Grizzlies, Central No. 1

Montana is now No. 1 in one national football poll.

The Grizzlies (9-0) gained the top spot in the Coaches Football Championship Subdivision poll, moving up from second. Previous leader Richmond lost Saturday.

Montana received 16 first-place votes. No. 2 Southern Illinois and third-ranked Villanova each received six first-place votes.

In The Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision poll, Montana remains second behind Southern Illinois, which vaulted from third past the Grizzlies, even though Montana received more first-place votes.

Central tops in D-II

As the only undefeated team in NCAA Division II, Central Washington (11-0) officially became the No. 1 ranked team, according to the American Football Coaches Association.

The Wildcats received 23 of 25 first-place votes and 621 of a maximum 625 points. They were No. 2 last week.

Central, No. 1 for the first time in its 11 years as a D-II program, has a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

“Every team and every college football player dreams about being ranked No. 1 at the end of the regular season,” CWU coach Blaine Bennett said. “This is truly a dream come true for all involved and I hope we can continue our success.”