Johnson Leads Montana Over Northern Colorado 38-13

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) - A blocked punt on the first series of the game was just what Montana needed to get rolling Saturday as the Grizzlies downed Northern Colorado, 38-13, in the Big Sky Conference opener for both teams.

"A big part of our fast start was the blocked punt," said Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson. "That got us going and got us into a rhythm."

Johnson connected with Jamaal Jones on a 9-yard scoring pass two plays after Addison Owen's blocked punt and Montana, (3-2), went on a run, racking up 28 first quarter points.

The toss to Jones was Johnson's first of three touchdown passes. He also connected with Ryan Burke on a 41-yard scoring play in the first quarter and hit Mike Ralston with a 21-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Johnson added to his big day by running for a 9-yard score to put Montana up 28-7 at the end of the opening quarter.

"We executed really well," said Montana coach Mick Delaney. "Jordan got us into a bunch of really good looks. That's because he's a student of the game and understands what coach wants."

Travon Van added a 71-yard touchdown scamper during the big Montana first quarter.

"The way our offense is clicking we can make big plays like that," Van said.

Northern Colorado (1-3) got its lone highlight of the game when backup quarterback Jonathan Newsom scored on a 74-yard run with 3:07 to play in the first quarter.

"I just saw a huge lane and took off," said Newsom, who was pressed into action when starting quarterback Sean Rubalcaba was unable to go with a shoulder injury at game time.

Bears' coach Earnest Collins also attributed Northern Colorado's poor showing to the blocked punt that jump started the Grizzly offense.

"You can't come out and start as slow as we did," Collins said. "We had two false starts on the punt play and then we got it blocked."

Montana's defense came up big throughout the day, forcing three turnovers and sacking Newsom five times.

Johnson finished the day 11-of-20 for 181 yards. Van led the Grizzly ground attack with 127 yards on nine carries.

Newsom threw the ball 40 times, completing 20 passes for 198 yards. He also led Northern Colorado rushers with 72 yards on 14 carries.

- By GARY JAHRIG, Associated Press

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