Some big things have been happening lately for Moffat County High School athletes.

As the temperature dropped this weekend, our Bulldog boys basketball team caught fire with a long-awaited win.

Every victory is one to celebrate, but this was a special one to be sure. For the first time since 2009, Bulldog boys beat their rivals, the Steamboat Sailors. Saturday’s home game saw them win 57-36.

After three quarters of neck-and-neck competition, the Bulldogs were ahead by only 1 point at 30-29, but Moffat County took care of business in the final period and did it in style much to the delight of the fans and students in attendance.

Every time these two programs have faced off, it’s been a high-energy affair, but MCHS coach Mark Carlson said he knew his players could handle it.

“I’m really proud of the boys’ effort. They knew it was going to be tough, and they stuck with it, really locked down on defense in that fourth quarter. That’s what helped us get that win,” Carlson said. “The boys were fully aware of what this one meant, and they came in and got it done.”

Senior Kenyen Camilletti, the leading scorer most of this season, scored 22 points, with another 12 by sophomore Gavin Zulian.

Coach Carlson added that junior Quinn Allen provided a lot of hustle and heart during the Saturday game.

“Quinn came in and did absolutely every single thing he needed to do to get a big win like that,” Carlson emphasized. “He really stepped up and pushed us all.”

The win over Steamboat would be great on its own, but it’s only the cherry on top.

This was the fourth W in a row for Bulldog boys, including a Friday night victory in Delta (66-61), the team’s first against the Panthers since 2021.

“Since I’ve been coach, we’ve never beaten Steamboat or Delta, and now we did both,” Carlson said. “It’s a super-awesome feeling, and we want to keep building on it.

Moffat County boys are 7-5 so far and are currently placed second in the 4A Western Slope League.

Bulldog basketball has had some peaks and valleys over the last few years, but it’s encouraging to see our athletes get on a roll like this and show what they can do.

And they don’t do it alone; our Bulldog band program, cheerleaders and student section help keep the enthusiasm strong during home events.

If you haven’t yet attended any Bulldog winter sports, there’s no better time to start. This Friday, games against Coal Ridge start at 4 p.m. and will run in the main gym and auxiliary gym with girls varsity at 5:30 and boys at 7.

All of our winter teams have been showing that Bulldog spirit, and we look forward to highlighting our girls hoops team and our wrestlers in the coming weeks.

All of you give an extra sense of pride to those of us in Moffat County!