This year’s edition of the Montana versus Montana State football rivalry is rich with Treasure State stars.
A total of 75 players who hail from Montana will participate in the 115th matchup between two of the fiercest rivals in the West. For the Montana State Bobcats, 46 players with Montana roots will play, including 18 who will start or play prominent roles. For Montana, 29 players from inside the Treasure State will play, including nine who figure to play prominently in the game as MSU shoots for a 14th straight winning season while Montana tries to surge into the FCS playoffs.
“It’s our first goal, our daily goal,” MSU head coach Rob Ash said leading up to the 2014 version of the game. “We have a sign that says ‘Beat the Griz all day, every day.’ We try to beat the Griz every day of the year. We try to win in recruiting. We try to win in conditioning. That rubs off. I’m sure they do the same thing. It’s not just one week. It’s all year, all the time.”
Billings, Montana’s largest city with just shy of 110,000 residents, is the most well represented Montana city with 12 players, six for each team, playing in the game. Kalispell is next with 10 representatives, seven for the Bobcats and three from the Griz, all but one who attended Glacier High School. Missoula has nine players in the game, including five for the Grizzlies.
Great Falls has seven players, including five who are Bobcats and six who hail from Great Falls C.M. Russell High. Bozeman High also has seven alum playing in the game, including four for the hometown Bobcats. Butte has four players in the game, including three for the Griz. Dillon also has four players in the contest, all who play for MSU. Helena, usually a hotbed for in-state football talent, has three players in the game, all former Helena Capital Bruins, two that play for MSU. The Bignell brothers represent Drummond as the only other town with multiple representatives.
The rest of the Treasure State products come from Colstrip to Columbia Falls, Lewistown to Big Fork, Hardin to Malta, Miles City to Stevensville. Here’s a look at each and every Treasure State player who is on one of the two rosters leading up to the 115th Brawl of the Wild.
THE STARS
Bobcats
John Weidenaar, left tackle, senior, Manhattan — Weidenaar has proven to be one of the most durable players in the history of the Cat-Griz rivalry and the history of the Big Sky Conference.
On Saturday, the former Class B sprint champion will make his 49th straight start, breaking the Montana State school record held by Brent Swaggert for nearly a decade. The NFL hopeful is 1-2 in his career against the Griz and hopes to snap a two-game losing streak to the rival on Saturday in Bozeman.
Joel Horn, center, senior, Kalispell — During the off-season before the 2014 campaign, Horn’s ability to confidently snap the ball was a real concern for a Bobcat squad trying to work in a new starting quarterback for the first time in four years. By the end of fall camp, Horn was locked in. By the end of last season, he was one of the best centers in the league.
The former standout wrestler from Glacier High was named a third-team All-Big Sky selection. He has played well enough as a senior to be in the conversation for the best center in the league. He will make his 25th straight start in his final game on Saturday.
Chad Newell, running back, junior, Billings — The Senior High product has risen from walk-on to team captain because of his toughness, durability and constantly enthusiastic spirit.
This season, Newell has become Montana State’s feature tailback. He has rushed for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has surpassed 100 yards rushing on two different occasions.
Mac Bignell, linebacker, sophomore, Drummond — The former walk-on safety has burst onto the scene in his first season as a starter.
One of the only bright spots on a Montana State defense that has otherwise struggled, Bignell has made a case for an All-Big Sky selection with a standout sophomore season. The former high school quarterback is tied for the Big Sky lead with 16.5 tackles for loss and his four forced fumbles are also the best total in the league. All told, he has 90 tackles this season.
Grant Collins, linebacker, redshirt freshman, Bozeman — Collins’ debut season has certainly been filled with growing pains but his athleticism and vast potential have been on full display as well.
The son of former NFL Draft pick Shane Collins has made plays at times in the middle of Montana State’s defense. This season, the 2013 Class AA Defensive Player of the Year is second on the team with 73 tackles, including five tackles for loss and a sack.
