April 26, 2008
Green & White game ends in tie
By Bill Foley of the Montana Standard and Tech Sports Information

Sophomore quarterback Matt Komac found Alex Grevas in the endzone and Sean Kelly booted the extra point to knot Montana Tech’s Green & White Game in a 13-13 tie.  Under the rules for the game, there was no overtime.

Komac hit Grevas for a 3-yard touchdown pass with 41 seconds left.  The score came three plays after Komac connected with his favorite receiver for a 24-yard strike down to the 3-yard line on fourth and long.

In all, Komac and Grevas hooked up nine times for 128 yards.  Senior Zach Soukup also had a big day, hauling in five catches for 65 yards.  Junior wide receiver Kyle Lewis led both teams in rushing with 86 yards and hauled in three passes for 26 yards.

“Those are guys who can make plays for us,” said Head Coach Bob Green.

Both Komac and Junior Hunter Kerkes, who quarterbacked the White Team, proved they could be effective on the ground.  Komac netted 53 yards rushing, and Kerkes carried the ball for 23 yards and a touchdown.

The Orediggers showed their strength in the offensive line as Seniors Tom Probert and Shannon Buell both turned in outstanding performances.  Depth on the defensive line was a concern leading into spring drills, but Junior Jon Gallatin helped ease some of that anxiety.  He pulled down Komac for a pair of sacks in the fourth quarter and tormented offensive linemen throughout the game.

“Both teams really played hard,” Green said.  “We showed outstanding depth in the defensive front and outstanding depth on the offensive front,” Green said.  “Those are key deals for us.  Key deals.”

April 25, 2008
Football honors graduating seniors

Friday evening saw the Diggers gather to honor their graduating football players. These young men have given everything they have to their team and their teammates. We wish them luck as they embark on their careers! We will miss them.

Photos

April 25, 2008
Digger football set for spring finale

Montana Tech will cap its spring football drills with the annual Green and White Game on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff is at 11:00 am in Alumni Coliseum. Admission is five dollars for all ages. Tech students get in free with their Digger Card. The Montana Tech Touchdown Club will host a burger and hot dog cookout in the stadium following the game. Digger coaches split up and drafted the Green and White Teams on Wednesday night. Head Coach Bob Green will lead the Green squad, and veteran Digger assistant Punky Warner will lead the White Team. Green said he is looking forward to a spirited conclusion to spring football.

“The Green and White Game is a great tradition and an outstanding way to finish our 2008 spring drills,” Green said. “These teams are evenly balanced, which will result in a very competitive contest. I look for some big plays on offense and defense plus some key contributions from young players in our program. These guys have worked hard and their work will be on display Saturday in Alumni Coliseum.”

Green Roster

White Roster

April 20, 2008
Tech offense shines in Scrimmage
By Bill Foley of the Montana Standard

Through the snowflakes at Alumni Coliseum, the Montana Tech offense made some serious progress Saturday morning.

Tech’s offense outscored the Oredigger defense 47-23 to win the football team’s final scrimmage before the annual Green and White game next Saturday at 11 a.m.

“The offense really looked good,” Tech coach Bob Green said. “Our offensive execution was really good today.” Tech praised all aspects of the Oredigger offense.

“They did a great job up front,” Green said. “The receivers caught the ball well and the running backs ran hard.” Green said he was thrilled with the play of both his quarterbacks — sophomore Matt Komac, the starter, and junior Hunter Kerkes.

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April 20, 2008
Mike Hamblin captures Green on Canvas
By Bruce Sayler of the Montana Standard

Looking for a vision, an image, an idea to jump out at him, Butte artist Mike Hamblin found it in a couple of handfuls of photographs.

“When I saw the front one,” Hamblin said, pointing to a Bob Green likeness dominant in the painting, “I knew that was the one I wanted.” And so “The Green Machine” went to stroke.

Hamblin, creator of many artworks related to Butte people and places displayed at various venues, painted the piece for the coming Montana Tech boosters auction. Another 500 prints, autographed by Hamblin and Green, the 22-year Montana Tech head football coach, will also be sold to benefit Orediggers athletics.

The Digger Auction is set for Saturday, April 26 at the Montana Tech HPER Complex. The silent auction is to begin at 6 p.m., followed by the live auction at 7:30.

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April 13, 2008
Defense edges offense in Tech scrimmage
From the Montana Standard

The defense held a slight edge over the offense Saturday morning as the Montana Tech football team marked the midway point of spring drills with a scrimmage at the HPER Field.

The Oredigger defense outscored the offense 30-27 using a scoring system devised by Tech coaches.

The offense was awarded the standard points — six for a touchdown, one or two for points after and three for field goals. The defense got two points each series stop, three for turnovers and three for holding on fourth down.

