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GAME DAY

SATURDAY, NOV. 23 Vs. MONTANA

CAT

FULL PApER INSidE

GRIZ

NO. 5 MONTANA VS. NO. 13 MONTANA STATE, BObCAT STAdiUM, 12:10 p.M.

INSIDE
WHO HAS THE EdgE TOdAY?
The Bobcats are sputtering and will be ghting for their playo lives this afternoon. Can they top their rivals? I 2

PHOtOS bY ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ/CHRONICLE

Running back Cody Kirk and the Montana State seniors are gunning for a third win over rival Montana in the past four seasons.

JOURNEYMEN
Bobcats seniors hoping to notch third win against Griz, extend season
hey are a study in contrasts. The outgoing signal caller from a Texas high school football power who dazzled as a redshirt freshman and who has left an indelible impression on a state and a proud program. The unheralded but hard-working running back who grew up mere miles from Missoula yet was destined to be a Cat and has made the most of his time in blue and gold. The cerebral, stoic wide receiver lauded for his consistency and precise route running. The soft-spoken, incomparably intense defensive end who routinely has flustered opposing offenses and has scripted a compelling chapter in a proud family tradition at Montana State. Together, DeNarius McGhee, Cody Kirk, Tanner Bleskin and Brad Daly, the prominent members of a talented and decorated senior class, have worked their way up the depth chart an onto center stage. They have won three conference titles, rewritten history, established a standard of excellence and cemented MSUs status as a perennial FCS and Big Sky contender. Its just awesome to play with these guys. There are so many people Ive been together with for five years, and you just develop a bond you will never

Montana senior linebacker and Bozeman native Brock Coyle

Its just awesome to play with these guys. There are so many people Ive been together with for five years, and you just develop a bond you will never forget about. Weve cried together, weve laughed together, weve sweated together, weve yelled at each other and gotten in fights, but theyre my brothers.
Cody Kirk

forget about, Kirk said this week. I love those guys to death; they are my brothers. Weve been through so much together weve cried together, weve laughed together, weve sweated together, weve yelled at each other and gotten in fights, but theyre my brothers. Together, the tight-knit group has tied a school record with 37 wins in four seasons. Now, its sights are squarely set on No. 38. A few weeks ago, the Bobcats were sporting a top-five ranking and riding a five-game winning streak into their road tussle with Eastern Washington. Consecutive deflating losses to the Eagles and

Southern Utah, however, have exposed a variety of flaws, incited doubters, and clouded MSUs once promising postseason prospects. Now, the sense of urgency that annually accompanies the Brawl of the Wild is intensified. By most accounts, MSU needs a win over bitter rival Montana this afternoon to secure a postseason berth. The weight of this moment is not lost on Kirk or McGhee, who is in the midst of the first two-game losing streak of his career. Its playoff time. Weve got to win if we want to keep playing, said Kirk, a Frenchtown native. I dont want to be done playing football, and I know none of us do. Added McGhee, It means a lot, and we just have to come out with the win. I came in here and Coach (Rob) Ash gave me the opportunity to play as a youngster, and weve been able to do a lot of things, but this is our last Cat-Griz game. Of all the offensive coordinators and coaches Ive had within the past years, the one thats still handing here in the man over there, and thats Coach Ash, so Im going to make sure we end this regular season with the win over those guys.
More JOURNEY

HOME-fiELd AdVANTAgE
The home team hasnt won this rivalry game since 2008. The Chronicle attempts to nd out why I 5

WEVE gOT THE BRAwL Of THE WiLd COVEREd


For all of the latest updates and analysis and to join the discussion on the Bobcats 113th battle with rival Montana, visit dailychronicle.com/live starting at noon today. Also be sure and follow @ jmaletz and @bozchronsports on Twitter

| Saturday, November 23, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana at No. 13 Montana State
12:10 p.m., Bobcat Stadium

Sideline Brieng
Records
No. 13 Montana State 7-4, 5-2 Big Sky No. 5 Montana 9-2, 5-2

