Montana 9-0 with win over Weber, breaks 2012 drought

OGDEN, Utah – Redshirt freshman quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat delivered a stellar performance, guiding the No. 2-ranked Montana Grizzlies to a dominant 38-17 victory over the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday, November 4th, at Stewart Stadium. The win keeps Montana’s perfect season intact, moving them to an unblemished 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the highly competitive Big Sky Conference.

The triumph was particularly significant for the Grizzlies, marking their first win at Weber State’s home stadium since the 2012 season, breaking a challenging road streak against the Wildcats.

Ah Yat was the undisputed catalyst for the Grizzlies’ offense, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. He orchestrated two touchdown passes and added another score on the ground himself. The young quarterback finished the afternoon with 178 passing yards and an additional 38 rushing yards, consistently keeping the Wildcats’ defense on its heels throughout the contest.

“Keali’i continues to grow and impress every week,” Montana Head Coach Bobby Hauck said after the game. “He made some big-time plays for us today, both with his arm and his legs, in a tough environment. This team has a lot of heart, and we showed it again by getting a win on the road against a good Weber State team. Nine-and-0 is a testament to their hard work, but we know the toughest games are still ahead.”

Beyond Ah Yat’s efforts, Montana saw significant contributions from other players. Running back Eli Gilman powered his way into the end zone for a rushing touchdown, further extending the Grizzlies’ lead. Kicker Grant Gabrill also chipped in with a successful 37-yard field goal, adding crucial points to Montana’s tally. The Grizzlies’ defense played a pivotal role as well, limiting Weber State’s scoring opportunities for much of the game.

Weber State, now 4-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play, battled to stay in the contest. Their scoring efforts included a 9-yard rushing touchdown from running back Kylan Weems. Defensive back Noah Klick provided a spark for the Wildcats, scooping up a fumble and returning it 37 yards for a defensive touchdown, giving the home crowd a moment of excitement. Despite these plays, Weber State couldn’t overcome Montana’s relentless offense and stifling defense.

Weber State Head Coach Mickey Mental acknowledged his team’s effort against a top-ranked opponent. “Montana is a very talented football team, and they played like it tonight,” Mental commented. “I was proud of our guys for fighting. Noah’s scoop-and-score was a huge momentum swing, and Kylan ran hard. We’ve got to learn from this and finish our season strong.”

Maintaining their undefeated record solidifies Montana’s status as a national championship contender in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Grizzlies’ 9-0 mark is their best start to a season in over two decades, positioning them for a potential top seed in the upcoming FCS Playoffs.

With their unblemished record, Montana remains atop the Big Sky Conference standings, eyeing a potential conference championship. The Grizzlies will return home to Missoula next Saturday, November 11th, to face the Eastern Washington Eagles in their penultimate regular-season game. Weber State will look to rebound as they travel to take on the Idaho State Bengals next weekend, hoping to improve their conference record and keep any faint playoff hopes alive.