“It was an outstanding second scrimmage,” Oredigger coach Bob Green said. “There were some big hits out there. There were some licks.” Though the defensive players hold bragging rights until the third scrimmage next Saturday, which will likely be played at Alumni Coliseum, Green said he saw progress being made on both sides of the ball.

“In the big picture, we really flew around and there were some crashes —both with offense guys initiating contact and defensive guys initiating contact,” Green said. “I really liked the level of impacts.” Green praised the play of both his quarterbacks, junior Hunter Kerkes and sophomore Matt Komac.

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April 10, 2008
Orediggers add five to football team
From the Montana Standard

Five more recruits have signed on to play football at Montana Tech, Oredigger coach Bob Green announced Wednesday.

Signing with the Orediggers are Beau Fredericks and Jordan Heringer from Billings, Justin Masonovich from Belt, Casey Patterson, from Great Falls and Sean Timmerman from Tonasket, Wash.

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March 24, 2008
Orediggers set to open Spring Practice

Video

Montana Tech Football will take the field Saturday, March 29 for the first of its sixteen spring practices.  The Diggers will scrimmage on April 5, 12, and 19 at 9:00 am and conclude spring drills with the annual Green & White Game on April 26 at 11:00 am.  Head Coach Bob Green says the Orediggers are eager to take the field after making huge gains in the weight room over the winter.

“Our guys have distinguished themselves training throughout the winter in preparation for this series of spring practices,” Green said.  “Now it’s time for us to put the next building block for the 2008 season in place.  It is critical for our success this fall to have a very productive spring.”

Spring is always an exciting time for players and coaches.  Redshirt freshmen strive to earn a place in the lineup, and more experienced players vie for starting roles left vacant by graduating seniors.  That is certainly the case for the Oredigger Defense, which will be looking to replace five starters.  In the secondary, Scott Gerken, Jess Johnson, Jake Stagnoli, and Jason Watkins will battle to fill the shoes of corners Jeff Braun and Kyle McCall and safety Josh Kling.

“Defensively, we need to replace several players who came up big for us in 2007,” Green said.  “Both the D-Line and the D-Back corps graduated outstanding performers.  However, I sleep well at night, confident that the players who have been maturing in our program will fill in very capably.”

Defensive line will also be an emphasis for the Diggers, who graduate two time All-American J.J. Perino, as well as solid contributors Kyle Carter and Kory Dyk.  Senior Britt Siddoway is the lone returning starter.  His leadership will prove invaluable as Tech develops their young but talented pool of defensive linemen.

In contrast, the Oredigger Offense returns five starting offensive linemen.  Their execution will be critical to Tech’s rushing attack as the Diggers look to replace All-Conference running backs Teague Egan and Corey Warner.  Green says he expects sophomores Drew Savage, Skyler Knuchel, and Bud Roberts to compete for the starting tailback role.

“It all starts on offense by being talented and physical up front.  Our O-Line is talented and physical.  These Orediggers form a truly exceptional unit.  Guys like Kyle Sullivan, Tom Probert, Shannon Buell, Matt Crowe, and Wacy Deegan comprise the heart and soul of our offense.  They will lead us.”

All-Conference sophomore Matt Komac returns to quarterback the Oredigger Offense.  He will face stiff competition from Hunter Kerkes, who missed much of fall camp due to injury.  Whoever lines up under center for the Diggers will be able to throw to a talented stable of receivers and tight ends.  Despite losing All-American Casey Kelly, Tech returns a number of experienced receivers eager to absorb some of Kelly’s 68 catches.

Special Teams should once again be a strength for the Diggers as they return starting placekickers Sean Kelly and Nolan Lopez.  Veteran longsnapper Colter Bennett will lend stability to a punting unit that should see a battle for starting positions.  Several players will vie for the starting holder spot left vacant by graduating senior Corey Davis, who was nearly flawless for more than two seasons.

This Saturday’s practice opens at 9:00 am, and Sunday’s drills begin at 3:30 pm.  All spring practices are open to the public.

March 23, 2008
Score!
By Holly Michaels of the Montana Standard

Photo

It’ll probably be big enough to shift wind patterns in the valley.

That’s how Montana Tech athletic director Joe McClafferty jokingly sizes up the $5 million scoreboard, a massive combination of video screens, speakers and rotating advertising space acquired for Tech from Oregon State University’s 46,200-seat Reser Stadium last year.

“This will put us on the map as having one of the top facilities in NAIA (Tech’s football division),” McClafferty said. “This board is huge.” Though not large enough to cause a change in the weather, Tech’s new scoreboard is big: a 24-foot by 18-foot Sony JumboTron, four display ads measuring 168-square feet each and a message board and scoreboard both measuring 25-feet by 16-feet.