ThE EDgE
MONTANA AT MSU
WhEn Montana StatE has thE baLL
Theres no place to go ready to roll today, but but up, right? the true health of the Bobcats fans sure MSU backeld will go a hope so after suering long way to determinthrough last weeks ing the outcome. ugly oensive showing Montanas stout front against Southern Utah. seven will likely slow the DeNarius MSU ground McGhee game, but EDGE was picked the Griz secondary is a o twice, bit of a wild fumbled card it has once and surrendered was barely no touchrecognizable down passes through the in ve games rst three but two or more in four; quarters, throwing for Vernon Adams burned just 4 yards. it for six. With Cody Kirk and Expect a big day Shawn Johnson logging from McGhee in what extended time on the sideline because of vari- could be his Bobcat Stadium nale. We ous ailments, the Cats dont think it will be were thoroughly outenough, though. played. Kirk insists hes

DEPTH CHARTS
Montana State Offense
LEFTTACKLE 55 John Weidenaar 76 Marshall Womack LEFTGUARD 63 Kyle Godecke 64 Andy Austin CENTER 74 Matthew Devereux 6-3/300 So 70 Joel Horn 75 JP Flynn 64 Andy Austin 79 Quinn Catalano 71 Alex Eekhoff 9 2 DeNarius McGhee Jake Bleskin 6-4/295 So 6-5/304 Fr 6-4/285 Sr 6-4/300 Jr 6-6/288 So 6-0/212 Sr 6-1/195 So 5-10/213 Sr 5-9/175 Jr 6-3/218 Sr 6-3/193 So 5-10/175 Sr 5-7/174 Jr 6-2/211 Jr 6-3/185 So 6-2/240 Jr 6-3/257 Jr 6-3/185 Sr RIGHTGUARD 6-5/315 So 4-4/285 Sr 6-7/280 So 6-5/280 Fr

Series

Montana Defense
END 58 Zack Wagenmann 47 Derek Crittenden 92 Alex Bienemann 44 Caleb Kidder 95 Tonga Takai 54 Trevor Rehm 93 Zach Peevey 2 END 6-4/245 So 6-2/250 Fr 91 Tyrone Holmes NOSE TACKLE 6-3/315 Jr 6-3/265 Jr 6-3/250 Jr 6-3/240 So 6-2/285 Sr 6-5/260 So

113th meeting, Montana leads 70-37-5

Weather forecast
Sunny, 40 degrees

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Crowd
Bobcat Stadium (17,777)

TV
ROOT SPORTS (Tom Glasgow, Jason Stiles, Jen Mueller)

Radio
KXLB-FM (100.7) (Tyler Wiltgen, Dan Davies, Colter Nuanez)

RIGHTTACKLE

STRONGSIDE LINEBACKER John Kanongataa 5-11/215 Sr 6-2/205 So 6-2/245 Sr MIDDLE LINEBACKER 56 Brock Coyle 35 Kendrick V. Ackeren 6-1/217 So WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER 37 Jordan Tripp 9 Addison Owen 6-3/237 Sr 6-2/220 So 5-10/180 So 5-11/185 Jr 6-1/198 Jr 6-1/191 So 6-2/199 Sr 6-1/195 So 33 Connor Lebsock

Coaches

QUARTERBACK

RUNNINGBACK 25 Cody Kirk 33 Shawn Johnson X RECEIVER 86 Tanner Bleskin 83 Manny Kalfell 4 Jon Ellis

FIELD CORNERBACK 11 Nate Harris 14 Joshua Dennard 12 Matt Hermanson 31 Justin Whitted 30 Bo Tully 20 Herbert Gamboa 1

ROBASH
MSU, 7th year 34th year overall 57-25 at MSU 233-124-5 overall

micK DELanEY
UM, 2nd year 4th year overall 14-8 at UM 19-19-1 overall

F/YRECEIVER 12 David Dash Z RECEIVER 84 Brian Flotkoetter 11 Tanner Roderick TIGHTEND 93 Lee Perkins 80 Tiai Salanoa KICKER 18 Rory Perez

FREE SAFETY

Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 OCT. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 NOV. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Aug. 29 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23

MONTANA APPALACHIAN STATE @ North Dakota OK PANHANDLE ST. @ Northern Arizona PORTLAND STATE @ UC Davis CAL POLY EASTERN WASHINGTON @ SACRAMENTO ST. @ South Dakota WEBER STATE @ Montana State

Schedules
W, 30-6 W, 55-17 W, 47-14 L, 34-16 W, 55-27 W, 42-7 W, 21-14 OT L, 42-37 W, 51-48 OT W, 31-27 W, 42-6 12:10 p.m. W, 42-24 L, 31-30 W, 26-0 L, 52-38 W, 63-20 W, 36-7 W, 34-16 W, 34-17 W, 35-28 L, 54-29 L, 22-14 12:10 p.m.

