Box Score

ASHLAND, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon University Football team overcame a 13 point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat No. 25 Southern Oregon University, 38-37, on Saturday afternoon. Wide Receiver Jace Billingsley touchdown pass to Justin Hernandez gave EOU the one point win.

Dominique Blackman threw for  336 yards and three touchdowns and Chris McGinnis-Parker rushed for 103 yards to lead Eastern Oregon.

The Raiders took the coming kickoff down and went 65 yards on 10 plays to score the first touchdown of the game on a four yard touchdown run by Sean Tow. However, the Raiders missed the extra point. EOU answered right back on their first drive of the game. EOU went 67 yards its first drive that was capped off by Blackman's first touchdown pass of the game on a 24 yard pass play by to McGinnis-Parker. EOU took a 7-6 lead.

Eastern Oregon's lead did not last long as Southern Oregon answered on its next drive. Austin Dodge found Matt Retzlaff for a 13 yard touchdown to put Southern Oregon back on top 13-7. The Raiders added to its lead early in the second quarter as Aldrick Rosas hit a 26 yard field goal, to extend Southern Oregons lead to 16-7.

EOU trimmed the lead to six points, after Marc David hit a 26 yard field goal three minutes before halftime. It looked as if the Mountaineers and Raider would go into halftime with a score of 16-10 but Southern Oregon scored on three plays to extend its lead to 23-10, which would be the halftime score.

The Mountaineers answered on its opening possession of the third quarter. Dominique Blackman led the Mountaineers 75 yards on eight plays that was capped off by a TJ Esekielu five yard touchdown run to put EOU down, 23-17.

After a three and out by EOU, Southern Oregon went down the field to add to its lead. The Raiders extended its lead to 30-17 after Sean Tow's third rushing touchdown of the game.

EOU answered back on its next position of the contest. Eastern Oregon went 60 yards on three plays. Blackman found Jace Billingsley for a 48 yard touchdown putting EOU down six points, 30-24.

However, the Raiders answered right back on the opening drive of the fourth quarter. On a drive that featured Melvin Mason and Dodge through the air, Southern Oregon went 56 yards in under two minutes. The drive was capped by a Mason touchdown putting Southern Oregon ahead 37-24.

After a punt by the Mountaineers, the Raiders moved the ball down to the Eastern Oregon two yard line. However, Gary Posten intercepted Dodges pass to give the ball back to EOU. On the ensuing drive, EOU went 86 yards on nine plays. On fourth and six Blackman found Alexander Miles for a 29 yard touchdown to put EOU down six, 37-31.

EOU's defense came up big on the next Southern Oregon position. With a fourth and one, Southern Oregon lined up to go for it. Dodge tried a quarterback sneak, however, the Mountaineers stopped Dodge for no gain to give EOU the ball back on Southern Oregon's 46 yard line.

Eastern Oregon's offense took advantage of the short field. On a third and six, Blackman found Billingsley for an 11 yard completion to give EOU a first down. Blackman connected with Billingsley on the next play for a five yard gain to give EOU a second and five. EOU took the lead on the very next play. After a backwards pass to Billingsley, he rolled to the left and found Justin Hernandez in the end zone for a 26 yard touchdown, giving EOU a 38-37 lead.

With 1:48 left in the game, Southern Oregon took control of the ball. The Raiders moved the ball all the way down to the Eastern Oregon 19 yard line. Dodge found Jeremy Scottow for a 14 yard gain but Scottow fumbled and Eastern Oregon recovered.

EOU took two knees and defeated Southern Oregon, 38-37.

Eastern Oregon returns to action next Saturday, Nov. 16, when they travel to Dillion, Mont. to face University of Montana Western. Kickoff is set for Noon MT.