Gunnar Brekke, running back, junior, Helena — Brekke is always under a little brighter spotlight when Cat-Griz rolls around. The former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year initially verbally committed to Montana before rescinding his promise and signing with the Bobcats.
Despite missing three games with a concussion, the Helena Capital product has been a Swiss Army knife in Tim Cramsey’s up-tempo offense. This season, Brekke has amassed 600 yards from scrimmage. He has rushed for 261 yards on 58 carries (4.5 yards per carry) and scored a rushing touchdown. He has also caught 20 passes for 339 yards (fifth on the team) and two touchdowns, including an 85-yarder against Northern Arizona.
Grizzlies
Brady Gustafson, quarterback, junior, Billings — Gustafson burst onto the scene by throwing for 434 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start as Montana toppled No. 1 North Dakota State to open its season.
The Billings West product came back down to earth, throwing three interceptions in a 20-19 loss to Cal Poly and suffering a leg injury in the first half of a 31-21 loss at Liberty. Gustafson missed Montana’s next six games only to return last week to help spark UM’s 57-16 win over Eastern Washington to set the stage for Saturday.
Derek Crittenden, defensive end, senior, Whitefish — The team captain will not start or play this weekend. The Rhodes Scholarship finalist may still be finishing up his interviews for one of the most prestigious academic honors in the world.
This season, the philosophy major has battled injuries but been solid opposite Buck Buchanan Award candidate Tyrone Holmes. Crittenden has 46 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He has 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in his Griz career.
John Schmaing, left tackle, senior, Billings — The Billings Senior product’s return last week after a one-game suspension was noticeable as Montana manhandled Eastern Washington.
Schmaing has battled adversity — family illness, academic ineligibility that cost him the 2014 season — to emerge as Montana’s best offensive linemen. On Saturday, he will make his 25 start on the blindside for the Grizzlies, including his third against the Bobcats.
Caleb Kidder, defensive tackle, junior, Helena — The former Gatorade Player of the Year from Helena Capital took a helmet to the leg in Montana’s loss to Cal Poly that required surgery. Since his return, he has been a force in the middle of Montana’s defensive line.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound NFL hopeful has 66 tackles this season, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 35 sacks. He also grabbed his first career interception against UC Davis and has broken up five other passes.
Ben Roberts, wide receiver, senior, Missoula — The former Missoula Sentinel three-sport athlete spent the last four seasons playing baseball at Washington State. His transition back to the gridiron has been seamless.
The jumping jack is second on Montana with 48 catches for 425 yards, the third-most on the team. He’s caught five touchdown passes in his first year playing football since 2010. Roberts, who was a 7th round draft pick in the Major League Baseball draft as an 18-year-old Missoula Maverick American Legion player, has had such a successful return to football that he’s received attention from NFL scouts this season.
THE STARTERS
Bobcats
Kyle Godecke, offensive guard, senior, Dillon — The massive 6-foot-6, 330-pound guard’s status for Saturday’s game is uncertain. He has struggled with a foot injury that cost him most of last season and has experienced an ailing neck over the last month. Last week, Godecke did not make the trip to Pocatello for MSU’s 44-20 win over Idaho State.
The gregarious, light-hearted giant has had a productive career despite his health issues. If he can start on Saturday, it will be his third Cat-Griz start and the 29th start of his career as a Bobcat.
Trevor Bolton, punter, senior, Great Falls — The son of MSU Hall of Fame kicker Pat Bolton has carved out his own niche as Montana State’s punter.
This season, Bolton is averaging 43 yards per punt on 28 punts. He has three punts of more than 60 yards, including a 69-yarder against Idaho State last week. He has nine boots of more than 50 yards and has pinned the opponent inside its 20-yard line on eight different occasions.
Trace Timmer, cornerback, senior, Great Falls — Timmer broke into the starting lineup for the first time in his career last week and looks like he will get his first Cat-Griz start in the final game of his career on Saturday.
