October 19, 2011 at 7:52 PM

Posted by Bob Condotta

The first career snap for Nick Montana as a Washington Husky didn't go exactly to script.

Replacing starter Keith Price with Washington ahead 45-17 and just over a minute left in the third quarter, Montana was hit as he held onto the ball looking for an open receiver and fumbled, Colorado recovering.

As Montana walked back to the sideline, he was met by UW coach Steve Sarkisian, who told him "welcome to college football.''

Four days later, when Montana (pictured at right in a Times staff photo) met the media for the first time since the game, he said he regarded the play in a far different light than might be perceived.

"I haven't been hit in two years,'' he said with a smile. "It felt good.''

He also said the play was in keeping with family tradition. He said his father --- Hall of Famer Joe Montana --- told him later that he threw an interception on his first college play. "So he was laughing,'' Nick Montana said.

Nick Montana said the play provided a valuable truth about football that all quarterbacks inevitably learn.

"We had a little route mix up and I should have just thrown the ball away or ran,'' he said. "But I held it. I probably won't do that again.''

Montana finished out the game and completed both of his pass attempts for 10 yards in leading a UW drive that resulted in the final touchdown of the game as the Huskies won 52-24.

"It was a lot of fun to finally get out there --- that's the best way to describe it,'' he said. "I was really excited. I couldn't get a smile off my face the whole day.''