2020 Big Sky Football Kickoff as being needed to overtake NDSU, which won eight FCS titles in the 2010s.

“We need to fund our programs like they’re funding theirs,” he said. “They’re building facilities. They’re

ing, they’ve got nutrition.

They’ve got all the things that all the big-time football programs have. So, it starts with that. Then you’ve got to keep recruiting and developing your players. You don’t overcome something like that overnight.”

UM is in the early planning stages. Haslam said the athletic department identified a location on the Riverbowl fields, talked that through with campus officials and started work to see how the facility would look and fit.

They need to continue increasing funding so they can have a better plan before going to the Board of Regents for approval on the expenditure.

The bubble would cover an artificial-turf field and can be taken down when the weather is nice, Haslam said. A permanent structure is required in the form of a support building for electrical, restrooms, an entryway and a way to keep the bubble pressurized. It’ll be used primarily by football but for other sports and by the community as well.

Ideally, Haslam is hoping to have the indoor facility done around this time next year. That’ll be driven by how quickly the required money from donors is raised.

They’re still fine-tuning a final price tag before making that number public, but the gift from the 2001 team will help with the ongoing initial planning work with engineering and architecture.

“Might cause a little jealousy they never had one and were out practicing in the snow,” Haslam lightheartedly said of the 2001 team.

“But they seemed to do OK with that.”

KURT WILSON, MISSOULIAN‌

Montana head coach Joe Glenn celebrates with free safety Dave DeCoite after Montana won the national championship in 2001. Glenn returns to Missoula on Saturday, when he and the 2001 team will be recognized at the Grizzlies’ game.

The 2001 team will also be endowing a scholarship to be presented to a current member of the football team annually. The scholarship is in memory of Tim Bush, Curt Colter and Herb Fernandez, a trio of sophomores on that championship team who died young.

Bush died in a mining accident in 2010. Colter passed of heart disease in 2012 at 33 years old. Fernandez had an autoimmune disease and lung inflammation in 2020 at 40.

“The biggest thing for me was their passion,” said Dan Orizotti, a linebacker on the 2001 team. “They had such a great excitement and energy about them. It just radiated off them. Even though they were young, they were sophomores when we were playing, but all three of them had big impacts. That’s both on and off the field.”

Orizotti has spearheaded the fundraising and reunion efforts. He’s worked alongside a core group of his teammates from that 2001 squad: John Edwards, T.J. Oelkers, Jason Francis, Vince Huntsberger, Trey Young and Dylan McFarland.

Orizotti said Tuesday the fundraiser was at about $285,000 as of a few days ago

but more donations are still being finalized. While they were aiming for $300,000, he’s hoping they could get closer to $350,000 before Saturday’s game.

“It’s a great honor to repre-

sent the university,” he said.

“To be asked back and get that recognition, so many guys are very excited about it. It’s just going to be fun to catch up and tell stories.

We’re excited about coming back together.

“We also appreciate the platform to also give back to future generations. I know people were very excited to pitch in and do that, just giving back to the school that has given us so much both personally and then helped with our professional careers.”

The 2001 team got the idea to raise $300,000 because that’s what UM’s first national title team did. The 1995 team made a $300,000 donation toward the state-ofthe-art Champions Center,

ned lly Ow d!

Loca Operate and

which opened in 2017 as another critical piece in helping the Griz once again be competitive on the national stage.

The locker room will be named in honor of the 2001 team, similar to how the 1995 team has a meeting room in the Champions Center named in its honor. They’ll have a get-together for players Friday and then be honored at the game Saturday.

“I think it’s critical to remember our past,” Haslam said. “I just think it’s a critical part of what makes college athletics so much fun.

Honor the past and use that to help you focus on the future. These are men that had a great impact on this university, and they deserve to be recognized, deserve to get back together.”

Missoulian

GRIZZLY GAME DAY | MONTANA VS. SACRAMENTO STATE

Friday, October 15, 2021 | 15

Hornets off to hot start in Big Sky play Sacramento Bee’s Davidson provides look into Sac State FRANK GOGOLA

Missoulian frank.gogola@406mtsports. com‌

Sacramento State will come to Montana this weekend as one of just three remaining Big Sky teams that are undefeated in league play.

The Hornets are 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference action under second-year head coach Troy Taylor, who led them to a share of the Big Sky title in 2019. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Sacramento Bee senior staff writer Joe Davidson sat down with 406mtsports.com to share his insight about Sacramento State.

