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Purdy a step away from Montana-Young territory after 49ers’ comeback win over Lions

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Purdy a step away from Montana-Young territory after 49ers’ comeback win over Lions


To borrow from a former Raiders CEO, all that’s left in the NFL postseason is one great quarterback and Brock Purdy.

The 49ers have two weeks to worry about a return engagement with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

That gives a small window to revel in a 34-31 win in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium, a game they trailed 24-7 at halftime before they put 27 consecutive points on the board before a delirious home crowd that could scarcely believe its own eyes.

No sense in picking on Amy Trask, the former Raiders exec who said at the outset of the postseason on her podcast there were seven great quarterbacks and Purdy. There are plenty of people nationally who agree with her and will still agree with her — especially if the 49ers lose against the Chiefs and Mahomes on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium.

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After the game, confetti rained down and at the victory stand, Purdy wore an ear-to-year smile even if he deflected credit as usual when talking with analyst Michael Strahan of Fox.

“It’s a team sport. We knew we had a half left, defense did their job,” Purdy said. “The boys on offense took care of business, Coach called a great game and we had the Faithful behind us the whole way.”

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates while holding The George Halas trophy after winning the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions 34-31. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

Fans were chanting “Purdy, Purdy, Purdy” which was in stark contrast to when television microphones picked up a Detroit contingent cheering “Jared Goff, Jared Goff, Jared Goff” before halftime. Earlier in the half, sharp-eyed fans on social media even caught Eminem giving the finger to 49ers fans from a private box.

It was that bad.

The 49ers are no strangers to losing the NFC Championship Game, having lost the last two seasons and 11 times in 18 games coming in. This one looked like it would be the worst, considering how one-sided the game was heading into the third quarter.

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While there were myriad moments and heroes for the 49ers, none stood taller than the supposedly undersized Purdy. He was 7 of 15 for 93 yards and an interception that led to a Detroit touchdown at halftime. In the second half, Purdy was 13 of 16 for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 49 yards on five carries after having lost a yard on his lone carry of the first half.

Purdy’s mobility was in contrast to Goff, the Marin Catholic and Cal product who went 25 of 41 to 273 yards and a touchdown.

“I thought it was the difference between winning and losing,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Brock competed his ass off today.”

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs for a first down while being chased by Detroit Lions' Aidan Hutchinson, (97) in the fourth quarter of their NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions 34-31. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs for a first down while being chased by Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson, (97) in the fourth quarter of their NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions 34-31. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

The whole storyline about Purdy not being able to come from behind? He has done it for the last two weeks including a 24-21 divisional playoff win over Green Bay. He lacks the Montana-Young magic? How then to explain a 51-yard strike to Brandon Aiyuk that got the 49ers on their way?

Purdy, whose arm strength contributed to his seventh-round draft standing, actually overthrew Aiyuk only to have the ball bounce off the facemask of a backpedaling Kindle Vildor.

“In that moment, I’m looking at it like, ‘We need a play,’ ” Purdy said. “I’m not going to be stupid and throw the ball up, but B.A. is one-on-one. I’m going to take that (opportunity). Especially in this kind of game, we need that play. I was giving my guy a shot.”

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Aiyuk lunged forward and caught the ball out of the air and Vildor’s thigh grazed Aiyuk at the 6-yard line. Three plays later, Purdy threw a 6-yard strike to Aiyuk in the end zone.

“Just like we expected it to look,” tight end George Kittle said. “Off his facemask and we got a big play. Dang, Brock’s good at football isn’t he?”

If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is.

It wasn’t a rah-rah halftime speech that turned things around.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes in the third quarter of their NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes in the third quarter of their NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

“There really wasn’t much said,” Purdy said. “Kyle said a couple of things. Fred (Warner) said a couple of things. But we kept it simple. We went out, we knew what we had to do. The season’s on the line, we’re down 17, and we played really good complementary team football from there.”

As for Purdy’s scrambles — including a 21-yard run on third-and-4 during the drive that put the 49ers up 34-24 — he said he was just doing what was required.

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“He scampers,” Kittle said. “Ever see one of those little water dragons running across the water?”

Purdy was matter-of-fact in analyzing of his running ability.

“You drop back, they did a good job with pressures and if there’s someone there, I had to use my legs,” Purdy said. “It’s the NFC Championship and you’ve got to find a way.”

