Cowboys Stop Ennis In First-Round Playoff Game

The Culbertson Cowboys were ready for playoff football.

The Cowboys exploded for 28 points in the first quarter in their 42-6 opening-round victory over Ennis in Culbertson on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“We talked about starting fast and finishing strong,” Culbertson Coach Brian Manning said. “Our offensive and defensive lines did a good job today.”

The coach was pleased that Culbertson’s defense, led by Micah Eagle Boy and Gavin Deen, held the Mustangs to six points.

“Collectively, our defense is really good,” Manning said.

That defensive unit accounted for the game’s first big play when Bridger Salvevold recovered a fumble at the Ennis 23. On first down, Reese Moon raced into the end zone with 11:28 left in the opening quarter.

Ennis responded by driving as deep as the Culbertson 11, but a tackle for loss by Salvevold and a solid tackle by Eagle Boy stopped the threat.

On the next play, Moon broke loose for a 69-yard touchdown run with 8:02 left in the quarter. Salvevold dashed in for the conversion and a 14-0 advantage.

Down by a two-touchdown margin, Ennis took a chance by attempting a fake punt play. The gamble didn’t pay off as Deen made a tackle at the Mustang 13. The Cowboys went on to reach the end zone on a 13-yard keeper run by Salvevold for a 20-0 lead.

The Mustangs got on the scoreboard on a four-yard run by Wyatt Doty with 43 seconds left in the quarter. Deen blocked the conversion kick try.

Culbertson answered right back on a 44-yard dash by Salvevold. Moon ran in the conversion for a 28-6 lead with nine seconds left in the opening quarter.

After a scoreless second quarter, the Cowboys started fast in the third quarter. Salvevold connected with Dawson Bergum on a 44yard touchdown pass to put the margin at 34-6.

While the Mustangs struggled offensively against Mark Kirkaldie and Deen, the Cowboys stayed in control. Ennis had the ball inside Culbertson territory late in the third quarter, but the threat ended with a fumble recovery by Kaden Featherston.

Culbertson increased its lead to 42-6 on a 41-yard pass from Salvevold to Bergum with 14 seconds left in the period.

Coach Manning noted that the Cowboys’ passing game opened up in the second half when Ennis concentrated on stopping the run.

The Cowboys will travel to Belt on Saturday, Nov. 9, in a second-round playoff contest.