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March 11, 2008
Digger Football adds four
From the Montana Standard

Montana Tech football coach Bob Green announced the signing of four Montana players Tuesday, including Dillon’s Corey Eisenzimer.

Tech also signed Broadus offensive lineman Cody Danielson, Hardin defensive lineman David He Does It and Billings Central linebacker Joe Hickey.

“All these guys are all-around athletes,” Green said.

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February 27, 2008
Oredigger Football adds six
From the Montana Standard

Montana Tech football coach Bob Green announced the signing of six “outstanding” recruits Wednesday afternoon.

Four of the signees hail from Montana, and one has strong Mining City ties.

The Orediggers signed Tony Clark from Fairfield, Nathan Kobold from Billings, Keith Mullan from Stevensville, Jake Price from Rathdrum, Idaho, Dane Russell from Grandview, Colo., and Joe Semansky from Highwood.

“These are six outstanding players who we have been working hard on for some time,” Green said. “We’re overjoyed to sign them.”

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February 16, 2008
Tech signs six more
From the Montana Standard

The Montana Tech football team picked up six big signings, including Dillon standout Jake McGinley, the school announced Thursday.

Great Falls athletes Jeremy Strong and Andrew Hafliger also signed along with Geraldine’s R.J. Clark, Sand Coulee’s Craig Halko and Superior’s Westen Super.

Tech coach Bob Green said he would have been happy just to sign two or three of the six recruits.

“If you would have told me we would have gotten all six of them I wouldn’t believe you,” Green said.

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February 8, 2008
Orediggers sign Sims
From the Montana Standard

Logan Sims, a 6-foot, 265-pound lineman from Malta, signed to play football at Montana Tech, Oredigger coach Bob Green announced Tuesday.

Sims, the younger brother of Tech linebacker Skippy Sims, earned first all-conference honors as an offensive and defensive lineman as a senior for the Malta Mustangs. He was a first-team All-State player on defense and a second-team All-State selection on offense.

Sims will play in the Class B All-Star game and the Montana Shrine Game. He’ll play defense for the Orediggers, Green said.

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January 29, 2008
Diggers ink standout linebacker

Montana Tech Football is proud to announce the signing of Gabe Webster. The 6’0”, 210 pound linebacker was a two-way standout for Brewster High School in central Washington. He was named 2007 Defensive Player of the Year in the Caribou Trail League and earned First Team All-State honors. The Seattle Times also named him to their list of Washington's Top 100 Football Recruits. Oredigger Head Football Coach Bob Green says he is excited about the physical edge Webster brings to the field.

“Gabe is a hard-nosed player who never stays blocked,” Green said. “He plays with his head up and fills quickly on the run. Gabe greatly enjoys the physical nature of the game.”

In addition to his his football talents, Webster is also an exceptional student. He is currently ranked fourth in his high school class and intends to enroll in Montana Tech’s nationally prominent engineering program.

Webster will join the Orediggers for camp in August. Montana Tech will open their 100th season of football Thursday, August 28 with a night game against Southern Oregon University.

January 25, 2008
Diggers land Boltz
From the Montana Standard

Butte High’s all-time leading receiver is keeping his game in town.

Brandon Boltz, a 6-foot-5, 225-pounder, signed to play football for Montana Tech, Oredigger coach Bob Green announced Wednesday.

“That’s a big one,” Green said of the signing. “Brandon is an outstanding athlete.” Boltz’s name is littered all over the Butte High football record books.

Boltz holds Bulldog career records with 65 receptions, 1,801 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 53 catches for 810 yards are both No. 2 in school history, and Boltz set a team record with 11 touchdowns in 2007 when he put up four two-TD games.

Green marveled at Boltz’s combination of size, athletic ability and knack for making the big play.

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January 23, 2008
Orediggers sign JC receiver
From the Montana Standard

The Montana Tech football team strengthened its receiving corps with the singing of junior college transfer Josh Noxon, Oredigger coach Bob Green announced Tuesday.

Noxon, a 5-foot-11, 175-pounder who Green called a Casey Kelly clone, caught 42 passes for 511 yards and six touchdowns last season for Yuba City Community College in central California.

“We’re really excited to sign Josh Noxon,” Green said. “He’s an outstanding receiver.”

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January 22, 2008
VSN recognizes four Diggers as All-Americans

Four Montana Tech football players have earned All-America honors from Victory Sports Network. Oredigger defensive end J.J. Perino garnered a place on the first team defense for the second time in his career.  Perino is also a two-time American Football Coaches’ Association All-American.  He led the NAIA in sacks and tackles for loss in 2007 and earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors while majoring in Civil Engineering.

