Montana Grizzly Football Back on Track, Dominates Idaho

The first drive of the game cast immediate shadows of doubt. But from there, very little damage was caused by vandalism.

The extremely short-handed Montana Grizzly football team, who dealt with even more injuries Saturday night, used some big pass plays, some timely long touchdown runs and a refocused defense to methodically overcome a 7-0 deficit five minutes into the game. The Griz completely seized control early in the third quarter, on their way to a 34-14 whipping of the Idaho Vandals in Big Sky Conference play Saturday night. In a game that you might say wasn't even that close, the Vandals did not score again until the final minute of the game.

True freshman running back Junior Bergen from Billings, who signed with Montana as a wide receiver, has been pressed into duty as the featured running back, due to the injuries of four other Griz ball carriers. Junior delivered, running for touchdowns of 16 and 20 yards. A great way to celebrate his birthday!

Starting quarterback Kris Brown from Bozeman, another freshman, filling in for injured started Cam Humphrey, had some great throws and had no fumbles or pass interceptions, showing some growth in his third career start. The Grizzly defense also had two big interceptions.

The game was the first of three out of four on the road for Montana. The Griz host Southern Utah next Saturday. It's Military Appreciation Day and the Griz for Kids Toy Drive. Please remember to bring those unwrapped toys and cash donations to the drop-off tables at all the Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Kickoff is at noon, so make sure you get your tailgating festivities underway early.