The son of MSU Hall of Fame linebacker Kirk Timmer is one of three brothers to play Division I football. Ty Timmer, the oldest brother, played linebacker for the Griz before injuries cut his career short. Trevan Timmer, the youngest of Kurt’s three sons, played for MSU for a few seasons before retiring due to injuries.
Last week against Idaho State, Timmer notched 13 tackles and broke up three passes. With senior cornerback Bryson Keeton a game-time decision with a concussion, Timmer will likely start again this weekend.
Tre’Von Strong, cornerback, freshman, Billings — The Billings Skyview product broke into the starting lineup against Northern Arizona and started the next six games for the Bobcats.
Strong suffered a scary neck injure against Southern Utah that caused for him to leave Bobcat Stadium on a stretcher in an ambulance. The injury was not as serious as it appeared and Strong is likely to return to action this week. If he can’t start, sophomore Bryce Alley will get the nod.
Luke Daly, kicker, sophomore, Billings — Daly has bided his time for much of this season as Montana State has elected to go for it on fourth down 35 times, the second-most in the Big Sky.
When called upon, Daly has answered the bell almost every time. He is 8-of-9 on field goal attempts and 50-of-50 kicking points after touchdowns. Last week, he earned National Special Teams Player of the Week honors after hitting all three of his field goals, including kicks of 57 and 53 yards, in MSU’s 44-20 win over Idaho State.
Manny Kalfell, wide receiver, senior, Bozeman — Kalfell joined the Bobcats after a quiet career at Bozeman High that culminated in a state title in 2010, the school’s first since 1917. He’s gone from non-preferred walk-on to starter to veteran who has battled injuries.
In 2014, Kalfell started the first four games of the season for the Bobcats before blowing out his knee. He returned for fall camp this season only to pull his hamstring so severely that he missed the first six games of his final season. He has caught five passes for 154 yards in his career, including a 61-yard touchdown catch against North Dakota, the first scoring reception of his career.
Tucker Yates, defensive tackle, redshirt freshman, Colstrip — The former Class B state champion wrestler cracked the starting lineup at the beginning of conference play. He sprained his ankle severely against North Dakota and has missed the last two games.
This season, the stout, powerful nose guard has 22 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Austin Barth, tight end, junior, Columbia Falls — Barth is technically MSU’s second tight end behind senior Beau Sandland but MSU employs two tight ends frequently, meaning Barth gets plenty of playing time. He has also held down MSU’s long snapping duties for most of the season with starting long snapper Rocky Hogue on the shelf with an injury.
This season, Barth has caught 11 passes for 100 yards. The former high school quarterback and state championship basketball player is also MSU’s best blocking tight end.
Dylan Mahoney, offensive line, sophomore, Great Falls — Mahoney has essentially been a sixth starter for the Montana State offensive line all season.
With Godecke and right tackle Alex Eekhoff battling injuries for the duration of the campaign, Mahoney has shown his versatility by playing both right guard and right tackle. He made his first career start at right guard against UND. The next week, he made his first start at right tackle in place of Eekhoff against Southern Utah.
Regardless if Godecke or Eekhoff return this weekend — each has an unknown status — the CMR product is sure to see plenty of playing time on MSU’s right side.
Monte Folsom, offensive guard, sophomore, Dillon — The converted defensive tackle has been an emergency No. 8 offensive lineman that has traveled all season. The former Class A Defensive MVP and former linebacker was thrust into action three plays into the game last week against ISU when starting left guard J.P. Flynn injured his shoulder. Even if Flynn returns this week, Folsom will likely see an elevated role.
Nate Bignell, defensive tackle, senior, Drummond — Bignell isn’t technically a starter but Mac’s older brother plays starter snaps in rotation with Connor Thomas next to captain Taylor Sheridan on the inside of MSU’s defensive line.
The son of MSU Hall of Fame tight end Joe Bignell and the cousin of former Bobcat standouts Brian and Clay Bignell is Mac’s older, more stout brother. This season, Bignell has 10 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He has 3.5 sacks in his career.
