Oh, so close!

As I paced the sidelines at Holt Arena on Saturday afternoon, I have to admit that it was nice to be involved in a game that had some excitement for a change.First of all I must congratulate the Idaho State Bengals on a game well fought.  They truly played with more energy and passion than I have seen all year.  I know that it is easy to sit back and second guess plays on the field, but I will do none of that tonight.

The Bengals played hard from start to finish.  The effort was more than sufficient to knock off the mighty Grizzlies and during the post game press conference three different Montana players said as much, along with Montana head coach Bob Hauck who came out and said that he felt that he was out coached and was proud of the way the Bengals played.  WHAT????

High praise indeed, now I have a challenge to the Bengals.  Build on this.  Please, don’t waste this effort.  To watch running back Clint Knickerehm sobbing in the press room.  To see the pain on A.J. Storms face at the end of the game, kneeling in disbelief.  Don’t let this die.  Take this emotional defeat and turn it into something more.

The fans in attendance were in full voice.  If you win, the place will be filled with fans supporting you.  Your glory will be great, the area is starving for a winner.  Take the next step, you have shown that you can compete, now take what you learned on Saturday and make that leap forward.

I believe that this will happen or I am delusional enough to believe it.  I look forward to more Saturdays of this kind of effort and I really look forward to the wins that will follow.