Grizzlies Set Record with 11 Sacks

Montana football players set a program record by recording 11 sacks during a 42-33 victory over Eastern Washington at Roos Field in Cheney. The defensive surge came after a three-week stretch where the unit faced criticism, and the disruption forced three turnovers in the first half alone.

Quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat capped the first half with a 75-yard Hail Mary pass to wide receiver Brooks Davis. The ball ricocheted off a defender before Davis caught it in the end zone, sending the crowd into the bright red turf known as the Inferno. Coach Kennedy watched the play from the sideline, adjusting to the vibrant field color before the game began.

Davis finished the contest with nine receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns. His scoring drives covered 75, 51, and 61 yards. The performance earned him Big Sky and FCS National Offensive Player of the Week honors. His long gains stretched the Eastern Washington secondary and established the lead that held until the final whistle.

The defense generated pressure that led to interceptions by Kade Boyd and Zekiel Seumalo. Boyd, a native of Billings, recorded his third career pick. Seumalo, a defensive lineman, made his first interception in four years of collegiate play. The physical dominance was led by Tyler King, who recorded two sacks in the game and now leads the league with 8.5 for the season.

The Grizzlies return to the win column after their trip to Cheney. The team secured the points needed to improve its standing in the conference. The game featured improbable moments and broken records, marking a decisive shift in performance for the defensive unit.