Connor Thomas, defensive tackle, senior, Kalispell — The converted offensive lineman has battled various injuries and adversity to reach his final season. He is the only Flathead High product who will play in the game on Saturday.
In eight games this season, the 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior has seven tackles and a sack. In his career, the former state champion in wrestling and track has 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Caleb Gillis, offensive line, sophomore, Glenn — Gillis walked on out of Dillon as a 6-foot-6, 210-pounder who looked like he had little chance to compete at the Division I level.
Over the last three seasons, Gillis has transformed himself, gaining 75 pounds to fill out into a legitimate Division I lineman. Last week, Gillis earned his first start, playing right guard in place of Godecke against Idaho State. He may start again this weekend.
Connor Sullivan, wide receiver, redshirt freshman, Ennis — This season, the former Class C 8-Man state champion has four catches for 50 yards.
Grizzlies
Connor Lebsock, outside linebacker, senior, Billings — Lebsock is actually Montana’s fourth linebacker but he’s proven to be productive in a reserve role.
The Billings Skyview native and the youngest of Falcons’ head coach Ron Lebsock’s five sons has not seen the success of his All-Big Sky brothers Matt and Shawn. But the former two-time Class AA All-state safety has been solid.
This season he has 31 tackles and a tackle for loss. In is career, the has 74 tackles and two tackles for loss as he’s played behind some of the most outstanding linebackers in school history, namely Jordan Tripp, J.P. Kanonga’ata and Kendrick Van Ackeren.
Nate Bradley, defensive tackle, sophomore, Billings — The former walk-on from Billings West has used his prowess in the weight room to earn time on the playing field. He suffered an injury early on that has limited him but he has appeared on all 10 games in a rotation with Kidder, senior Jamaal Wilson and junior Zach Peevey.
This season, Bradley has 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack this season.
Zach Peevey, defensive tackle, junior, Missoula — The former walk-on from Missoula Hellgate cracked the starting lineup early but a devastating ankle injury has severely limited him since.
The former All-State basketball player has just four tackles this season.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
Bobcats
Robert Walsh, linebacker, senior, Twin Bridges — The walk-on from Class C 8-man has endured five years of college football and is finally reaping small rewards this season. Walsh has appeared in three games, notching six tackles.
Logan Jones, running back, true freshman, Kalispell — One of two true freshmen to crack the varsity this season, the former Glacier standout has been one of the top kick returners in the league. He took a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Portland State.
Jake Bleskin, quarterback, senior, Great Falls — Bleskin has had an up and down career spent almost entirely as a backup.
The highlight of the former Class AA Offensive MVP’s career came in a 44-39 win over Idaho State last fall. The next week, he experienced a real life nightmare as he threw five interceptions and turned the ball over six times in MSU’s 34-7 loss to Montana.
In his career, the Great Falls C.M. Russell product has completed 65.4 percent of his 197 pass attempts for 1,504 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Mitch Brott, offensive tackle, true freshman, Billings — The former Billings West standout is technically redshirting but any injury to an MSU offensive linemen would mean Brott would be activated. He has played well enough practicing with the varsity that he looks to be a candidate for a starting position next fall.
Wilson Brott, tight end, redshirt freshman, Billings — The former Billings West quarterback has not played much as he is buried behind Sandland, Barth and Curtis Amos.
Koni Dole, linebacker, redshirt freshman, Huntley Project — Dole’s story of perseverance is much chronicled. He lost his leg as a high school junior only to recover and earn a Division I shot out of the Class B ranks. In his first season playing Division I ball on his Cheetah Blade prosthetic leg, Dole has appeared in three games.
Tanner Roderick, wide receiver, senior, Bozeman — The former Montana Gatorade Player of the Year was one of the top quarterback prospects to ever come out of Montana. He took his talents to Nevada-Reno for a few years before transferring back to MSU. Many thought he would be the heir apparent to DeNarius McGhee at quarterback for the Bobcats.
