Butte, Mont. – OUAZ Football dropped its 2026 season opener on Thursday night, falling to fifth-ranked Montana Tech Orediggers, 48-0, at Alumni Coliseum in Butte, Montana.
Despite the final score, OUAZ's defense showed resilience early, creating the game's first takeaway when Dakote Doyle-Robinson recovered a fumble forced by Deandre Jones on Montana Tech's opening possession deep in Oredigger territory. However, the Spirit were unable to capitalize, and Montana Tech responded with 17 first-half points to take control of the contest.
The Orediggers opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from quarterback Jarrett Wilson to Manu Melo before Wilson added a rushing touchdown later in the opening quarter. A field goal from Casey Kautzman pushed the Montana Tech advantage to 17-0 at halftime.
Montana Tech extended its lead in the third quarter as Wilson scored two more rushing touchdowns and Kautzman connected on his second field goal of the night. The Orediggers added a pair of fourth-quarter rushing scores from Merek Mihelish to account for the 48-0 final.
Offensively, the Spirit generated several promising drives but were unable to break through against a Montana Tech defense. Quarterback Rocco Koch connected with receivers Marques Reese, Jerimiah Ballard, Frankie Valentino, AJ Williams, and Dyontae Navarrate, while the rushing attack featured contributions from Isaiah Dickerson, Mohamed Nyangamukenga, Tay Wheat, and Navarrate.
Defensively, OUAZ recorded multiple impact plays throughout the night. Along with the first-quarter takeaway, the Spirit collected sacks from Deandre Jones, Duke Cosner, and Thomas Lane IV. In the secondary, Jaden McCray forced a third-quarter fumble, while the defense consistently pressured Montana Tech's offense throughout the game.
The Spirit will remain on the road next week as they open Sooner Athletic Conference play against Wayland Baptist on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m.
