MISSOULA, Mont. — In an exciting second half performance, Logan Fife emerged as a standout player, throwing three touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown to lead Montana to a 28-17 victory over Portland State. This game, hosted in Missoula, was temporarily halted due to a widespread power outage on campus last Saturday.
A pivotal moment came when Jacke Klucewich made a crucial interception in the end zone, returning it 40 yards before the power outage occurred with 6:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. Once play was resumed, Tyson Rostad sealed the win for the Grizzlies by intercepting a pass intended for Dante Chachere in the end zone, thereby ending Portland State’s final attempt at a comeback.
In the game, Fife completed 9 of 14 passes for a total of 197 yards, while wide receiver Racanelli had an impressive 102 yards on just four catches. Running back Eli Gillman also contributed significantly, rushing for 134 yards on 14 attempts.
Montana, which is currently ranked 10th in the FCS coaches’ poll, improved its record to 8-3 overall and 5-2 within the Big Sky Conference. They faced an early challenge as they entered halftime trailing Portland State 3-0.
The Grizzlies quickly turned the tide in the second half, with Fife scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak on their fifth play of the drive. However, Portland State quickly responded, reclaiming the lead with a 17-yard touchdown run from Quincy Craig.
Montana experienced a fortunate turn of events when a fumble on an ensuing kickoff return was overturned, followed by another overturned interception shortly thereafter. Seizing the opportunity, Fife connected on a quick slant pass to Sawyre Racanelli for a spectacular 81-yard touchdown.
The Vikings did not back down, executing a six-play drive that culminated in a 3-yard touchdown run by Delon Thompson, narrowing the score to 27-14 within the first eight and a half minutes of the third quarter.
The Grizzlies then put together an impressive 11-play, 70-yard drive, which ended in Fife connecting with Erik Barker for an 11-yard touchdown, solidifying Montana’s lead. Their momentum continued as Fife found Aaron Fontes for a 35-yard touchdown only after a brilliant strip-sack by Andres Lehrmann on Chachere, which was recovered by Jayden Harris.
In addition to Klucewich’s key interception in the red zone during the first quarter, Thompson had a notable performance, finishing the game with 117 yards over 22 carries for the Vikings. The Grizzlies demonstrated their resilience and skill, emerging victorious in this thrilling matchup.