Montana Western’s Eli Nourse Named Frontier Conference Offensive Player of the Week

DILLON, Mont. — Montana Western football’s Eli Nourse has been named the Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Football Offensive Player of the Week following a record-setting performance in the Bulldogs’ season-opening victory over MSU-Northern.

The Frontier Conference announced the honor Monday. It marks the second Player of the Week award of Nourse’s career.

Nourse put together a huge first half as No. 18 Montana Western defeated MSU-Northern 49-35 on the road.

The Dillon native finished with nine receptions for 170 yards and a program-record five touchdown catches.

All five of Nourse’s touchdowns came during the first half as Montana Western built a commanding 44-7 halftime advantage. Four of his five touchdown receptions came during the second quarter, accounting for all 28 of the Bulldogs’ points in the quarter.

Nourse averaged 18.9 yards per reception, with his longest catch going for 63 yards.

He finished the game with 204 all-purpose yards, adding a 34-yard kickoff return to his 170 receiving yards. Nourse was responsible for 30 points in the victory.

Head coach Ryan Nourse praised the entire offensive unit for its preparation and execution on the road while highlighting Eli’s ability to take advantage of his opportunities despite playing only the first half.

Bulldogs Return to Dillon for Rivalry Game

Montana Western now turns its attention to its home opener Saturday in Dillon, where the Bulldogs will host rival Montana Tech.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The matchup gives the No. 18 Bulldogs their first opportunity of the season to play in front of the home crowd following their 49-point performance on the road.