MISSOULA — Of all of Michael Wortham’s scintillating plays on a record-setting Saturday, perhaps the best was the hook-and-lateral on third-and-20 late in Montana’s 52-20 FCS quarterfinal win over South Dakota.

Way behind the sticks because of a holding penalty and wanting to build on a 38-22 lead, Montana went to Wortham, who hauled in a 5-yard pass from Keali’i Ah Yat. 

Wortham then flung a spiral across the field to Eli Gillman at the USD 47-yard line and Gillman, held in check in the run game, picked up 16 of what was a 21-yard gain down to the Coyotes’ 29-yard line. 

Three snaps later Wortham scored his third TD of the day, an 11-yard run. 

But that lateral.... 

“Glad that was executed at that point of the game,” Wortham said. “It was awesome.” 

“Scored on the defense (with it) during the spring game,” Griz coach Bobby Hauck noted. “We practiced it with the lights out on Wednesday (a power outage hit campus).” 

For the day Wortham had 269 all-purpose yards, including 43 rushing out of the Wildcat formation and 25 on kickoff returns. His season total of 2,295 surpasses Marc Mariani’s 2008 total of 2,265. 

“Mariani’s going to call me and ask why he never got to play quarterback,” Hauck said. 

Is That Good? 

Drew Deck’s 93-yard punt return for a touchdown is not just the longest in UM’s postseason history — Jefferson Heidelberger took one against Northwestern State on Nov. 30, 2002 — but the longest in the NCAA Playoffs ever. 

The previous mark was 92 by Dejon Brisset of Richmond in 2016, against North Carolina A&T. 

South Dakota coach Travis Johansen felt it was a back breaker, coming when it did and pushing UM’s lead to 31-7. 

“Got inside a little bit; we needed to get the ball closer to the sideline,” Johansen said of the punt. “When he gets space and gets downhill, really from that point its people on blocks and a lot of open space.” 

Two Grizzlies have longer punt returns in the regular season: Mariani (2008) and Tuff Harris (2006) both had 94-yarders. 

Hi-Jo Silver

For the second straight game junior Jo Silver handled place-kicking duties for the Grizzlies, supplanting senior Ty Morrison.  

“He’s been hitting it really, really well, like an All-American the last month,” Hauck said of Silver. “And Ty has been a little bit of a slump and hasn’t been hitting it well. “We aren’t really quick to change guys at any position, and that one in particular, but it was time to do that. They’re both competitive and want to be out there and you can see how they interact that they pull for each other.” 

After hitting an upright with his first PAT kick in last week’s 50-29 win over South Dakota State, Silver has both his field goal attempts and 12 straight PATs. 

Morrison remained the Grizzlies’ punter and averaged 43 yards on two attempts with one inside the 20. 

Somewhat Mutual

Hauck got philosophical when talking about this year’s Grizzlies, who had a complete makeover on defense — all 11 starters — and have blended in veterans with transfers like Wortham. 

Asked if he’d had time to enjoy the season, Hauck replied emphatically yes. 

“I would say the reason for that is these are my dudes,” he said, motioning toward Wortham and linebacker Caleb Otlewski. “I have great guys on this ball team and the only disappointment will be at some point this season is going to end. At the max we have two left.  

“I love these guys, I love working with them every day. I think the feeling is somewhat mutual, occasionally. It doesn’t have to be every day, that’s not the way this works. But I love my guys, and I’m having a blast every day.” 

QUICK KICKS: Gillman managed 38 rushing yards on 18 carries, while L.J Phillips, Jr. Picked up 74 yards on 15 attempt before leaving the game. ... Jack Martins had three catches for 93 yards for USD. ... Otlewski had a game-high 10 tackles for UM. ... Prince Ford had Montana’s only sack, for 1 yard. ... The Griz outgained the Yotes 449-353. ... 12 of USD’s 15 first downs came after halftime.