MISSOULA, Mont. (Sept. 6) — First-year head coach Ian Shoemaker led the Central Washington University football team into action for its inaugural 2014 contest Saturday at the University of Montana. Not only did Shoemaker's Wildcats have to face the nation's fourth-ranked FCS team, they also had to battle a boisterous crowd of 24,697 fans that turned out for Montana's home opener at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. 
 
In addition, CWU had to face Montana running running back Travon Van, who had a career day for the Grizzlies. He scored three rushing touchdowns and hauled in an 85-yard scoring pass in the 48-14 defeat of the Wildcats.
 
Despite the loss, there were numerous bright spots for Central. The Wildcats unveiled Shoemaker's new no-huddle, up-tempo attack against the Grizzlies. Sophomore quarterback JAKE NELSON, from Lake Stevens, Wash., directed the offense, connecting on 25 for 37 passes for 217 yards, with a touchdown. The scoring strike was on a 13-yard reception by sophomore wideout Kent McKinney (Seattle). It capped the Wildcats' first scoring drive of the 2014 season, which covered 77 yards in eight plays.
 
Junior running back JORDAN TODD (Bellevue, Wash.) scored the other Wildcat touchdown on a 32-yard burst in the fourth quarter, which concluded another eight-play scoring drive covering 58 yards. Senior receiver GREG LOGAN (Graham, Wash.) caught nine passed from Nelson for 92 yards, including one for 25 yards.
 
The Wildcats also had impressive moments on special teams. The game featured the debut of new CWU punter JONATHAN KUHN. Despite having to deal with the loud crowd, the true freshman from Mercer Island, Wash., averaged 42.2 yards over nine punts, including a long of 53. Junior kick returner ISAIAH DAVIS (Bremerton) also recording 174 yards on six kickoff returns, including one for 41 yards. Fellow returner, sophomore JESSE ZALK (Battle Ground, Wash.), also had a 41-yard kickoff return.
 
On defense, junior safety DEANDRE BAINES (Tacoma, Wash.) was the game's leading tackler with nine. Fellow juniors, cornerback Cedrque Chaney (Kelso, Wash.) and linebacker MITCH HALDANE (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) added seven apiece.

The Wildcats next host Dixie State University Saturday (Sept. 13) at Tomlinson Stadium in Central's home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.