WhEn montana has thE baLL


Two matchups to foDespite the return cus on: Deonte Flowers of Jordan Johnson, a vs. Ellis Henderson. Henquarterback made for derson averages nearly the spread, zone-read option, Montana has ad- 26 yards per catch. No. 2: Brad Daly vs. opted a more traditional whichever tackle he oensive philosophy. lines up It now across from relies on a EDGE and the gigantic ofback who fensive line comes and a stable over to of backs chip block. determined Montanas to run right at tackles are opponents. large and Despite slow; Daly comes o the UMs recent struggles edge like a Corvette. If on the ground, MSU Daly can get to Johnson, is focused on shutting the Cats get the edge. down Montanas run If not, Montana State game, which would will be in for a very long greatly jeopardize UMs day and a longer than play-action based passplanned oseason. ing attack.

STRONG SAFETY

BOUNDARY CORNERBACK Anthony Goodwin 6-1/180 Sr 6-0/177 Fr 6-3/260 So PUNTER 88 Stephen Shaw 18 JR Nelson

Defense
END 7 Preston Gale TACKLE 47 Taylor Dees 97 Connor Thomas 50 Craig Ashworth 90 Taylor Sheridan BANDIT 41 Brad Daly 46 Hayden Vick 16 Cole Moore 34 Blake Braun 51 Michael Foster 58 Rhett Young 6-1/240 Sr 6-3/236 Jr 6-2/220 Jr 6-1/225 Fr 6-1/228 So 6-0/215 Jr 6-2/240 Jr 5-10/222 Fr 5-11/183 Jr 5-11/172 Jr 6-0/200 Jr 6-2/200 Sr 5-11/210 Sr 6-0/190 Jr 5-10/193 Sr 5-11/188 So 6-3/185 Sr 6-2/273 Jr 6-3/270 Fr 6-1/280 Sr 6-3/280 So 6-3/254 Sr 6-3/250 So 10 Odin Coe

Offense
LEFT TACKLE 74 John Schmaing 79 Max Kelly 72 Trevor Poole 65 Jordan Hines CENTER 69 Kjelby Oiland 66 Logan Hines 75 William Poehls 71 Devon Dietrich 76 Danny Kistler 78 Clint LaRowe 10 Jordan Johnson 8 6-4/290 Sr 6-4/290 Jr 6-8/345 Sr 6-4/270 Fr 6-8/315 Jr 6-5/275 Fr 6-1/195 Jr 6-7/291 So 6-7/274 Fr 6-5/290 Jr 6-4/291 Jr

Montana StatE Monmouth @ Southern Methodist Colorado Mesa @ Stephen F. Austin @ North Dakota Northern AriZona @ Weber State UC Davis @ Northern Colorado @ Eastern Washington Southern Utah Montana

LEFT GUARD

NOSETACKLE

RIGHT GUARD

Injury report
Montana Undisclosed MONTANA STATE Out for season: LB Naa Moeakiola (shoulder), WR Kurt Davis (knee), LB Wyatt Christensen (knee) Out indenitely: DL Zach Hutchins (undisclosed), C Christian Williams (eye) Probable: TE Tiai Salanoa (knee), RB Cody Kirk (knee), RB Shawn Johnson (hip), LB Michael Foster (shoulder), DB James Nelson (ankle), CB Sean Gords (hand)

SAMLINEBACKER

RIGHT TACKLE

MIKELINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK 19 Shay Smithwick-Hann 6-4/219 Jr RUNNING BACK 5-9/190 Jr 5-11/195 Jr 5-11/238 So 6-2/226 So 5-7/160 Sr 5-7/166 So 6-0/185 So 6-3/185 Jr 6-1/188 So 6-5/222 Jr 5-11/190 Fr Travon Van FULLBACK 34 Jamal Wilson 36 Gavin Hagfors 23 Cam Warren 5 7 Chase Naccarato Ellis Henderson 26 Jordan Canada

ThE bottom LinE


When asked to explain why no team in this rivalry has won a Brawl of the Wild home game since 2008, Rob Ash said, I think theres something really special about silencing a big crowd. Thats sometimes more motivating than anything you do in athletics. The Griz can do much more than that this afternoon: They likely can silence their bitter rivals postseason aspirations. Sorry, Bozeman, but Brawl of the Wild No. 113 goes to the boys from Missoula.