Wide receiver Casey Kelly was also selected to the VSN team for a second time.  Kelly caught 67 passes for 993 yards in 2007 and set Tech’s all-time record with 72 catches in 2006.  Corey Warner earned honorable mention at running back after leading the Frontier Conference in rushing.  Defensive back Jeff Braun also received honorable mention.  Braun led the conference in interceptions with eight picks.

January 16, 2008
Diggers make Fine Signing
From the Montana Standard

The Montana Tech football team started its 2008 recruiting class close to home.

Adam Fine, Butte Central’s hard-hitting defensive back, signed to continue his gridiron career at Montana Tech, Oredigger coach Bob Green announced Tuesday.

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January 11, 2007
Orediggers finalize schedule

The NAIA Football season will kick off under the lights at Montana Tech’s Alumni Coliseum.  The Diggers will host Southern Oregon University on Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m.  Players and coaches alike are excited to play Tech’s first night game in six years.

“We can’t wait to play under the lights,” said senior linebacker Billy Glennon.  “We should have a great crowd.”

The Diggers will play six home games in the 2008 season as they celebrate a century of football at Montana Tech.  The celebration also includes plans for expansion and renovation of Alumni Coliseum’s press box and scoreboards.

Tech’s offense improved dramatically over the course of the 2007 season, including doubling their scoring average in their second games against Frontier Conference opponents.  Sophomore quarterback Matt Komac passed for more than 300 yards twice in those five games, and the Diggers will look to carry their successful passing attack into 2008.  Komac should have plenty of targets, including senior wide receivers Alex Grevas, Zach Soukup, and Cal McQueary.  Montana Tech also returns its entire offensive line, which bodes well for an offense that must replace two all-conference running backs.

The always solid Oredigger defense must replace both its starting corners and two exceptional defensive linemen, but Tech has the advantage of returning a number of young players who have seen playing time at those positions.  The Diggers’ linebacker corps should be the strength of the defense, as Tech returns five linebackers who have started games.

Montana Tech’s special teams return five of their six specialists, including Zach Soukup, who led the Frontier Conference in kickoff returns.  The Diggers have a penchant for playing experienced players on special teams, but a number of young athletes will push for playing time in spring practices.

Tech begins its winter conditioning program with testing on January 21.  The Diggers will lift four times per week will conditioning at 5:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  After a hard-earned reprieve over spring vacation, Tech will open its spring practices on Saturday, March 29.

Printable Schedule

January 8, 2007
Seven Orediggers earn Scholar Athlete Award

Seven Montana Tech football players have earned recognition as NAIA Scholar-Athletes.  The awards recognize junior and senior student-athletes who maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.  Forty-four Orediggers have received the award since its inception.  This year’s selections are:

Rylan Brenneman
Junior Fullback / Short Snapper
Kalispell, MT
General Engineering

Levi Briese
Senior Fullback
Havre, MT
Petroleum Engineering

Kyle Carter
Senior Defensive Lineman
Shelby, MT
Occupational Safety & Health

Josh Kling
Senior Safety
Butte, MT
General Engineering

Kyle Lewis
Junior Wide Receiver
Cut Bank, MT
Electrical Engineering

J.J. Perino
Senior Defensive End
Helena, MT
Civil Engineering

Cole Salo
Senior Safety
Butte, MT
Electrical Engineering

December 12, 2007
Perino named AFCA All-American

Montana Tech defensive end J.J. Perino has been named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America Team.  Perino led the NAIA with 15 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.  He also holds Oredigger records for career sacks (46) and sacks in a season (17.5).  This is Perino’s second consecutive AFCA All-American selection, a feat only eight other players have accomplished.

Montana Tech ranks fourth nationally in all-time AFCA All-American selections with five.  Twenty Orediggers have been selected to All-America teams.

December 6, 2007
11 Diggers named to All-Frontier Team

Eleven Montana Tech student athletes were earned selection to the All-Frontier Confernce Football Team. Six of those earned First Team recognition.

First Team Selections

Casey Kelly, Senior Wide Receiver - Butte, MT

J.J. Perino, Senior Defensive End - Helena, MT

Corey Warner, Senior Running Back - Deary, ID

Jeff Braun, Senior Corner - Temecula, CA

Tom Probert, Junior Offensive Lineman - Colorado Springs, CO

Zach Soukup, Junior Kick Returner - Sheridan, WY

Second Team Selections

Matt Komac, Freshman Quarterback - Helena, MT

Kyle Sullivan, Junior Offensive Lineman - Idaho Falls, ID

Billy Glennon, Junior Linebacker - Billings, MT

Kyle Carter, Senior Defensive Lineman - Shelby, MT

Britt Siddoway, Junior Defensive Lineman - Great Falls, MT

Check out the latest Oredigger Football Photos!

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Gallery 5

Photos by Bernie Conner, Joe Vukevich, Tim Fox, Mike Bashor, Dennis Hirning, and Joe McClafferty.