Backup Passer Sparks Ailing Grizzlies

Big Sky

All-America quarterback Brian Ah Yat suffered a sprained knee in the first quarter and nine Montana players, including All-America line backer Jason Crebo, were suffering the effects of the flu.

Still, the Grizzlies (1-0), ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division I-AA, managed a 24-10 victory over No. 14 Stephen F. Austin (2-1) at Missoula.

Backup quarterback Darren Rowell threw two third-quarter touchdown passes to rally the Grizzlies in their season-opener.

The turning point came when SFA fumbled a third-quarter punt, which was recovered by Montana’s Greg Fitzgerald. The Grizzlies tied the score at 10 on a 21-yard strike from Rowell to Raul Pacheco.

Montana St. 24, Chadron St. 14

At Bozeman, Mont., Rob Compson completed 22 of 34 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns as the Bobcats rallied to win.

Weber St 33, S Utah 32

At Ogden, Utah, Weber State’s Steve Buck threw four touchdown passes, but the Thunderbirds (2-1) missed a field goal in the final seconds, preserving the victory for the Wildcats (2-0).

Cal Poly SLO 45, W. Montana 3

At San Luis Obispo, Calif., Antonio Warren rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns for the Mustangs (2-0).