WILLLINEBACKER 43 Alex Singleton 29 Feao Vunipola 37 Deonte Flowers 36 Brad Nordahl ROVER 5 Robert Marshall FREE SAFETY 1 6 3 Steven Bethley Cody Cleveland Sean Gords PUNTER 18 Rory Perez 22 Eryon Barnett

BOUNDARYCORNER

Quick hits
Montana State has not beaten Montana at home since 2005. n Cody Kirks 16 100-yard rushing games is second in school history and one o the record. His 18 touchdowns and 10.2 points per game lead the Big Sky. n Montana is 44th in population but boasts two of the FCS top four schools (MSU fourth; UM rst) in average attendance. n DeNarius McGhees 11,043 passing yards is sixth in Big Sky history, and his 12,124 total yards is fourth. n Alex Singletons 19 tackles against SUU were the most in the Big Sky this season.
n

SLOT RECEIVER

31 21

Z WIDE RECEIVER 80 Sean Haynes 6 Jamaal Jones KICKER 53 Ben Worst

FIELDCORNER 38 Trace Timmer

X WIDE RECEIVER 81 Mitch Saylor

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bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, November 23, 2013 |

2013 MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Craig Ashworth
CLAIM TO FAME:
CONTINUING THE DANHOF TR ADITION
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| Saturday, November 23, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

CONTINUING THE DANHOF TR ADITION

CLAIM TO FAME:
Since 1937 , Danhof Chevrolet has been serving the Gallatin Valley, and providing dependable vehicles and quality service to our customers. For 75 years through four generations, Danhof Chevrolet is a Montana Tradition.

QUALITY YOU CAN COUNT ON

PICTURED:
Caleb & Ava Bellach in Papa Dean Danhofs 1966 Chevy (Great grandchildren of founder Joe Danhof)

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PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS LEE

bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, November 23, 2013 |

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana at No. 13 Montana State
12:10 p.m., Bobcat Stadium

Bobcats aim to halt home woes against Grizzlies


By KYLE SAMPLE
Chronicle Sports Writer

The two stadiums are considered crown jewels. One, on the south side of Bozeman with magnificent views of the Bridger Mountains to the north and the Spanish Peaks to the southwest, is the venue of the reigning three-time Big Sky Conference champions. The other, on the banks of the Clark Fork River at the base of Missoulas Mount Sentinel, boasts arguably the best homefield advantage in the FCS an FBS-style stadium shrunk to fit the second highest level of college football. Over the past three years, Montana States Bobcat Stadium has consistently finished near the top of the FCS in attendance, while Montana fans routinely pack Washington-Grizzly Stadium tight enough to challenge for the FCS lead in that category. The demand for tickets in Bozeman and Missoula is so high that both stadiums have experienced renovations that increased available seating, built giant video boards and installed synthetic turfs. In short, at the FCS level it doesnt get much better than Montanas two Division I stadiums. But over the past four years, the two stadiums have been in the middle of a great mystery without a clear answer. In 2008, the Bobcats arrived in Missoula riding a four-game winning streak that gave them a chance at a share of the conference title if they could upset the favored home team. Surprising nearly everybody in the stadium, Montana sprinted out of its tunnel in throwback uniforms, stoking the record-sized crowd. Less than 10 minutes into the first quarter, UM receiver Mark Mariani scored on a 75-yard

I think there is something really special about silencing a big crowd. Sometimes thats more motivating than anything you do in athletics. Weve both been able to do that the past four years.
Rob Ash, Montana State head coach

CHRONIcLE FILE PHOTO

Montana State fans were all smiles during last years Brawl of the Wild game in Missoula. The Bobcats have not beaten the Grizzlies at home since 2005, however.

punt return that sent the Griz to a 35-3 win. It marked the last time the home team won the matchup of the longtime rivals. As both teams have experienced such considerable home-field advantages, how is it possible that the upper hand disappears the last week of the season? That is a good question, Montana State head coach Rob

