DICKINSON, N.D. -- The novel coronavirus has struck again, canceling the 2020 Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl between Montana and North Dakota. The game, which was slated for June 20, 2020, was set to end after the 27th meeting this summer.
Co-founder Kelly Reid confirmed the news with MTN Sports on Friday evening, stating in a press release, "It is with great regret that we are announcing the cancellation of the 27th Annual Badlands Bowl that was scheduled to take place in Dickinson, N.D. on June 20, 2020."
"We held on as long as we could," Reid told MTN Sports. "It's disappointing because this was supposed to be the last game."
Reid and the Knights of Columbus announced in early February that the 2020 Badlands Bowl would be the final game in the series between Montana and North Dakota. Montana held a 20-6 advantage in the series, winning the past five games, including last year's 41-14 rout in Miles City. Though there were recent lopsided results in favor of the Treasure State, the game provided more than just competition between the top seniors in Montana and North Dakota. It also raised money for the Knights of Columbus charities, with an emphasis on Special Olympics.
"It is unfortunate that COVID-19 protocols have taken away yet another celebration and honor for Montana and North Dakota seniors," continued the release, titled Sunset on the Badlands Bowl. "We wish them all the best as they go forward with their academics and athletic pursuits in these uncertain times.
"We would like to thank the committee members and volunteers, sponsors and the communities of Dickinson, N.D. and Miles City, MT for their tireless work and support of the Badlands Bowl over the last 27 years. We also would like to thank the numerous coaches and players from both states who came together to create memorable events each June and lasting relationships with each other."
Miles City coach Jeff Regan was set to lead the Treasure State in the series finale, with four of his state champion Cowboys on the roster. The complete Montana roster that was selected to compete can be found below.
More information, including the series' records and history, can be found on the Badlands Bowl website by clicking here.
Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl
2020 Montana roster
Head coach: Jeff Regan, Miles City.
Assistant coaches: John Tooke, Miles City; Jim Hogan, Helena Capital; Nick Howlett, former Carroll College assistant; John Fitzgerald, Red Lodge; Levi Seitz, Fairview.
Roster: Justus Peterson, Dillon; Alex Balkenbush, Billings Central; Conor Reitler, Billings Skyview; Josh Erbacher, Billings West; Demarcus Carr, Billings West; Jaden Bienvenue, Billings West; Isaiah Sanchez, Billings West; Hunter Morse, Billings West; Cole Curry, Billings West; Jake D'Agostino, Bozeman; Tom Walkup, Bozeman; Jadon Lamb, Townsend; Thomas McGree, Butte Central; Quinn Sullivan, Butte; Jacolby Mattoon, Miles City; Mason Harding, Miles City; Aidan Barrows, Miles City; Dayron Johnson, Miles City; Keeley Bake, Fairfield; Cody Asbeck, Fairview; Tucker Jones, Hamilton; Parker Johnston, Helena Capital; Noah Braden, Helena Capital; Zane McCormick, Helena Capital; Bridger Grovom, Helena Capital; Kadyn Craigle, Helena Capital; TJ Fife, Helena High; Hayden Ferguson, Helena High; Keyshawn Newby, Helena High; Tanner Russell, Kalispell Flathead; Ethan Renner, Laurel; Jett Rebish, Missoula Big Sky; Liam Haffey, Missoula Loyola; Finnegan Davis, Red Lodge.
Alternates: Trey Green, Alberton-Superior; Bo Hakert, Billings Central; Oran Nash-Bergen, Billings Senior; Kaelen Patten, Bozeman; Aaron Richards, Butte Central; Lucas Kingston, Butte; Scout Allen, Butte; Bryce Nelson, Great Falls CMR; Garren Todoroff, Miles City; Traton Farrell, Miles City; Tyler Harms; Miles City; Mick O'Connor, Ekalaka; Alex Schriver, Fairview; Hank Rugg, Frenchtown; Mason Dionne, Havre; Derek Nygaard, Jefferson; Cameron Younger, Laurel; Jake Kindel, Eureka; Lane Veltkamp, Manhattan; Myles Yochum, Billings Central; Nelson Crisafulli, Glendive.
