LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University football team begins its 2010 campaign Saturday against Southern Oregon University in La Grande.
The Mountaineers are ready to avenge a loss that began their season a year ago in Ashland. The 2009 season opener featured over 850 yards of total offense. EOU gained 315 yards in the air, but only 96 on the ground. SOU featured a balanced attack finishing with 221 rushing yards and 222 yards passing.
Eastern jumped out to a 21-6 lead in the first half after a pair of
Chris Ware to
Kirk Miller touchdown passes. Southern closed the half and the gap trailing 21-16 at halftime. Ware and Rick Copsey would connect early in the third quarter, but that was the final time EOU would score. The Raiders closed by outscoring Eastern 16-0 in the final 26 minutes of play.
Tyler Crowley would connect on all four of his field goal attempt including two in the second quarter from 37 and 43 yards away. Vance Beach caught a touchdown pass and five other passes for 75 yards. He also returned four kickoffs for 109 yards. Paul Sweeney threw for 222 yards, connecting on 18 of his 32 passes. But it was Brandon Baldwin that gave the Mountaineers the most trouble. The junior ran for 195 yards on 37 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns.
All four of those players return in 2010 for Southern. But, it is Sweeney who has been replaced as the starting quarterback. Mike McDonald was named Saturday's starter this week and will make his debut as a Raider. The 6-1, 220 pounder spent two seasons at UNLV out of high school and then spent some time at Tennessee-Chattanooga before landing at SOU. McDonald still holds 13 passing records at Burbank (Calif.) High School.
This year's match-up between the in-state rivals marks the 60th meeting. Southern has won 41 of those games. The Mountaineers have won three of the last five meetings. The last time SOU came to La Grande was the final game of the 2008 season and Eastern Oregon was victorious, 27-10. EOU jumped out to a 20-3 lead and held off the Raiders in the second half. The Mountaineers amassed a total of 334 total yards and gave up 267. The 2007 game went to the Raiders in La Grande and it was in an instant classic, four-overtime, thrilling 48-45 result.
Eastern Oregon is 4-6 in its openers since 2000. This game marks only the second time EOU has opened its season in the month of August in the last decade. The Mountaineers are 4-6 since 2000 against SOU, including 2-3 in the games that were in La Grande.
Saturday's weather at Community Stadium is forecasted for mid-60's with a 30 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow into the stadium from the NNW at 9 mph. The game can be viewed live for free on EOUSports.com, followed on the air on KCMB 104.7 FM beginning at 12:45 p.m. There will also be a live interactive blog that fans can share their comments on the game.
The first 100 fans will receive a free “Wear Camo, Get Proud” shirt and additional shirts will be on sale with proceeds going to the Operation Enduring Support cause. Operation Enduring Support is a year-long effort launched by community leaders in Union, Baker and Wallowa counties. The goals of OES are to publicize upcoming events honoring veterans, current military and their families; demonstrate how to get involved through volunteering; work with local businesses to provide discounts; and explain benefits available to veterans and current military.
Prior to the game from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be a Resource Fair highlighting the different opportunities available to veterans and current military in the tri-county area. The fair will be located on 7th Street by the EOU tennis courts. The Baker Drum and Bugle Corp will also perform in Community Stadium at 12:30 p.m.
