News Summary

The Butte 41st annual Bob Cleverley 8-Man All-Star Football Game showcased a thrilling comeback as the Blue Team defeated the Red Team 28-23. After a slow start and trailing 14-0, the Blue Team rallied back with remarkable touchdowns, including a last-minute score that sealed their victory. Wyatt McPherson earned the Offensive MVP award with three touchdowns, while Bridger Salvevold was named Defensive MVP. The event celebrated Montana’s high school football talent and concluded with a heartfelt show of sportsmanship from both teams.

Thrilling Come-From-Behind Victory in Butte’s All-Star Showdown

Butte, Montana, was the epicenter of excitement on May 31, 2025, as the city hosted the 41st annual Bob Cleverley 8-Man All-Star Football Game at the vibrant Montana Tech. What a game it was! The Blue Team triumphed over the Red Team with a heart-pounding score of 28-23, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in a spectacular finish that fans won’t soon forget.

Early Dominance by the Red Team

The Red Team came out strong and made their presence felt right from the start. They just about lit up the field, taking a commanding 14-0 lead with impressive plays that left the Blue Team scrambling. Declan Bergstrom was the one to break the ice, scoring the first touchdown, followed by Landen Beck, who scooped up a loose football for another six points, giving the Red Team a solid grip on the game early on.

Blue Team’s Resilience Shines Through

But wait! The Blue Team wasn’t about to roll over just yet. They fought back with determination. A touchdown from Wyatt McPherson began the resurgence, and with a two-point conversion from Jace Curtiss, they narrowed the gap to 14-8. That momentum was palpable as the Blue Team began to find their stride on both sides of the ball.

The Red Team didn’t make it easy, however. They managed to stretch their lead to 17-8 with a field goal from Kyler Theis. But just when they thought they had it all figured out, the Blue Team executed a sensational onside kick to kick off the second half, creating a buzz among the crowd and setting the stage for more excitement.

A Nail-Biting Finish

As the game progressed, McPherson continued to shine, scoring once again to bring the Blue Team right back into the contest. Just like that, the scoreboard read 17-14, and the atmosphere was electric! The Red Team quickly answered back with a touchdown from Nathan Gunderson, putting them back ahead by nine points at 23-14. But McPherson wasn’t done yet. He found the end zone for the third time, bringing his personal tally to three touchdowns and reducing the score to a nail-biting 23-22 with just under two minutes remaining.

With the stakes higher than ever, the Blue Team was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. They launched a final drive that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. In a thrilling moment, Bridger Salvevold dashed into the end zone with a spectacular 21-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Blue Team their first lead of the game with only 25 seconds left on the clock. What a way to seal the deal!

MVP Honors and Future Stars

Wyatt McPherson earned the coveted title of Offensive MVP after his remarkable performance that included three touchdowns. Bridger Salvevold also took home the Defensive MVP title for his solid contributions. This wasn’t just a game; it was a showcase of Montana’s rising stars, with players from 20 different Class C and Class B 8-man schools on the field, marking their final high school football experience.

The camaraderie didn’t end with the final whistle. After a hard-fought battle, both teams came together for a heartfelt prayer circle, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship that high school football embodies in Montana. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love the game.

Looking Ahead

As a final note, fans can look forward to seeing three of the talented All-Stars – Deacon Gackle, Declan Bergstrom, and Chance Dunkerson – compete in the upcoming Shrine Game in Great Falls later this month. The energy on that field in Butte will surely echo in the hearts of all who witnessed this exhilarating contest!

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