Football fever: Go Griz, go SaintsInter Lake editorial

It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Griz football 2008 was expected to be a rebuilding year and people were predicting an 8-4 season and perhaps an end to the Grizzlies' epic streak of playoff appearances.

It has since become apparent that the coaches and players didn't believe that. Instead they believed in themselves and went on to achieve a 14-1 season and a date with destiny Friday night in the Football Championship Subdivision national championship game.

That's right - for the sixth time, the Montana Grizzlies are playing for the title.

The eyes of Griz Nation, including more than 2,000 fans making the 2,057-mile trip from Montana to Chattanooga, Tenn., will be focused on the Griz tonight as they attempt to tame the red-hot Richmond Spiders.

It's a measure of the fervor of UM fans that so many will cross the country to watch their beloved Griz close out another superb season. Apparently the recession can't dampen the ardor of Montana football fans. Go Griz!

The Grizzlies aren't alone in representing Montana on the national football scene.

On Saturday in Rome, Ga. - just an hour or so drive down the road from Chattanooga - the Carroll College Fighting Saints will play the University of Sioux Falls in the NAIA football championship game.

Carroll is seeking its second straight national crown and sixth overall.

Go Saints! It should be quite a weekend for Montana college football.

There's a critical fundraising drive under way in the Flathead Valley: the United Way's annual campaign to raise money to support a host of services and programs.

The theme of this year's United Way fund-raising campaign is "Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United" and it has a goal of $1 million. The campaign ends Dec. 31.

Even though times are tough for many of us, we should all remember that there are other people who need our help.

Last year, United Way member agencies helped nearly 57,000 people in need. With the difficult economy, it's likely even more people will need help in the coming year.

Give to the United Way. Your donation may help your neighbor or yourself.