Box Score

La Grande, Ore. - The Eastern Oregon Football team lost a close game to Montana Tech Saturday afternoon at Community Stadium 20-28, in a Frontier Conference matchup.

Ray Walser completed 13 of 20 passes for 127 total yards, while Jason Simonis completed 7 of 14 passes for a total of 44 yards and had 1 rushing touchdown. Jace Billingsley had 11 receptions on the night for 136 receiving yards and had two touchdowns receptions.

The Mountaineers had a tough time getting their offense rolling in the first half as Montana Tech held EOU scoreless in the first two quarters. The Diggers took a 13-0 lead at half.

In the third quarter the Mountaineers put five plays together for 37 yards and scored with 7:32 left on the clock. Simonis rushed for a single yard to get into the endzone which put the Mountaineers on the scoreboard for the first time. After three quarters Montana Tech led 19-7.

Late in the fourth, after an EOU safety and a Montana Tech touchdown, the Mountaineers would find the endzone again. Ray Walser connected with Jace Billingsley for a 20 yard touchdown reception to cut the Diggers lead, 28-14 with 3:31 to play.

On the kick off, the Mountaineers would attempt an onside kick and recover. EOU then put a series of completions together for 80 yards to score their final touchdown of the day. This time, Walser found Billinsley for a 12-yard touchdown reception.

Montana Tech's Nick Baker completed 38 of 48 passes for 363 yards. Pat Hansen rushed for 158 yards and had 1 touchdown on the day. Trent Thomas and Kevin Moss had 90 and 74 receiving yards respectively.

The Mountaineers will be on the road next week, October 27th, against Dickinson State. EOU and Southern Oregon will have live video and stats on EOUSports.com. Live radio will be on KCMB 104.7 FM. A live television broadcast will be on Charter Channel 3 in La Grande. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Mountain Time.