Lightning Strikes During Montana vs. Northern Arizona Game

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – On a bright and sunny Saturday, lightning made its presence felt not just in the sky but also in the J. Lawrence Walk-Up Skydome in Flagstaff.

As the second quarter unfolded, No. 5 Montana led 7-0 when Northern Arizona’s Bendacuira punted. MSU’s Taco Dowler, spotting a wall of blockers, sprinted 90 yards for the longest punt return in Bobcats’ history.

“I prefer having the ball in my hands,” Dowler said after his team secured a 34-10 victory over 13th-ranked NAU.

“That was, I think, a key moment in the game,” Bobcats coach Brent Biegen remarked. “Our defense deserves credit for forcing the punt, and although there was a significant passing play, that return was pivotal.”

Following Dowler’s return, the Bobcats scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions, taking a 20-7 lead into halftime. After the break, Rocky Rencioni caught a 3-yard pass from Justin Lamson, extending the lead to 27-7.

Lamson had a solid performance, completing 13 of 19 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, MSU’s rushing attack was impressive, accumulating 196 yards at 6.1 yards per carry.

Seth Cromwell scored on a 2-yard run, which had originally given Montana its 7-0 advantage.

Dowler’s touchdown tied the game at 7 with 7:40 remaining in the second quarter, erasing Sean Hill’s 86-yard school record set against Idaho in 1991.

Naupant contributed with a 25-yard play. On a crucial third-and-14, Ramson connected with Javes Woods for a big gain. During the last drive of the half, Julius Davis leaped over an NAU defender en route to a 13-yard touchdown.

Ty Pennington made a 210-yard pass and recorded an interception for Northern Arizona, who now stands at 4-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Cromwell added a short two-yard touchdown run as well.