Ash said at Tuesdays news conference. I dont know exactly. Maybe, I think there is something really special about silencing a big crowd. Sometimes thats more motivating than anything you do in athletics. Weve both been able to do that the past four years. There are plenty of theories worth mentioning. Montana was without its quarterback and beset by off-field issues that plagued

its team a season ago; Montana States rise to a No. 1 ranking at the end of 2011 affected the teams focus; UM was breaking in a new offense and a new coaching staff in 2010. The speculation is endless. In a game like this where the place is full no matter which place youre at the emotion and the excitement runs so high because theres been 113 years of competition I dont think the

home field is near as much an advantage in a game like this, Montana coach Mick Delaney said. Ash sides with the idea that the natural order of football has unnaturally benefitted the visiting squad. I think there is a lot of circumstances that have gone into each of these games if you look at them: which team is on a roll (and) who makes the plays, Ash said. There is always one or two key plays that could happen on either field it just happened on that field that day. Thats what usually decides the games. In Montana States 21-16 win in 2010 in Missoula, the Cats forced two Montana turnovers inside the MSU 5-yard line. One year later, Montanas Jabin Sambrano scored on a 79-yard reception just 20 seconds after an MSU score that seemed to zap some of the momentum Montana built with a 12-0 halftime lead. A photo of Sambranos score shows MSU safety Joel Fuller slightly misplaying the pass from Jordan Johnson. Had Fuller jumped a second or two later, the pass likely wouldve been intercepted or fallen incomplete. Whatever the explanation behind the strange dynamic that has unfolded over the past four years, Ash isnt taking his chances. I told our fans at Quarterback Club this week that its really important for the fans not to ever get quiet, the seventh-year coach said. No matter what happens, good or bad, lets roll the whole game and keep the home field advantage going. Theres going to be times when the Griz make a good play and weve got to get right back and going again as a crowd. Kyle Sample can be reached at ksample@dailychronicle.com or 582-2690. Follow him on Twitter @kylesample_bdc.

| Saturday, November 23, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana at No. 13 Montana State
12:10 p.m., Bobcat Stadium

Journey/from 1
Ash agreed that only a victory will do to reward a class that has presided over one of the most successful stretches in Bobcats history by any measure. The squad won eight games in 2006 and 34 from 2005-2009. They logged nine, 10 and 11 wins from 2010-12 and won three consecutive conference crowns. That streak was derailed this fall, primarily because of spate of high-profile injuries none bigger the McGhees shoulder separation, which cost him two games. Still, the team has produced a host of notable benchmarks and program bests. McGhee became the 14th player in college football history to pass for 10,000 yards and rush for 1,000, joining a list that includes Steve McNair, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and former MSU standout Travis Lulay, among others. The Bobcats career passing yards (11,043) and wins (36) leader, McGhee now is fourth in Big Sky history in total offense (12.124). Kirks 18 rushing touchdowns is second on MSUs single-season list, and his career tally of 3,373 yards is just 318 shy of Ryan Johnsons school-record. Bleskin, meanwhile, claimed the Bobcats career marks for both catches (188) and receiving yards (2,756) during a season that has included four 100-yard efforts. Daly, the third member of his family to be named a team captain, joining father J. and brother Bobby, has led the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss nearly the entire season. The Buck Buchanan Award contenders career total of 34 sacks and 44 tackles for loss are fourth in Bobcats history. More important than those accolades, however, would be a third win in four years against Montana, they all agree. McGhee, who moved from Mississippi to suburban Dallas

