From Deseret News archives:
Montana tough; Weber's feeling up
Ron McBride was in his first year as the assistant head coach and offensive line coach at Arizona. Weber State quarterback Ian Pizarro was only 3 years old. Mike Price was in his seventh season as coach of the Wildcats, and Weber State finished 10-3, the best record in school history. It was also the last season Weber State defeated the University of Montana in Missoula.
The Wildcats (2-2, 1-0) will attempt to break the 18-year curse today when they play the No. 4 Grizzlies (2-1) at 1 p.m.
Just like in 1987, this will be the homecoming game for the Grizzlies, who haven't allowed a point at home this season. It is also UM's Big Sky Conference opening game. The Grizzlies come into today's game well-rested after a bye last week. Montana has also won or shared seven consecutive Big Sky Conference titles.
Since 1987, Weber State has only defeated Montana three times, with the last victory coming in 1998. McBride couldn't care less about what has happed to past Wildcat teams.
"We just need to play our style of football and just take care of our own business," McBride said. "It doesn't matter if it's '87 or '97. This is a new year and a different team. We're just going to go up there and do our thing."
This year's team has just as good a chance as any of breaking the losing streak. After last week's conference-opening victory, confidence is abundant among the Wildcats.
"There's a little more hop in everyone's step," Pizarro said. "Everyone is more motivated. The guys have smiles on their faces. We just have to keep it that way."
McBride has liked what he's seen in practice. "Last week we showed signs of starting to become a new team," McBride said. "I'm not saying we're a good team now, but we've started to learn how to practice like a good college football team. They are giving effort on every rep. They've learned to play through when they get a little tired."
Montana coach Bobby Hauck has been impressed with what the Wildcats have accomplished so far this season, especially at the skilled positions.
"They are a very physical football team," Hauck said. "We are playing a team that is very strong, and they've got speed (at wide receiver)."
The Grizzlies haven't lost a homecoming game since 1992.
Even though Montana's Washington-Grizzly Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in Division I-AA football, Weber State's Lynzell Jackson said the team is ready for the challenge.
"We have a little more charisma, a little more spunk," Jackson said. "That first conference win, you know, putting us at 2-2, was a real big boost for confidence as well as being a team."
Wildcats on the air
Weber State (2-2, 1-0) at Montana (2-1, 0-0)
Today, 1:05 p.m.
Washington-Grizzly Stadium
TV: None
Radio: 1430AM
