PHOTOS: Montana State heads back to FCS Championship with 48-23 win over Montana
CASEY KREIDER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) scores a touchdown on a 54-yard run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State celebrates as fans rush the field after a 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) scores a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Malae Fonoti (7) fights for extra yardage against Montana State defensive back Colter Petre (24) on a reception in the second quarter in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcat fans celebrate on the field after Montana State's 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State celebrates as fans rush the field after a 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) scores a touchdown on a 7-yard run in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) celebrates after a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies wide receiver Michael Wortham (6) escapes a tackle attempt by Bobcats defensive back Carson Williams (8) on a reception in the second half of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana tight end Jake Olson (87) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) scores a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State defensive back Caden Dowler (5) tackles Montana running back Eli Gillman (10 on a run in the first quarter in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) is tackled by Grizzlies cornerback Kenzel Lawler (8) on a run in the second half of the FCS playoffs semifinals at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) celebrates with wide receiver Dane Steel (84) after Dowler's 87-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies linebackers Caleb Otlewski (45) and Peyton Wing (32) celebrate after a stop in the second half against the Bobcats in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) catches a 34-yard reception in the fourth quarter against the Grizzlies in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Grizzlies quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) drops backt to pass in the second half against the Bobcats in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats linebacker Bryce Grebe (10) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson (8) picks up yardage on a run in the second half against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Chris Long (1) picks up yardage after a reception in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State runout before a game against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) celebrates after a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen walks the sidelines as the Bobcats face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Jabez Woods (10) picks up yardage after a reception in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana running back Eli Gillman (10) looks for running room against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) celebrates after a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana running back Stevie Rocker Jr. (21) picks up yardage after a reception in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) throws a pass in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana tight end Jake Olson (87) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) scores a touchdown on a 54-yard run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Montana Grizzlies wide receivers Drew Deck (2) and Ian Finch (5) walk the sideline before a FCS playoffs semifinal round matchup with Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (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 20, 2025 7:30 PM
Photos from the Montana State Bobcats 48-23 win over the Montana Grizzlies in an FCS semifinal matchup at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman on Saturday, Dec. 20. With the win, the Bobcats advance to the FCS Championship to face Illinois State.
Montana State celebrates as fans rush the field after a 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) scores a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Malae Fonoti (7) fights for extra yardage against Montana State defensive back Colter Petre (24) on a reception in the second quarter in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcat fans celebrate on the field after Montana State's 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State celebrates as fans rush the field after a 48-23 win over Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) scores a touchdown on a 7-yard run in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) celebrates after a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies wide receiver Michael Wortham (6) escapes a tackle attempt by Bobcats defensive back Carson Williams (8) on a reception in the second half of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana tight end Jake Olson (87) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) scores a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) scores a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State defensive back Caden Dowler (5) tackles Montana running back Eli Gillman (10 on a run in the first quarter in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies running back Eli Gillman (10) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) is tackled by Grizzlies cornerback Kenzel Lawler (8) on a run in the second half of the FCS playoffs semifinals at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats wide receiver Taco Dowler (14) celebrates with wide receiver Dane Steel (84) after Dowler's 87-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies linebackers Caleb Otlewski (45) and Peyton Wing (32) celebrate after a stop in the second half against the Bobcats in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) catches a 34-yard reception in the fourth quarter against the Grizzlies in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Grizzlies quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) drops backt to pass in the second half against the Bobcats in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats linebacker Bryce Grebe (10) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson (8) picks up yardage on a run in the second half against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State Justin Lamson (8) throws in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Chris Long (1) picks up yardage after a reception in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Horseback riders enter the field during the Montana State runout before a game against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) celebrates after a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State head coach Brent Vigen walks the sidelines as the Bobcats face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State wide receiver Jabez Woods (10) picks up yardage after a reception in the first quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana running back Eli Gillman (10) looks for running room against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Bobcats tight end Rocky Lencioni (89) celebrates after a touchdown on a 2-yard reception in the third quarter of the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana running back Stevie Rocker Jr. (21) picks up yardage after a reception in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) throws a pass in the second quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana tight end Jake Olson (87) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Montana State in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) heads to the end zone on a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State running back Adam Jones (23) scores a touchdown on a 54-yard run in the second quarter against Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana State fans cheer on the Bobcats as they face Montana in the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)Casey Kreider
Montana Grizzlies wide receivers Drew Deck (2) and Ian Finch (5) walk the sideline before a FCS playoffs semifinal round matchup with Montana State at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 20. (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.