While Purdy said “nothing’s going to be given to us,” the 49ers got a big assist from Detroit coach Dan Campbell, who twice passed up field goal attempts on fourth down that failed in the second half — one on a dropped pass and another when a receiver was open.

Campbell, who has rolled the dice all season, was like the cowboy who was insistent about dying with his boots on, the fighter who was going to wade in and go for the knockout when he was ahead on points in the 12th round.

It played into Purdy’s hands. He may not be Mahomes, but at this point it would be hard for 49ers players to doubt their quarterback who makes a fraction of his income. At 24, he’s the youngest quarterback to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl.

“Man, I don’t have enough good things to say about Brock,” running back Christian McCaffrey said. “All he’s done since he’s been here is play at an elite level. Everything starts with him and we’re lucky he’s our quarterback. He takes a lot of heat for absolutely no reason. All he’s done is be a great leader, a great player. I’m so proud of him and pumped up that I get another one with him this year.”

Purdy unfailingly credits his faith win or lose, and the biggest win of his life was no different.

“I’ve never been the biggest, the fastest or the strongest,” Purdy said. “I feel like I’ve always had to fight for what I get but God’s always given me an opportunity . . . getting drafted last, all you need is an opportunity. When I’m down 17 at half, I’m thinking, ‘All right, God, you’ve taken me here. Win or lose I’m going to glorify you.’ That’s my peace. That’s the joy, the steadfastness. That’s where I get it from. And that’s the honest truth.

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“I leaned into that, and sure enough we were able to come back.”

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates after a Detroit Lions fumble in the third quarter of their NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates after a Detroit Lions fumble in the third quarter of their NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 





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Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 27, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Jan. 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 27 drawing

04-20-38-56-66, Mega Ball: 05

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 27 drawing

01-10-32-37-48, Lucky Ball: 09

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 27 drawing

09-21-27-28, Bonus: 06

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana app development teams from Code Girls United win Congressional App Challenge

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Montana app development teams from Code Girls United win Congressional App Challenge


Two app development teams from Code Girls United won the Congressional App Challenge in both Montana districts.

A team with Lily Kirkaldie, Charlie Kotthoff, and Danica Sabo from Great Falls won with their app ‘Cursive Create’.

The app helps teach cursive writing, which the team said is important since cursive is no longer taught in schools.

Three senior students from Browning High School, Aiyahna Green, Kalani Sun Rhodes, and Keesha Guerrero-Gobert, won with their app ‘Sspomo’.

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This app provides awareness and resources for people facing mental health challenges, and was inspired by the Blackfeet tribe.

“They were really thoughtful about their community and what was affecting the people that they knew on the reservation, and what they could actually do to help them,” said Code Girls United CEO Marianne Smith.

“What they were seeing in the community was depression and other mental health issues, so they specifically wanted to create an app that would be able to help people that were in that same situation,” said Smith.

Both teams will travel to Washington D.C. for the National Science Fair’s ‘House of Code’, where they will showcase their apps in the U.S. Capitol.

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Montana state auditor staff heads to Libby to address property questions

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Montana state auditor staff heads to Libby to address property questions


Residents impacted by last December’s flooding and windstorms had the opportunity to get answers Monday as the Montana State Auditor’s Office hosted an open house in Libby.

The event was aimed at helping homeowners across Libby, Troy and the surrounding areas surrounding in Lincoln County navigate insurance claims and recovery efforts following the severe weather that caused widespread damage.

Staff from the Montana State Auditor’s Office were on hand to answer questions from residents dealing with property and casualty insurance claims tied to the storms.

“People here in Libby and Troy and all across Lincoln County were victims of these horrible weather events that we’ve had,” said David Sanders, chief of staff for the Montana State Auditor’s Office. “A lot of people had property and casualty claims on their homes.”

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According to the Auditor’s Office, consumer protection and education are key components of the recovery process.

In addition to speaking directly with residents, officials also met with community leaders and toured damaged areas to better understand the impact of the storms.

“We just wanted to make sure that we could pull people together and show them that they are not alone,” Sanders said. “The state government can help them with some of the information they require to put their lives back together.”

The Montana State Auditor’s Office says events like this help connect residents with valuable resources as communities continue to recover from natural disasters.

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Residents are encouraged to contact the office directly for additional insurance guidance.



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