PHOTOS: Bobcats bound for Frisco with 31-17 win over South Dakota
CASEY KREIDER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) hurdles a defender on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a 34-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) drops back to pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State's Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (2), Scottre Humphrey (22) and Ryan Lonergan (87) celebrate after Humphrey's 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans celebrate on the field with the Bobcats after a 31-17 win over South Dakota in an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans celebrate on the field with the Bobcats after a 31-17 win over South Dakota in an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV (11) sacks South Dakota quarterback Aiden Bouman (2) in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) is tripped up hurdling South Dakota defensive back Dennis Shorter (2) on an 11-yard run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) is upended after hurdling South Dakota defensive back Dennis Shorter (2) on an 11-yard run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) heads to the end zone on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State linebacker McCade O'Reilly (43) tackles South Dakota running back Travis Theis (5) on a run in the second half during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 41-yard run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats with Champ during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State's Adam Jones (23) Rohan Jones (8) and Taco Dowler (14) celebrate after Dowler's 34-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State Runout before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State Runout before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State and quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) take the field before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State center Justus Perkins (65) blows a kiss before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) picks up yardage on a run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen congratulates his team after a first-quarter touchdown during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen watches a replay on the video board during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) drops back to pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) picks up yardage on a run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State tight end Rohan Jones (8) can't reach a pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) picks up yardage on a run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) picks up yardage on a run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen on the sideline during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) hurdles a defender on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State linebacker McCade O'Reilly (43) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against North Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State tight end Ryan Lonergan (87) can't hang on to a reception in the end zone in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against North Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) can't hang on to a pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
South Dakota wide receiver Jack Martens (15) holds on to a reception in the fourth quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) drops back to pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Casey Kreider is a photographer for the Daily Inter Lake and was awarded the 2024 Mel Ruder Photograph of the Year from the Montana Newspaper Association. He is a graduate of Penn State University and previously worked as a photographer for Lancaster Newspapers in Pennsylvania. He can be reached at [email protected]. | December 21, 2024 7:30 PM
Photos from the Montana State Bobcats 31-17 win over the South Dakota Coyotes during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a 34-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) drops back to pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State's Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (2), Scottre Humphrey (22) and Ryan Lonergan (87) celebrate after Humphrey's 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans celebrate on the field with the Bobcats after a 31-17 win over South Dakota in an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans celebrate on the field with the Bobcats after a 31-17 win over South Dakota in an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV (11) sacks South Dakota quarterback Aiden Bouman (2) in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) is tripped up hurdling South Dakota defensive back Dennis Shorter (2) on an 11-yard run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) is upended after hurdling South Dakota defensive back Dennis Shorter (2) on an 11-yard run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) heads to the end zone on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State linebacker McCade O'Reilly (43) tackles South Dakota running back Travis Theis (5) on a run in the second half during an FCS semifinal game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 41-yard run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) catches a pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats with Champ during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State's Adam Jones (23) Rohan Jones (8) and Taco Dowler (14) celebrate after Dowler's 34-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State Runout before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State Runout before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State and quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) take the field before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State center Justus Perkins (65) blows a kiss before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) picks up yardage on a run in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen congratulates his team after a first-quarter touchdown during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen watches a replay on the video board during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) drops back to pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State tight end Rohan Jones (8) can't reach a pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) picks up yardage on a run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) picks up yardage on a run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen on the sideline during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) hurdles a defender on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State linebacker McCade O'Reilly (43) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against North Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State tight end Ryan Lonergan (87) can't hang on to a reception in the end zone in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against North Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) can't hang on to a pass in the second quarter during an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the first quarter of an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott (4) warms up before an FCS semifinal game against South Dakota at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
South Dakota wide receiver Jack Martens (15) holds on to a reception in the fourth quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) drops back to pass in the first quarter during an FCS semifinal game against Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
ARTICLES BY CASEY KREIDER
PHOTOS: Winter Carnival Penguin Plunge splashes into Whitefish Lake
Participants splashed into the cold waters of Whitefish Lake during the Whitefish Winter Carnival's Penguin Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 7. Organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the event raises funds for Special Olympics Montana.
PHOTOS: Winter Carnival Penguin Plunge splashes into Whitefish Lake
Participants splashed into the cold waters of Whitefish Lake during the Whitefish Winter Carnival's Penguin Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 7. Organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the event raises funds for Special Olympics Montana.
Shots from the sideline: Daily Inter Lake photographer provides a peek behind the photos from the FCS Championship game
I sent my wife a text at halftime. “0 for 3,” it read. Referring to the number of touchdowns Montana State had scored in the first two quarters of their FCS Championship game against Illinois State, 3, and the number of quality photographs I had of each play, 0.