Cowboys Stand Tall In Victory Over Wildcats

Every time Plentywood threatened to catch up, the Culbertson Cowboys found another spark.

With Brooks Solem leading the way, the Cowboys scored eight touchdowns and held o_ a determined Wildcats comeback for a 52-44 victory Friday, Oct. 2, at the Culbertson High School field. The hometown matchup turned into a back-and-forth battle, with long touchdown runs and timely answers keeping the outcome in question until the final quarter.

Solem carried the ball 40 times for 309 yards and all eight Culbertson touchdowns. He also completed 11 of 16 passes for 132 yards, connecting with teammates who helped keep the Cowboys moving.

Culbertson built a 25-6 halftime lead, but Plentywood came back with a burst of second-half scoring. When the Wildcats narrowed the gap, the Cowboys answered with some of their biggest plays of the night.

The Cowboys got things started with a 75-yard drive, capped by Solem’s 46-yard touchdown run. The extra- point kick missed, giving Culbertson an early 6-0 lead.

Plentywood answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Will Shackelford to Cashton Davis. The Wildcats’ kick was unsuccessful, leaving the teams tied at 6-6 after the first quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Culbertson.

A 33-yard pass from Solem to Mauricio Mena helped set up Solem’s 12-yard touchdown run, finishing a 45-yard drive and putting the Cowboys back in front. Solem followed with a 2-yard touchdown run, then added a third score in the quarter from six yards out.

Trust Magwaba sent the extra-point kick through after the final touchdown of the half, giving the Cowboys a 25-6 advantage heading into the break.

Culbertson picked up where it left o_ in the third quarter. Solem connected with Mena for a 28-yard gain before scoring on a 2-yard run. Magwaba added another successful kick, stretching the lead to 32-6.

But the Wildcats were far from finished.

Shackelford returned the ensuing kicko_ 70 yards for a touchdown, giving Plentywood a quick response. Solem answered with a 17yard touchdown run to put Culbertson ahead 38-12, but the Wildcats soon made another push.

Shackelford scored on a 10yard run, and Plentywood recovered an onside kick at the 25-yard line. Shackelford then reached the end zone on a 25yard run and added the twopoint conversion, trimming Culbertson’s lead to 38-26.

The Cowboys needed an answer, and Solem delivered.

His 55-yard touchdown run gave Culbertson breathing room and a 44-26 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Plentywood kept pressing. A 47-yard touchdown run by Shackelford brought the Wildcats within 44-32, setting up another important possession for the hometown team.

Once again, Solem broke loose, this time for a 59-yard touchdown — his eighth goal of the game. He followed with a two-point conversion pass to Aden Drake, pushing the Cowboys’ lead to 52-32.

Those final two points proved valuable as Plentywood continued its comeback. Quiney Riggs scored on a 45-yard run, and Shackelford added a 39-yard touchdown run. Neither conversion attempt succeeded, leaving Culbertson ahead 5244 at the finish.

The Cowboys had contributions throughout their offense. Cord Snyder carried the ball 10 times for 39 yards and caught six passes for 54 yards. Mena hauled in four passes for 75 yards, including catches that helped set up two touchdown runs. Drake added a 3-yard reception and the fourth-quarter two-point conversion catch.

For the Cowboys, the victory brought together a strong start and timely answers under pressure. Plentywood kept coming, but Culbertson gave its home crowd a win to celebrate.