LAS VEGAS — Helena bulldogger Ty Erickson shows no sign of slowing down at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Erickson was the pace-setter for Montana's competitors in the third round Saturday night, winning the steer wrestling competition with a lightning-fast 3.5-second time. Erickson cashed a $36,668 check for his effort.

It was the third consecutive top-two finish for Erickson in the first three rounds at the Thomas & Mack Center. Erickson now leads the average and is up to the No. 2 ranking in the world as he chases his second world title.

Erickson has so far earned $87,728 at this year's NFR. Former Montana State University cowboy Jesse Brown of Baker City, Ore., didn't place in Round 3.

Erickson wasn't the only Helena native who continued to make noise. Sam Petersen had an 87.2

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