Bulldogs’ Late Rally Falls Short in 38-32 Loss to Rocky Mountain (Photo Gallery)

DILLON, Mont. — Montana Western mounted a fourth-quarter comeback but could not complete the rally Saturday, falling 38-32 to Rocky Mountain at Bulldog Stadium.

The Bulldogs drove into Battlin’ Bears territory on their final possession but failed to reach the end zone before time expired. Both teams finished the afternoon with 1-2 records.

Quarterback Kaden LaPlaunt threw for 436 yards and four touchdowns on 31 completions, helping Western produce 555 yards of total offense.

Seth Shook caught four passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns, recording his second 100-yard receiving game of the season. Eli Nourse added six catches for 104 yards.

Colton Cornwell set career highs with 10 receptions and 89 receiving yards, including a touchdown. Freshman Brody Munson also posted career highs with nine catches for 91 yards.

Western battles back from early deficit

Rocky Mountain scored twice in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Western’s defense answered with a safety, leaving the Bulldogs trailing 14-2 heading into the second period.

LaPlaunt connected with Shook for a one-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-9. The Battlin’ Bears responded with another touchdown before Maclain Burckley’s field goal at the end of the half brought Western within 21-12.

Rocky Mountain extended its advantage to 31-12 in the second half, aided by a field goal and an 85-yard touchdown run from Ty Battle.

The Bulldogs rallied with touchdown catches by Shook and Cornwell, trimming the deficit to 31-26 with less than five minutes remaining.

Battle scored again to give Rocky Mountain a 38-26 advantage, but Shook’s third touchdown reception brought Western back within six points.

A missed Rocky Mountain field goal gave the Bulldogs another opportunity with 1:36 remaining. Western advanced into the visitors’ half of the field but could not finish the comeback.

Nourse points to areas for improvement

Head coach Ryan Nourse said inconsistent defense and missed short-yardage blocking assignments contributed to the Bulldogs’ second consecutive loss.

“Things we can certainly fix,” Nourse said. “I was so excited to see all those young players on offense fight their tails off.”

Nourse singled out LaPlaunt, Munson and Cornwell for their efforts during the comeback.

“Kaden LaPlaunt, Brody Munson, and Colton Cornwell showed fight and competitive character and we almost pulled out the victory at the end,” he said.

Defensive leaders and Rocky Mountain standouts

Connor Dunlea led Western with nine tackles and forced a third-quarter fumble recovered by Bodie Smith. Smith also recorded two pass breakups.

Manuel Variz IV, Tyler Schoen and Liam Rowe finished with seven tackles apiece. Carson Gulick recorded Western’s lone tackle for loss.

Rocky Mountain finished with 497 yards of offense, including 261 rushing yards. Battle led the ground attack with 173 yards and two touchdowns.

Battlin’ Bears quarterback Jhett Schwahn passed for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Jae’Sean Pete scored once rushing and once receiving.

Montana Western returns to the road Saturday, Sept. 26, to face Dickinson State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain time.