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Big Sky: Montana Grizzlies defeat Valparaiso thanks to huge second half

Montana wide receiver Jerry Louie-McGee, out of Coeur d’Alene’s Lake City High, catches a pass for a touchdown past Valparaiso defensive back Josmar Diaz-Martinez (28) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Missoula, Mont. (Patrick Record / Associated Press)
Associated Press

Kentucky transfer Reese Phillips threw three of his four second-half touchdowns in a span of six offensive plays to lead Montana to a 45-23 win over Valparaiso in the season-opener for both teams on Saturday in Missoula.

The senior capped a nine-play drive with a 14-yard strike to Samori Toure to put the Grizzlies up 24-13 in the third quarter. He hooked up with Keenan Curran on a 45-yard score on third down of the next possession and Jerry Louie-McGee (Lake City High) for 25 yards on second down of the next series to make it 38-13.

Louie-McGee, who had nine catches for 159 yards, also hauled in Phillips’ fourth TD pass, a 17-yarder with 5:50 to play.

Phillips, who never started at Kentucky, was 27 of 38 for 381 yards and one interception. The Grizzlies finished with 538 yards of offense to run their season-opening home winning streak to 14 games.

Jeremy Calhoun ran for two touchdowns in the first half to give Montana a 17-13 lead.

Backup quarterback Chris Duncan threw for two touchdowns for the Crusaders, who had 450 yards on offense. Dimitrois Latsonas kicked three field goals.

Weber State 76, Montana Western 0: Stefan Cantwell threw two touchdowns, Kevin Smith ran for two scores and the Wildcats defeated NAIA-member Montana Western in Ogden, Utah.

The 76 points is a Weber State record.

San Jose State 34, Cal Poly 13: Montel Aaron threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Spartans to a victory over the Mustangs in San Jose, California.

Northern Colorado 41, College of Idaho 14: Jacob Knipp threw for 238 yards and Trae Riek rushed for 71 yards and a career-high three touchdowns as the Bears opened their105th football season with a victory over their NAIA opponent in Greeley, Colorado.

San Diego State 38, UC Davis 17: Christian Chapman had two touchdown passes and Rashaad Penny ran for two scores to lead the Aztecs over the Aggies in San Diego.