DILLON, Mont.- The Orediggers first game at Bulldog Stadium ends in defeat 27-21.

The game started as though scripted by Montana Tech- seven plays, 78 yards, and seven points. Incredibly, they would be the only points scored the first 15 minutes. There were a combined four punts in the opening frame.

The second quarter got underway with the Bulldogs looking at 1^st and goal from the three-yard line. They would gain a yard before being swallowed up by the Digger D. Second down from the two would see another slight gain. Making it third down and goal from inside the two. The Bulldogs would once again try and pound it in on the ground, and once again the Oredigger defense would keep them out, bringing up fourth and goal from the one-yard line. The Western offense would go for it on fourth down, and again they would keep it on the ground, and again the Oredigger defense would keep them out, as they would actually lose a yard as Kellan Bellar shot into the backfield to blow the run up.

The Digger D making yet another goal-line stand.

Montana Western would pick off a Blake Thelen pass in the next series, and go 80 yards in five plays to score their first touchdown of the afternoon with 6:27 left in the half. It wouldn't be their only score in the second quarter, as they would take their next drive 63 yards in seven plays, to grab a 14-7 advantage at the half.

The Bulldogs would start with the ball in the third quarter. They would go 47 yards in 10 plays, finishing with a 49 yard field goal from John Mears.

The Orediggers would answer, but it wouldn't be easy.

Utilizing a great mix of offensive calls, including a fourth down conversion, The Diggs would go 75 yards, in 11 plays to pull within three points.

Both teams would have trouble moving the chains, and each would punt it away once more before the end of the third.
The Bulldogs would start the fourth quarter with a long, time-eating drive. 11 plays, 85 yards taking 5:50 off the clock, while putting seven points on the board, pushing their lead to 10, 24-14.

The Diggs would go three and out in their next possession, while Western would eat another 4:30 off the clock in their next drive and add three more points to their total 27-14.

Tech would take over with 3:43 left in the game. The Orediggers would grind their way down the court and cap the drive with a 23-yard touchdown strike from Blake Thelen to Nick Michelotti.

The Diggs were withing seven, with only 53 seconds remaining. It came down to the onside kick. Dylan Root gave the kick a great bounce, and Jon Kirkley snagged it mid-flight, to get the win for the Bulldogs.

Workhorse, Landers Smith had 25 carries for 163 yards, and two touchdowns. His fourth game with 100+ yards on the ground.
Senior quarterback Blake Thelen threw for 156 yards on 12 of 29 passing. Wyatt Alexander pulled down three catches for 66 yards, Levi Torgerson led the Diggs with four receptions, for 39 yards.

Matt Whitcomb led the defense with 13 total tackles, including a pair of tackles for loss, and one sack.

Michael Palandri led Western (4-1), throwing for 238 yards passing, and a pair of touchdowns. He also rushed for 107 yards on the day.

Eli Nourse made nine catches for 94 yards

Montana Tech (4-2) will be back at home this Saturday as they host Simpson University for the first time in school history.