Cowboys Capture Key League Victory In Scobey

Culbertson’s defense was up to the challenge of Scobey’s second-half threats as the Cowboys took a giant step toward a football playoff berth by stopping Scobey, 250, on Friday, Oct. 4.

The visiting Cowboys led by a 14-0 half-time score, but the Spartans spent a good amount of the third quarter in Culbertson’s territory. After a bad snap exchange was recovered by Scobey at the Cowboy 34, Scobey’s quarterback Breecken Maher broke loose for 11 yards on a fourthand-one play to the Culbertson 13.

Scobey went on to convert a fourth-and-one play when Maher barely gained enough ground for a first down at the three.

Culbertson’s defense then stood its ground as plays by Mark Kirkaldie, Reese Moon, Kaden Featherston and Gavin Deen created a fourth down at the one. When Maher attempted to get in on a quarterback sneak, he was stopped by Culbertson’s defenders including Kirkaldie and Moon with 2:35 left in the third quarter.

The Spartans, however, were soon in scoring position again when a short punt gave Scobey possession at the Culbertson 24. Defensive plays by Kirkaldie and Bridger Salvevold forced Scobey into a fourth-down situation from the seven. The threat ended when Dawson Bergum successfully defended a pass in the end zone early in the fourth quarter.

On Scobey’s next possession, Salvevold produced one of the plays of the game when the senior stole the ball from a receiver and ran down to the Scobey 12. On third down from the three, Salvevold battled into the end zone for a 19-0 lead with 7:16 left in the conference contest.

The Cowboys then added another score when Salvevold raced 47 yards for a touchdown with just over four minutes to play for a 25-0 advantage.

Scobey’s final possession ended on an interception by Bergum.

The Cowboys struggled offensively at times in the first half, but Culbertson earned a 13-0 lead during the action.

On Culbertson’s first possession, a horse collar penalty produced a first down at the Scobey 20. After Moon earned a first down at the nine, the senior went the distance with 6:05 left in the opening quarter. Josue Mena kicked the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The Spartans drove inside Culbertson territory midway into the second quarter, but a fumble forced by Bergum was recovered by Ian Snyder.

The Cowboys took advantage of the turnover by driving 62 yards for their second touchdown of the night. The breakaway running of Salvevold highlighted the drive. Culbertson reached the end zone on a six-yard dash by Salvevold with 45 seconds remaining in the half.

Salvevold finished the game with 168 yards rushing while Moon ran for 88 yards.

The Cowboys will host Broadus on Friday, Oct. 11.