SKY-LIGHTs
EAGLES CLINCH AUTOMATIC BID: Eastern Washington clinched at least a share of the Big Sky Championship and the leagues automatic bid to the FCS playoffs with a 35-22 win over Cal Poly on Saturday. Eastern Washington improved to 7-0 in conference, securing the programs third conference title in the last four years. EWU previously won Big Sky titles in 1992, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2012. Northern Arizona could still forge a tie for the championship with a win over Southern Utah and a loss by Eastern Washington to Portland State. EWU and NAU did not meet during the regular season. EWU would win any tiebreaker by virtue of its win over Montana State; Northern Arizona lost at Montana State. Eastern Washington won the 2010 National Championship and advanced to the semifinals last season. EWU will be making its 10th trip to the FCS playoffs, and its ninth as a member of the Big Sky. If Eastern Washington beat Portland State today, the Eagles will be the first team to finish 8-0 in conference since the 2009 Montana Grizzlies. PLAYOFF TALK: With one week remaining in the regular season, four league teams are in the discussion for at-large bids to the FCS playoffs. The playoff field expands to 24 teams for the first time this season. Eight seeded teams will receive first-round byes, while the other 12 will play on Saturday, Nov. 30. EWU has clinched the Big Skys automatic bid. Eleven conference champions earn automatic bids to the playoffs. The other 13 spots go to at-large teams. Northern Arizona (8-2), Montana (9-2), Southern Utah (8-3) and Montana State (7-4) are still in the hunt for playoff spots. Northern Arizona travels to Southern Utah today. Montana is at Montana State. Northern Arizona hasnt advanced to the playoffs since 2003. Southern Utah has never received an FCS playoff invitation. Montana last made the playoffs in 2011, but its appearance was vacated. From 1993-2009, UM made the playoffs every season. MSU has advanced to the postseason each of the past three seasons. The playoff selection show will air on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Mountain on ESPNU. KUPP SETS FCS RECORD: Eastern Washington freshman Cooper Kupp, a front-runner for the Jerry Rice Award, caught eight passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles win over Cal Poly. Kupp broke the FCS single-season record for receiving yards by a freshman. Kupp enters the final regularseason game with 1,231 yards. The previous record was 1,196 yards set by Appalachian States Sean Price last season. Kupp has 16 touchdown catches, three shy of the single-season FCS freshman record set by Randy Moss at Marshall in 1996. Kupp has caught a TD catch in 11 straight games, tying the all-time FCS record with EWUs Brandon Kaufman (2010), Moss (1996) and Cal Polys Ramses Barden (2008). ADAMS ONE SHY OF LEAGUE RECORD: Vernon Adams threw two more touchdown passes on Saturday, giving him 41 for the season. Adams enters the final game of the regular season one shy of the Big Sky single-season record of 42 set by Montanas Brian Ah Yat in 1996. Adams, a Walter Payton Award Candidate, is second in the nation in passing touchdowns to Eastern Illinois Jimmy Garoppolo. Adams leads the nation in total offense, pass efficiency and points responsible for. Adams left the Cal Poly game with a minor injury. He is expected to play against Portland State. Adams has thrown at least two touchdown passes in all 11 games this season. His efficiency rating of 191.4 is on pace to break the single-season league record, which is currently 175.2.

CHRONIcLE FILE PHOTO

Quarterback DeNarius McGhee currently is mired in the first two-game losing streak of his illustrious career.

as a child, said he considers know, Kirk said. I think Ive Bozeman a second home. had a little bit of luck along the I understand what it means way. To be able to play in a to be a Bobcat, he added, and game like this is a privilege. to travel around the state and Daly said he was destined to to be questioned about this be a Bobcat. Being snubbed by game even if its in the Griz certainly the middle of the Like Cody said, we strengthened his summer. Its defiallegiance, too. nitely a big deal in were on the scout They didnt this state, and its recruit me very team together. a big deal to me I talked to We never knew it hard. and the rest of my one guy from would come down there one time, teammates. Kirk rememto this. Its a great and he thought bers first laying my name was story, and we want Doug, Daly jokeyes on uncle and former player Tom to make it a great ing recalled. It Mahlums 1984 wasnt that hard of ending. championship a choice. ring and walking This rivalry DeNarius McGhee means everythe sidelines in grade school. He thing to me. remembers celebrating with (Winning) would be huge. Its cousins after the Cats win something youd remember for in Missoula in 2002, which the rest of your life. snapped a 16-game losAdded McGhee, Like Cody ing streak in the rivalry; the said, we were on the scout Missoulians front cover was team together. We never knew prominently featured on his it would come down to this. Its bedroom wall for two or three a great story, and we want to years. make it a great ending. I had no idea what was Jon Maletz can be reached at going to happen; I was just a jmaletz@dailychronicle.com or lowly kid out of Frenchtown. I 582-2601. Follow him on Twitdidnt know, Coach Ash didnt ter @jmaletz.

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