Home Montana ends JMU run
Sports

Montana ends JMU run

Chris Graham

The game went the way James Madison coach Mickey Matthews expected it would. Except for the four JMU turnovers.
“This is the first time in my 32 years in coaching that I’ve been in a game where we never punted and lost. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard of that,” said Matthews, whose Dukes lost three fumbles, two on Montana kickoffs, en route to a deflating 35-27 loss to the Grizzlies Friday night in the I-AA national semifinals.

Matthews also lost senior quarterback Rodney Landers on the final series of the first half to an ankle injury. Backup Drew Dudzik availed himself well after a jittery start, throwing an interception inside the Montana 5 at the end of the first half that killed an important JMU scoring opportunity.

Dudzik scored from 10 yards out on Madison’s de facto first possession of the second half – which came after back-to-back Montana scores that were aided by the second of two JMU fumbles on Grizz kickoffs – to cut the Montana margin to 28-17 midway through the third. Montana QB Cole Bergquist connected with Mike Ferriter on a 9-yard pass for a TD to make it 35-17 at the end of three, but JMU rallied in the fourth to make a game of it, forcing a safety on a bad punt snap and then scoring on the ensuing possession on an 18-yard Dudzik run that Dudzik capped with a captivating two-point conversion run for the highlight reels that had him helicoptering through the air into the end zone. The officials initially ruled Dudzik down before reaching the end zone, but the call was reversed after an instant-replay review.

The Dukes’ defense held Montana on its next series, giving Dudzik one more chance, but after a questionable holding call negated a first-down pass at the Montana 38, two Dudzik passes fell incomplete, and Montana kneeled to run out the clock.

“The turnovers were crucial. I’m sure Mickey will be very disappointed that that was huge in the outcome. But it is in big games,” said Montana coach Bobby Hauck, who will be making his second appearance in the I-AA national championship game. The first came four years ago against JMU in a game the Dukes won by a 31-21 final.

Friday’s game was the finale for Landers, who had to watch the final two quarters of his college career from the sidelines after his second-quarter injury.

“It’s disappointing. It’s frustrating. First because it’s the end of our season. Secondly because it’s my last game. It’s just a frustrating feeling being on the sideline and watching your teammates giving 110 percent, and you feel helpless over there,” said Landers, who ran for 84 yards on 17 carries, but only completed one of his four pass attempts for 15 yards in his final game in Harrisonburg.

Dudzik ran for 88 yards on 12 carries and was 6-of-13 for 70 yards throwing the ball in relief of Landers.

 

Story by Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

Latest News

Sports Betting

How To Bet Usyk vs. Dubois In California

Sports Betting

How To Bet On Usyk vs. Dubois In Texas

Usyk vs Dubois II takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, and boxing fans in Texas are searching for the best ways to bet on the heavyweight title fight. With all four major belts on the line, the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois is one of the biggest fights of the year. While Texas...

malcolm brogdon
Basketball, Go 'Hoos

Rumor mill: LA Clippers showing interest in UVA Basketball alum Malcom Brogdon

UVA Basketball alum Malcolm Brogdon, late of the Washington Wizards, is still a free agent, but there’s smoke about the Los Angeles Clippers having major interest.

wboro glow up tmobile solar
Arts, Local

Waynesboro light show aims to draw residents downtown for dining, shopping

Local, Politics

Shenandoah LGBTQ Center celebrates seven years serving as a safe space in Staunton

Sports Betting

How To Bet On Usyk vs. Dubois In Florida

henry godbout uva baseball
Baseball, Go 'Hoos

UVA Baseball: What if we get the good Harrison Didawick from 2024 back next season?