Culbertson Falls Against Belt In Playoff Contest

Missed opportunities and mistakes in the second and third quarters spelled trouble for the Culbertson Cowboys as they fell in Belt, 48-12, in the second round of the football playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The Huskies scored on the game’s first play from scrimmage when Declan Bergstrom connected with tight end Rylan Davison on a 47yard touchdown pass.

The Cowboys, however, appeared to be in control for most of the first half.

Starting on their own nine, the Cowboys moved to the 26 on a penalty. Quarterback Bridger Salvevold then broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run to cut the margin to 8-6 with still 10:29 left in the first quarter.

Belt drove deep inside Culbertson territory on its next drive, but defensive plays by Micah Eagle Boy and Salvevold ended the threat.

Culbertson’s offense took over and a throw from Salvevold to Dawson Bergum produced a first down at the Belt 38. After keeper runs by Salvevold put the ball inside the 30, the drive was kept alive on a defensive pass interference call. On third down from the 16, Salvevold hit Mark Kirkaldie for a touchdown to put Culbertson ahead 12-8 with 2:50 left in the first quarter.

Midway through the second period, the Huskies had another scoring chance in Culbertson territory, but tackles by Gavin Deen and Salvevold forced a fourthand-six situation. On fourth down, Salvevold knocked down a pass attempt in the end zone.

The Cowboys stayed ahead until Bergstedt accounted for a five-yard touchdown run and Belt gained a 16-12 advantage with 2:48 left in the half.

After a fumble by the Cowboys, Belt reached the end zone on a 14-yard pass to take a 24-12 advantage in the half’s final minute.

Culbertson started the third quarter well when the running of Reese Moon, who didn’t play on offense for most of the first half due to an injury, put the ball at the Belt 34. The Cowboys, however, then lost the ball on a fumble.

Belt went on to score on a seven-yard dash by Bergstrom for a 32-12 lead with 10:44 left in the third quarter.

The Huskies added a touchdown on a 49-yard pass play from Bergstrom to Walker Maki for a 40-12 lead with 7:36 remaining in the third quarter.

Pass completions to Bergum, Ian Snyder and Kirkaldie put the Cowboys in scoring position late in the quarter, but the Cowboys were kept out of the end zone.

After an interception, Belt scored its final touchdown on a 56-yard drive to move ahead 48-12 with 3:17 remaining.