Scobey Stops Ekalaka, 64-8, To Remain Undefeated

The Scobey Spartans overcame a challenging start and defeated Ekalaka, 64-8, in home football action on Friday, Sept. 25.

The visiting Bulldogs got off to an 8-0 lead and kept the Spartans scoreless on Scobey’s first two offensive possessions.

“Part of it is Ekalaka’s offense is unique. We started out really slow and made some critical mistakes,” Scobey Coach Brock Berryhill said. “Ekalaka is always a tough team to play. You only see their offense once a year and their team is quick and tough.”

Berryhill credits the Spartans with responding with a solid effort the rest of the contest. He said defensive standouts included Torsten Lamb who was really disruptive and Liam Leininger who made several key plays.

Scobey’s offense got going after taking over on the Ekalaka 31 due to a short punt in the windy conditions. Four straight runs by Quinn Axtman produced a first down at the three. After being moved back to the 16 on a holding penalty, the Spartans went to the four on a 12-yard dash by Axtman. On third down, Axtman scored on a sweep with 2:24 left in the opening quarter. Kolten Machart ran in the twopoint conversion for an 8-8 deadlock.

Ekalaka was stopped on its next possession on tackles by Cam Cromwell and Machart. The Spartans soon advanced into scoring position on a 38yard pass completion from Reese Tande to Cromwell.

“That got us a big play,” Berryhill said. “Whenever you have those big passing plays, it loosens up their defensive backs.”

On second down at the five, Axtman scored his second touchdown of the night. The sophomore also ran in the conversion for a 16-8 lead with 9:36 left in the half.

A pass on a fake punt highlighted Ekalaka’s next possession as the Bulldogs drove inside Scobey territory. Scobey’s defense, led with plays by Blake Lekvold, Cromwell and Machart, ended the threat at the 15.

On Scobey’s next offensive play from scrimmage, Axtman broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run for a 22-8 lead with 4:01 left in the half.

After an interception by Machart, the Spartans added a touchdown on a 16-yard counter run by Machart to put the margin at 28-8 heading into intermission.

The Bulldogs opened the second half with a long drive, but a sack by Sebastian McGowan ended the possession. On Scobey’s first play, Machart raced in for a 23-yard touchdown run. Axtman battled in for the conversion and a 36-8 advantage.

After the Spartans made a fumble recovery, Scobey struck again to increase the margin to 42-8. Machart went 37 yards to the seven and then Axtman reached the end zone.

Scobey’s next touchdown came on a 16-yard run by Teagan Fishall with 1:10 left in the third quarter. Tande passed to Machart for the conversion and a 50-8 lead.

The Spartans added a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The first touchdown came on a 78-yard interception return by sophomore Tyce Holum. The second touchdown was scored on a 33yard pass play from Simon McGowan to Logan Wolfe. Tate Johnsrud ran in the two-point conversion.

Scobey has a bye this weekend before heading to Forsyth on Friday, Oct. 9.

Coach Berryhill said the focus this week is to get some players healed up and prepare for Forsyth.