BUTTE — Two teams, separated by some 60 yards, shared contrasting emotions in the chilly rays of a setting Western sun.

College of Idaho lifted its stars skyward, 145-yard rusher Rylie Byington the highest. Montana Tech mourned the conclusion of its never-before-achieved previously undefeated season. The Yotes waved flags. Byington accepted game offensive MVP honors. The Orediggers cried. Torgerson brothers embraced. Kyle Samson shared a final on-field moment with his seniors.

“It’s such a finite thing when you end the season,” Samson said. “The thing I keep thinking about is the seniors. Thankful for them and all they did. The legacy they left here.

“It’s hard to say goodbye to them.”

No. 8-seeded C of I avenged its earlier Sept. 27 defeat, knocking off No. 3 Tech 41-26 and advancing

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