Rocky Boy duo selected to play in Indigenous Bowl

While their football season might be over, Rocky Boy's Joe Demontiney and Cruz Sunchild as well as Harlem's Darrius Longknife will get to put on the pads one more time in 2021 as they head to the annual Indigenous Bowl in Minnesota this Sunday. The game is designed to recognize the talents of indigenous players across the country and give them a chance to travel outside of their communities.

"What an honor for our tribe, schools and community for two of our youth from the Rocky Boy Schools to have been selected to participate and play in the 2021 Indigenous Bowl for their outstanding athletic capabilities," Laurie Sun Child said about the Rocky Boy selections.

The game will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis where the Minnesota Vikings play, giving players the chance to compete on a larger stage. The 7G Foundation sponsors the game and the events held in the days prior.

The players arrived in Minneapolis Wednesday and began activities today. The players began practicing at the University of Minnesota, Morris. In between practices, the players will listen to speakers such as former NFL defensive tackle and current Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and Dr. Cara Cowan Watts who will discuss scholarship opportunities.

The players will go through a similar schedule Friday with practices and listening to speakers such as former NFL tight end and Cherokee Derek Fine, Minnesota Morris head coach Marty Hoffman and the Siebert Financial Corporation. The players will then get a tour of U.S. Bank Stadium Saturday before playing there Sunday.

Demontiney is a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and was selected to the game as a wide receiver. Sunchild is also a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe and was selected as an offensive lineman. Longknife is a tribal member of in Aaniiih Nakota Community and was also selected as a wide receiver. Demontiney, Sunchild and Longknife are three of eight players from Montana honored to play in the game this weekend.