Poplar Loses Homecoming Football Game Against Culbertson Squad

Culbertson spoiled Poplar’s homecoming football night with a 58-0 win on Saturday, Sept. 7. The Indians played hard the entire night, but Culbetson got a quick early break when a bad snap resulted in Mark Kirkaldie making a tackle in the end zone for a safety.

After a nice kick return by Reese Moon, the Cowboys took over at the Poplar 21. A 16-yard gain by Moon produced a first down at the five. From there, quarterback Bridger Salvevold scored with 10:24 left in the first period. Josue Mena kicked the conversion for a 9-0 lead.

Defensive plays by Kirkaldie and Moon stopped Poplar on its next possession. The Cowboys then marched 54 yards for their next touchdown. Culbertson reached the end zone on an 11-yard counter run by Dawson Bergum. Mena’s kick put the score at 16-0.

The Indians earned a first down at the 37 on their next possession on a nice screen pass play from Chasen Pribbernow to Kaniel Ricker.

The Cowboys, however, created another turnover as Salvevold intercepted a pass. Runs by Salvevold and Micah Eagle Boy put the ball deep inside Poplar territory. Gains by Salvevold and Mena produced a first down at the three.

Salvevold scored on a three-yard run with 2:19 remaining in the first quarter. Salvevold passed to Bergum on the conversion for a 24-0 advantage.

Moon then came away with an interception and raced 32 yards for a touchdown at the 1:16 mark. Mena’s kick put the score at 31-0.

Ricker accounted for a couple nice runs on Poplar’s next drive, but the Indians were forced to punt the ball.

After a pass from Salvevold to Bergum was good for a first down at the Poplar 18, Salvevold dashed for a touchdown. Mena kicked the PAT for a 38-0 margin with 9:18 remaining in the half.

The Indians were able to drive inside Culbertson territory on their next possession, but the threat ended on an interception by Ian Snyder.

Salvevold scored on a 38yard run for the last touchdown of the half. The Cowboys led 45-0 at intermission.

Culbertson’s first touchdown of the second half came on a 15-yard run by Plenny Williams with 1:34 left in the third quarter.

Williams scored on an 11yard run with 5:44 left. Maurice Mena kicked the conversion for a 58-0 margin.

Ricker

Poplar’s Kaniel Ricker runs for yardage against Culbertson.

(Photo by Bill Vander Weele)