LA GRANDE, Ore. - New year, new coach, new quarterback. . . new results.

The new look Eastern Oregon University football team jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and hung on to beat #21 Montana Tech 38-28 to start the 2008 campaign 1-0.

The 2007 season was one to forget for the Mountie football program but on a day like this it seemed hard to remember. EOU marched up and down the field putting points on the board in bunches both on the ground and through the air.

Eastern amassed 362 total yards, 241 of which came through the air. Competing in his first ever college contest, freshman quarterback Chris Ware showed flashes of brilliance, finishing 23-38 for 234 and 2 Touchdowns. Ware did through 2 interceptions as well but the future looks bright behind center.

While EOU looked unstoppable for parts of the first half the Orediggers did mount a come back to bring the game to within three points 31-28 before the Mountaineers marched down the field for an epic 20 play 98 yard drive to seal the deal.

Defensively, newly converted former running back turned linebacker Travis Morscheck led the Mountie defense with 11 tackles and an interception that stopped a Tech drive that appeared to be heading toward the end zone.

Eastern will take its act on the road next week when they travel to Havre, Montana to face Montana State Northern who knocked off Rocky Mountain in overtime today.