JMU - MONTANA NOTES

ESPN2 broadcast allows for replays

Because the Football Championship Subdivision semifinal between James Madison and Montana was broadcast on ESPN2, the two coaches -- JMU's Mickey Matthews and Bobby Hauck of Montana -- were allowed to ask for a replay if they didn't like the call on a particular play.

Former state football and basketball official Dan Woolridge was the lead official in the replay booth last night. Both Woolridge and referee Jerry Frump of the Missouri Valley Conference crew were able to watch an instant replay of any questionable plays.

A 7-yard touchdown run by Montana's Chase Reynolds was reviewed in the first quarter to determine if he crossed the goal line. It was quickly ruled a TD in the booth, and the Grizzlies took a 14-3 lead.

Dukes have experience in championship game

While there are no current JMU players who took part in the 2004 title game against Montana, there are five redshirt seniors who made the trip to Chattanooga, Tenn., when the Dukes beat the Grizzlies 31-21.

They are quarterback Rodney Landers, center Scott Lemn, free safety Marcus Haywood, backup defensive end Shelton Johnson and punter Jason Pritchard (Atlee High).

Also members of that '04 club were tight ends coach Josh Haymore (long snapper) and DE coach Isai Bradshaw (DE).

Seven of the coaches, including Matthews, are the same ones who helped JMU claim the school's only national championship.

No trouble putting points on scoreboard

Despite struggling in the first half, this JMU edition will wind up as the top-scoring club in school history. Entering last night's game, JMU had scored 507 points for an average of 39.0.

Since being held to seven points in the season opener at Duke, JMU has averaged more than 40 points against FCS opposition.

The previous school record for scoring in a season was 35.5 ppg in 2005, when the Dukes went 7-4 and missed the playoffs.

The 2004 team averaged only 27.7 ppg en route to a 13-2 record but gave up just 17.9 ppg. Five of the 11 highest-scoring clubs in JMU history have come with Matthews at the helm and Jeff Durden as his offensive coordinator.

Five seniors are set for degrees today

Five members of the Dukes, including four starters, will receive their degrees this morning at the JMU Convocation Center.

The starters are Landers, Haywood, Pritchard and tailback Eugene Holloman. Johnson will also get his degree. Lemn received his sheepskin last spring and kicker Dave Stannard (Clover Hill High) is planning to get his in May. -- Times-Dispatch staff