Instead, Roderick has spent the last three seasons as a reserve receiver. He has played in two games and caught one pass this season. He has caught 28 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns in his career.
John D’Agostino, wide receiver, redshirt freshman, Bozeman — The walk-on from Bozeman High is MSU’s third slot receiver. He has caught two passes this season.
Devin Jeffries, defensive end, sophomore, Kalispell — The 2012 Class AA Defensive MVP worked his way up to be MSU’s No. 2 Bandit defensive end before mid-season hip surgery ended the Glacier prodcut’s sophomore campaign.
Noah James, running back, redshirt freshman, Kalispell — The walk-on has forged his way onto several Bobcat special teams this season and has also earned himself six carries. He scored his first career touchdown against East Tennessee State.
Matt Brownlow, defensive tackle, sophomore, Missoula — The walk-on from Missoula Sentinel cracked the travel roster for the first time last week. In three games this season, Brownlow has three tackles and a tackle for loss.
Grizzlies
Josh Horner, wide receiver, sophomore, Great Falls — The former CMR quarterback saw good time at tight end in 2013 before leaving the program. He rejoined the Griz only to see first-year head coach Bob Stitt eliminate the tight end position. Horner has transitioned to “H” receiver and has contributed, catching nine passes for 143 yards, including a touchdown against North Dakota.
Tucker Schye, defensive end, sophomore, Malta — The former standout linebacker is easing into his transition as a backup defensive end. He has 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks this season.
Josh Janssen, wide receiver, sophomore, Missoula — The Missoula Loyola product caught a pair of touchdowns last season, including one against Montana but has seen his playing time disappear since Stitt took over.
Ryan Burke, wide receiver, junior, Billings — The former Billings Central quarterback suffered an injury during Montana’s first conference game and has not played since. He caught seven passes for 49 yards in five games.
Jake Dallaserra, safety, senior, Butte — The only Butte High product that is not redshirting this season has yet to appear in a game for the Griz due to a season ending shoulder injury. Dallaserra has assumed an assistant role to the coaching staff during several games.
Jackson Thiebes, left tackle, junior, Kalispell — The former walk-on from Glacier started two games for Montana last season. He started in Schmaing’s absence against Idaho State two weeks ago.
Ben Weyer, center, junior, Bozeman — Montana’s projected starter at center entering the season tore his ACL during fall camp and has not played this season.
Clint LaRowe, offensive line, junior, Miles City — The only former Custer County Cowboy appearing in the game provides Montana with depth.
Mick Delaney, safety, sophomore, Bozeman — The grandson of former Montana head coach Mick Delaney has appeared in three games on special teams, notching one tackle.
THE FRESHMEN
Bobcats
Brayden Konkol, safety, Belgrade
Justin Rock Above, offensive line, Billings
Marcus Ferriter, defensive end, Butte
Blake Sylvester, linebacker, Corvallis
Bryan Wilkes, offensive line, Great Falls
Walker Cozzie, linebacker, Helena
Tanner Hoff, safety, Hot Springs
Ben Folsom, quarterback, Jackson
Brady McChesney, quarterback, Kalispell
Josh Hill, linebacker, Kalispell
Dylan Stenseth, running back, Lewistown
Byron Rollins, defensive line, Missoula
Colin Hammock, offensive line, Missoula
Hunter Mahlum, wide receiver, Missoula
Ty Robbie, linebacker, Park City
Kash Perry, offensive line, Utica
Grizzlies
Josh Sandry, safety, Bigfork
Holden Ryan, wide receiver, Billings
Nolan Timmons, safety, Billings
Will Weyer, quarterback, Bozeman
Dalton Daum, wide receiver, Butte
Danny Peoples, kicker, Butte
Alex Thomas, linebacker, Great Falls
Carl Johnson, running back, Hardin
Evan Epperly, safety, Kalispell
Andrew Harris, defensive end, Kalispell
Zach Hollenback, wide receiver, Missoula
Jesse Sims, defensive end, Stevensville
Gage Smith, linebacker, Whitefish
Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
