UM scrimmage at Legends

Football homecomings are normally reserved for the fall season, but for Lex Hilliard and Brandon Dwyer, this will be a special spring edition of sorts for the two former Flathead High School football stars.

The University of Montana will hold its Maroon and Silver football scrimmage Saturday at noon at Legends Stadium, the same venue where both players enjoyed outstanding prep careers.

Hilliard, a senior, begins his final campaign ranked second at Montana in career rushing yardage with 2,884. He's also scored 34 touchdowns, which ranks him No. 3.

Dwyer, who started out as a wide receiver at UM, has moved over to defense in an effort to garner more playing time as a cornerback.

"Certainly Lex Hilliard is maybe the marquee offensive player in our conference, I know he is on our football team," Montana head football coach Bobby Hauck said.

"He's had an excellent spring. He's bigger and faster than he's ever been."

Last year Hilliard, 6-0, 225, rushed for 1,322 yards, which ranked him 19th nationally, and scored 12 touchdowns. He averaged 110.17 yards rushing per game.

As a result, Hilliard was a first team All-Big Sky Conference unanimous selection for a second straight time and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

Dwyer, 5-10, 188, junior, is currently listed No. 3 on the Griz depth chart at cornerback.

"He's had a nice spring," said Hauck of Dwyer.

"He's doing a good job. He has good speed. It's a hard position for anyone to just jump into and play. The learning curve is pretty steep. But he's one of those guys you love to have on your football team."

Hauck and the Grizzlies tuned up for the scrimmage on Thursday with another strong practice.

"We've got 11 out of 15 done," he said.

"Pleased probably is not a strong enough word (to describe how practices have gone). I've really been impressed with the assistant coaches and the players. The effort level has been unbelievable.

"I've never been around anything like it where a team puts that many (good practices) together in a row," he continued.

"The work level has been incredible."

Hauck is hoping, however, that the weather conditions improve for Saturday's big event. A damp week coupled with an all-day rain Thursday could make for some sloppy condition at Legends Stadium.

"One of the concerns of spring practice is not getting a bunch of guys hurt," he said.

"Secondly, we don't want to destroy Flathead's field. We'll do what we can do. It's hard to say right now without getting on the field."

The Grizzlies return 15 starters, six on offense and seven on defense, from last year's 8-4 team (5-2 Big Sky). The final spring practice is a week from today.

"I'm really looking forward to coming up there," said Hauck.

"I hope the people come out and enjoy this edition of the Grizzlies. I think they'll like what they see."

Montana opens the season Sept. 2 at Iowa. Hauck's coaching record at Montana is 29-11 (three seasons).

Note: Tickets for the scrimmage - $5 for adults and $3 for children (12-and-under) - will be available the day of the event at the stadium in Kalispell. There will be a pre-game tailgate party Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon in the back lot of Scarff Auto Center. A pig roast and barbecue with the team and coaches will follow the scrimmage at 2 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Cost for that event is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Tonight, 5:30, Griz fans can meet the UM coaches at Fatt Boys Bar and Grille.