BUTTE — With 28 seniors from last season's roster graduated, Montana Tech's football team has plenty of job openings as the Orediggers' season opener looms.

For head coach Kyle Samson, now in his sixth season at the helm, those position battles are creating plenty of healthy competition on both sides of the ball as the Orediggers look toward the annual Copper Game on Aug. 28 when Tech will host Montana Western in the season opener.

"I think it's awesome, it makes for a fun fall camp when there's a bunch of challenges and a bunch of spots that are up for grabs," Samson said during a practice at Bob Green Field. "It's also a great challenge for us coaches, making sure we're doing the best we can to put the guys in a position to be successful."

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