MISSOULA, Mont. – The Montana Grizzlies are gearing up to face the 11th-seeded South Dakota Coyotes this Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium for the FCS semi-finals. This marks the first encounter between the two teams since 2022, when the Grizzlies emerged victorious with a score of 24-7. Montana aims to replicate that success in this crucial 3 vs. 11 matchup.
“There’s only eight teams left. Everyone’s good. There are no teams left in this thing that aren’t really good football teams,” stated Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck. He emphasized the strength of the Coyotes, noting their toughness and solid coordination across all three phases of the game.
The challenge for Montana will be considerable, as South Dakota boasts veteran quarterback Aidan Bouman, who brings significant experience from his past games at Montana venues. Bouman has impressive stats this season, with over 2,600 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Hauck commented, “When guys have played a lot, the game slows down for him. They see things, and they tend not to make mistakes.”
Another key player for the Coyotes is sophomore running back LJ Phillips Jr., who leads the nation in rushing. Phillips has gained over 1,800 yards and scored 18 touchdowns this season, showcasing his speed and vision as a zone runner. Coach Hauck acknowledged the challenge of containing him, noting that his abilities are evident on film.
In addition to their running game, South Dakota features dynamic receiver Larenzo Fenner, who has tallied 984 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Hauck highlighted the Coyotes’ capability to create plays in space, making this matchup even more competitive.
The Grizzlies are coming off a standout performance, having triumphed over South Dakota State with a resounding 50-29 victory in the second-round matchup last Saturday. For Montana to sustain their momentum, a strong offensive start and maintaining a well-rested defense will be crucial. “Once the offense is hitting in every way, whether it’s the pass game or the run game, it’s going,” asserted senior running back Stevie Rocker Jr. He emphasized that a rolling offense also benefits the defense.
Senior defensive end Kellen Detrick echoed this sentiment, sharing that the defense is committed to playing cohesively for one shared goal: to win.
Kickoff for this anticipated clash between the Grizzlies and the Coyotes is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, at 1:30 PM at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The winner will advance to the next week’s semi-finals, potentially setting the stage for a second Brawl of the Wild matchup in Bozeman. The excitement is palpable as both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling contest.