Do you bleed Grizzly maroon or Bobcat blue?

There are many things’ Montanans can agree on. A common loathe of road construction season along with dawdling drivers in the passing lane on Interstate 90. And most would say that a summer day is nearly perfect after fishing for trout, grilling an elk burger, and watching the sunset from a secret huckleberry patch.

But one thing that’s not guaranteed across the vast and beautiful Big Sky state, is the loyalties that lie east or west of the divide. It’s bigger than Superbowl Sunday, it can end up ruffling feathers at Thanksgiving dinner – the beloved and historic Brawl of the Wild!

Montana and Montana State started playing each other in 1897. The Nov. 23 match up in Bozeman was 123rd meeting between the No. 9 Griz and No. 2 Cats.

So, the question is do you bleed Maroon and Silver, or Blue and Gold? Bobcats or Grizzlies? Although the makeup of Mineral Counties fan base favors the University of Montana, in recent years more Cat fans are prowling around this side of the state. Here are a few local football buffs as they share the why and who they cheer for during the annual Brawl of the Wild.

Margaret Mellen, explained, “I would be rooting for the grizzlies, my nieces are going to the U of M, but even before that I rooted for the grizzlies, I’ve been in Mineral County for 30 plus years and always was for the Griz. I believe Mineral County is for the grizzlies. Mainly, you might find a cat here and there that has moved into the grizzlies area.”

Judy Stang a Bobcats Alumni shared, “I'm a MSU graduate and been rooting for them over 50 years...in good times and bad...never quit loving them...it's a great rivalry...”

Eleanor Hollenback said, “The Griz of course, we’ve had season tickets since the stadium opened in 1987. My son and daughter-in-law now own those seats. Win or lose always root for the Griz! Beat those Cats!”

Nicola Clyde, of St. Regis added, “Bob and I and Ted are Griz alumni. Bob and I met at UM and graduated there in 1970, that doesn't necessarily mean we are the same age! And Ted graduated from UM in 2011. Matt graduated from MT Tech, but he is also a Griz fan, along with his two boys, despite finding themselves living in a cat den in Belgrade! Go Panthers!”

Michele Ruiz insisted you have to be there to experience it first-hand. She said, “GRIZ because have you been to a home game? It's electric and just thinking about past games still makes the hair on my arms stand. Oooofff, I love it and the tradition.”

Angie Gray, Principal of Superior High School stated, “Bobcats - 1989 graduate! Plus, I had Taco D as a student!”

Deb Boyes rationalized, “Neutral! I graduated from U of M and my kids graduated from MSU. A win, either way!”

Brogan Keenan from Haugan said, “Grizzlies all the way! Family tradition. Had season tickets for over my lifetime not just for football but basketball as well too. Go Griz!”

Gaylene Borden, “My dad James DeBree is alumni from Montana State. Two degrees! At 91 years old? He’s the biggest Bobcat fan I know!”

Tina Hill, “Once a Griz, always a Griz! We are a house divided as two of my kids have degrees with MSU and one is working on it. The other is planning on it. Having been a member of the UM Dance Team, the loyalty runs deep. Go Griz!”

Tammy Wieweck commented, “Go Griz! Alumni 1991 and granddaughter plays piccolo in the Griz marching band.”

Denley Loge said, “Go Griz. I will be wearing Griz gear in the Bobcat presidents’ box at the game. I attended the National Championship last year in Frisco, but I do miss games on occasion. I have a Bachelors from the UM '72. 35 years in the Alumni Band. UM Rugby Club '68-75. UM Bowling team '68-72.”

Some of the counties most recognized Griz fans: Nicole Noonan, Denley Loge, The Conrow family, The Lincoln family.

Maroon and silver fans gone too soon: Tim Wilkinson † and Herman Berneking †.

Most loyal Cat fans in Mineral County: Judy Stang, Jim Debree, Emily Park.

The Bobcats won Saturdays matchup 34 to 11. With the win, they accomplished a perfect regular season at 12-0, and won the outright Big Sky Conference title with an 8-0 league mark. The Bobcats will likely secure a top-two seed in the upcoming FCS playoffs and home-field advantage. The Grizzlies hold a 75-43-5 head-to-head edge in the all-time series. However, the Bobcats have taken the Great Divide trophy back home to Bozeman for the past five years.