BILLINGS, Mont. –  The No. 11 ranked Rocky Mountain College football team (8-3, 7-3 FC) lost their final game of the regular season against the Montana Tech Orediggers.

Despite the loss, Rocky claims the Frontier Conference title with the best record among conference opponents. 

Rocky's loss snaps a six game win streak and is their first loss at home since the first game of the regular season.

Rocky scored first off a nine yard rush from Jacob Bakken in the first quarter.

The Orediggers scored a field goal in the second quarter shortly before Bakken extended Rocky's lead with a three yard touchdown pass to Darneail Jenkins. Montana Tech's Jed Fike answered back with his first touchdown of the day on a 66 yard rush.

In the third quarter, the Battlin' Bears and the Orediggers were evenly matched. A pair of Bakken to Gray touchdown passes were met with a pair of Fike rushing touchdowns. 

Rocky held a tenuous 27-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter which proved not enough. Montana Tech's Jet Campbell found Will Hunthausen for a 12 yard touchdown.

Rocky nearly completed a rally with a catch off a desperation pass on the final play. but time expired and the Orediggers secured a 31-27 victory.

Jacob Bakken threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Mason Melby led Rocky's ground attack with 93 yards rushing.

Max Gray caught two touchdown passes on five receptions for 91 yards. He finishes the regular season having caught 15 touchdowns on 1031 yards receiving. Darneail Jenkins caught his ninth touchdown pass of the year with seven receptions and 86 yards.

Rocky's defense struggled to contain an Oredigger rushing attack. Montana Tech's Jed Fike rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns on 40 attempts.   

The Battlin' Bears will learn the future of their season tomorrow when the NAIA announces the football championship qualifiers.