MISSOULA- Robby Hauck became Montana’s all time leading tackler in a packed homecoming game last Saturday 9/24  against the Portland State Vikings at Washington Grizzly Stadium. 

The Montana Grizzly defense only gave up two touchdowns, both occurring in the first half, and nothing else in the final 30 minutes. Mitch Roberts, one of many Montana natives on the stacked Grizzly roster this season, led the receiving attack with 83 yards on 6 receptions and a touchdown. Xavier Harris led the rushing parade following a long 64 yard touchdown rush with 8 carries en route to 92 yards. 

The story of the game was held at the vital QB spot, as Lucas Johnson continued his torrid season. The California native went 20 of 26 for pass attempts on 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. Johnson led the Griz offense to 39 points in the first half of the competition, and gave up zero interceptions. Nearly 27,000 people witnessed a sold out game and greatness on all aspects of the turf from the second nationally ranked Griz. The seventh year transfer led the Griz all game, but big, in the second quarter to their near-40 point blowout win.

Nick Ramos started the scoring spark with 13 minutes and 5 seconds on the clock, by clobbering a 46-yard field goal through the middle of the up- rights. Then the 5 minute mark struck- right before Montana erupted for 22 points to take some major momentum into the locker room. Xavier Harris found space on the outside, breaking 5-some tackles on his wheels to a 64-yard touchdown run. Then the prominent Grizzly Defense sacked Portland State’s Dante Chachere inside the endzone for a safety. With 2 minutes approaching, Johnson connected with Roberts in the endzone for a four yard touchdown- with a two point conversion coming up just short. With two seconds left on the clock, Portland State attempted a 50 yard field goal. Robby Hauck caught the shank from the one yard line, stumbled, and then took it 99 yards to the house as time expired to put the Griz up 39-14 at the half. 

The second half of the game was a blur with no Montana points in the third quarter, but two touchdowns in the fourth. The only Vikings points of the half came on a safety, late in the third quarter. The sold out game was deemed over before the whistle to begin the second half of the competition. 

The game improved the University of Montana to 4-0 on the season, 1-0 in the Big Sky Conference, and dropped the Portland State Vikings to 0-3, 0-1 in the Big Sky. Our very own Hellgate Knights have a game of our own at Washington Grizzly Stadium this Friday night 9/30,  crosstown against the Eagles from Big Sky! Show up and bring some Homecoming cheer!