Montana filled the air with footballs in many of the previous Badlands Bowls.

North Dakota is likely to see another aerial assault on Saturday when high school football all-star teams from the two neighboring states meet at Denton Field in Miles City, Mont.

North Dakota defensive back and Bismarck High product Austin Gunderson says, "Bring it on."

"They have a quarterback who can run and pass really well, so we have to be ready for both," Gunderson said Tuesday from the North Dakota team practice facility in Dickinson. "But we know they really like to put it in the air, and that's what us d-backs are hoping for. We like those challenges."

North Dakota defenses have had a difficult time keeping Montana offenses under wraps in the series, now in its 16th year. Montana has won 11 of the 15 meetings, and has averaged 32 points per game. It has scored 40 or more points five times.

Last year, the Montanans put 54 tallies on the scoreboard - 34 in the first half - in a 54-14 victory.

However, the two states have split the last four contests.

"When you look at the whole thing, it doesn't look good for North Dakota … but it's been even the last few years," Gunderson said. "Last year was really tough, but the coaches talked to us about forgetting it and focusing on a new beginning. We don't want them to make it two in a row."

From his cornerback position, Gunderson was a key figure on a Bismarck High defense that helped the Demons win their first state championship since 2001. Bismarck coach Mark Gibson said the 6-foot-1, 165-pounder was always assigned to the opposing team's top receiver.

"Gundy was one of the best shutdown corners in the state," Gibson said. "We never had to worry about double-teaming anybody. We put Gundy on the other team's go-to guy and we knew he would take care of things. He has good speed, good instincts, and a nose for the ball."

Gunderson had five interceptions last fall, the biggest coming in the Class AAA state title game against two-time defending champion Fargo South. Midway in the second quarter, he picked off a South pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, giving the Demons a 14-6 lead. Bismarck High went on to win 28-19.

"That was really exciting. … By far the biggest moment of my football life," Gunderson said of the interception. "I got a good break on the pass, picked it off on a full sprint and had clear sailing down the sideline to the end zone. I'll never forget it. It came during the biggest game of my high school career, and the best thing about it was it helped us win."

Gibson said Gunderson's pick and score was the turning point of the game.

"We had a one-point lead at the time, but Gundy's play got us believing that we could beat South," the Bismarck coach said. "Earlier, South picked off one of our passes and took it back, and we sort of hung our heads about it. But Gundy picked us up. What he did inspired us."

Gunderson was a full-time starter the second half of the 2007 season, and started all 12 games for the Demons in 2008. Gibson calls him "one of the most naturally gifted athletes" he's ever coached.

"Gundy is the kind of kid you could plug in just about anywhere and get results," Gibson said. "He has that tremendous speed. He's able to stay with people, and cover lots of ground."

Gunderson is familiar with North Dakota's defensive scheme for Saturday's contest. The team's defensive coordinator is Dale Colby, Bismarck High's defensive guru.

"We're going to use the same defense that (Bismarck) used against South because Montana runs a Wing T - the same as South," Gunderson said. "Coach Colby is a great coach. He does such a good job putting people in the right places. He has a great group to work with here. We come from different places, but we all understand the game and we know what has to be done. And we have faith in each other. That's important."

Gunderson will also play in the 11-man Shrine Game next month in Grand Forks. That might be the last time he'll play football.

"Right now, I'm not planning to play college football," Gunderson said. "I'll be going to (the University of North Dakota) for school, and there's a chance I might walk on. We'll see what happens."