Q: How would you describe the vibe around this team at 3-2 overall, 2-0 in the Big Sky, and how might that have changed with the recent retirement of All-American RB Elijah Dotson?

A: “Sacramento has been eager for a Hornets football winner for years, and they have it, starting in 2019 in coach Troy Taylor’s first season when the program tied for a share of the school’s first Big Sky crown. Sac State has a lot of impact local players, and that always resonates for fans, and it includes the disappointment when a local star bows out, such as Dotson. I’ve covered the kid since his high school days in Sacramento, and he’s a classy guy who may return, though doubtful for this season. I even covered his dad, Robert, when he was a high school star 30 years ago, so yes, it’s in the family, and yes, I’m old!”

Q: How did the loss of Dotson impact the offense in the first game without him, and who will be looked upon to fill the void of his production going forward?

A: “An amazing thing about Sac State is its depth, including at running back.

Sac State learned of Dotson’s decision to leave the program on Thursday. Two days later, BJ Perkinson’s first carry against Southern Utah went for 56 yards.

The Hornets rushed for a season-high 251 yards. The Hornets didn’t want to lose Dotson, certainly, and they wish him well, but in this business, you’ve got to move on because opponents won’t slow down a bit, and the Hornets are moving on with a bevy of backs, including Perkinson. He can run with speed, can block, can catch and understands the system. Sac State was looking to get more offensive balance, to click on all offensive cylinders, and it did against Southern Utah.”

work, otherwise it’d divide the team. Dunniway is the better passer and O’Hara the better dual-threat guy, and both envy the other for their skills.”

Q: How has the defense played compared to preseason expectations, and who have been the top playmakers so far?

A: “In college football, and in this conference especially, we all know defenses get stretched, and the bad ones get buckled. Sac State has a defensive coordinator in Andy Thompson whom Montana fans remember from his playing days there. He gets guys in position to attack and players love that. Sac State knew it would have a good offense, but the defense was the question. Defense was a major factor in Sac State’s three victories.

Marte Mapu has played well at linebacker/safety, including the game-saving interception at Idaho State and recording two interceptions against Southern Q: How has the offense Utah on Saturday.” been able to balance a two-quarterback system Q: What’s your score preso far, and is that antici- diction for this game, and pated to be the situation why? going forward?

A: “I have to go with MonA: “Having covered and tana because of its body of known coach Troy Taylor work, starting with the great for a lot of years, I’m sur- opening win effort at Washprised he’s going with a two ington and the close loss to quarterback system, and Eastern Washington. Monit’s the first time he’s done tana set Big Sky standards it as a coach — be it in high for excellence long ago, school, as a coordinator or at and it continues. Sac State Sac State. But his reasoning will compete because that’s makes sense, and it likely what it does, but the Grizwill continue all season, zlies will be too good this and it’s working because day. Montana 28, Sac State Jake Dunniway and Asher 21.”

O’Hara are friends and back each other. That’s not just Frank Gogola covers Griz some school-issued com- football and prep sports for pany line. I see it in practice the Missoulian. Follow him and in games and in post- on Twitter @FrankGogola or game. The guys love each email him at frank.gogola@ other, and they’re making it missoulian.com.

GENUINE. MONTANA. EXPERIENCE.

HOT SPRINGS LODGING DINING GOLF SPA

Bring in stub and receive Bring inany anyUM UMGrizzly Grizzlyticket ticket stub and 33% off your and nights 15% receive 33% lodging off yourSun-Thur lodging nights Sun-Thur off 15% your off lodging nights nownights through and yourFri-Sat lodging Fri-Sat now 12/25/2019. through 12/25/2021.

FairmontMontana.com | 800.332.3272

16 | Friday, October 15, 2021

Missoulian

GET YOUR

GEAR AT BOB WARD’S!

SWEATSHIRTS & HOODIES

TEES

JACKETS & PULLOVERS

ACCESSORIES & MORE FROM THE TOP BRANDS

UNDER ARMOUR, NIKE, COLUMBIA, & MORE! ....and so much more on sale than just these!

Check out our stadium store on game days.

Missoula’s best Griz gear selection.

Shop online 24/7 at bobwards.com

3015 Paxson - Adjacent to Southgate Mall • 728-3220