Rivalries are often defined by two teams’ records against each other, or perhaps by the fact that every game between those two teams is a no-holds barred, anything goes shootout. But for the Northern Arizona men’s football team, its rivalry with Montana is much more.

The Lumberjacks host the Grizzlies on Saturday for the 42^nd meeting between the two teams. Montana, who is ranked third in the FCS Coaches Poll, leads the all-time series 30-11 and has won the last 11 games against NAU.

“We don’t focus much on their streak against us,” said NAU senior offensive tackle Ryne Holstrom. “We just think about each week one game at a time, and we try to be 1-0 every week.”

The rivalry between Northern Arizona and Montana stretches further than end zone to end zone. NAU head coach Jerome Souers coached on the Montana staff from 1986-1997, including eight years as the defensive coordinator. The Grizzlies made four straight playoff appearances and won the 1995 national title during his tenure.

After becoming head coach of the Lumberjacks, Souers has yet to beat his old team in 11 tries, dating back to 1998.

“Our thinking this week is that every man has to do his job,” Souers said. “We can’t think about [Montana’s streak]. We feel like we have the ability to win any game, and that’s our focus this week.”

Three other current NAU coaches also have a history with Montana. Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Andy Thompson played four years in Missoula, defensive line coach Bill Smith coached three years alongside Souers, and safeties/special teams coach David Reeves not only played there, but spent 12 years coaching the Grizzlies.

UM head coach Bobby Hauck has Lumberjack ties as well. For two seasons, he coached the linebackers and was a recruiting coordinator for former NAU head coach Steve Axman.

Not only is this a very high-profile matchup for the Lumberjacks, but it also opens their Big Sky Conference schedule. Last year, NAU finished with a 4-4 in-conference record, losing their last four games including a road loss to the Grizzlies.

“We want to put our best foot forward,” Souers said. “It’s the first conference game, and it sets the tone for the rest of the season. If you win, you have the inside track. If you don’t, you are fighting an uphill battle. But the value of the game is still just one game, no matter who your opponent is or where you are in the season.”

Montana began their conference schedule last week against Portland State and came away with the win 49-17 with 501 yards of total offense. Junior quarterback Andrew Selle threw for three touchdowns and 213 yards in the game, while the Grizzly defense forced four Viking turnovers.

“They are a high performance team on offense, defense, and special teams,” Souers said. “Every aspect of their game is strong. Its very impressive what they’ve done with their program.”

The Grizzlies, however, are not the only ones who achieved astounding offensive statistics last week. Against Southern Utah, the Lumberjacks put up 42 points on 554 offensive yards. Junior quarterback Michael Herrick threw for 306 yards and senior running back Alex Henderson added 168 yards on the ground.

“[Northern Arizona] is a very explosive football team on offense,” Hauck said. “We don’t have anyone on our scout team that can simulate their abilities. We are playing hard, and that is what will carry us.”

The game will take place on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. in the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff as Souers attempts to finish the game victorious over his old team for the first time in his career.

“Montana is very fundamentally sound,” Holstrom said. “They always work well as a unit, they are well coached, and they don’t turn the ball over. But the outcome will be decided on Saturday, and both sides are going to play a great game. It’s going to be exciting.”

NAU players prepare for their upcoming game against Montana. Photograph by Matt McFadden.