CALDWELL, Idaho – Eastern traveled to Caldwell, Idaho to take on the No. 11 Yotes of the College of Idaho Saturday afternoon. The undefeated Yotes stifled the Mountie attack taking the win 41-0.
The College of Idaho struck first halfway through the first quarter. Andy Peters found John Kreps through the air for the Yotes' first points of the day on a 42-yard touchdown pass. The Mountaineers' defense responded the next time out as
Blaine Shaw hauled in an interception, his second of the season.
A quarter later the Yotes struck again with eight minutes and 21 seconds left in the half. College of Idaho struck on the ground for their second score of the day as Allamar Alexander capped off a 60-yard drive with a physical 10-yard rushing touchdown to push the Yotes' lead to 14, 14-0.
Eastern's offense showed glimpses of the explosive ability that it put on display a week ago but were unable to find a rhythm. One deep interception and five punts summed up the Mountie attack in the first half.
Eastern came out slow in the second half starting their first drive off with an interception. College of Idaho in turn pushed the ball down the field thanks to the legs of Allamar Alexander. The junior tailback accounted for 49 yards on the drive as they expanded their lead with a 16-yard touchdown run to make it 20-0 early in the third quarter.
The Yotes continued to utilize their rushing attack on their next drive. College of Idaho pushed the ball down the field on a 65-yard drive mostly on the ground. Peters gave a quick fake down on the goal line then dumped it to Torey Watkins pushing the lead to 27-0.
College of Idaho struck again early in the fourth quarter. A roughing the kicker penalty gave the Yotes another opportunity in the red zone with just over 12 minutes remaining in the game. Alexander took advantage of the second chance and punched another one into the endzone to push the lead to 34-0.
Eastern's offense found some life late around the nine-minute mark.
Andrew James came in to lead the Mounties offense and jump started a drive with an early 26-yard completion to
Malachi Spurrier. The Mountaineers pushed the ball down to the opponent's 21-yard line before attempting a 36-yard field goal that missed left.
College of Idaho would add one more touchdown through the air with 1:53 remaining to push the final score to 41-0.
With the loss, EOU now falls to 0-5 on the season. Eastern Oregon returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 1. The Mountaineers will take on in-state rival Southern Oregon University at 1 p.m. in Community Stadium for their Cancer Awareness Game.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- The Mounties were held to a shutout for the first time in 164 games. It snaps a streak that dates back to the 2006 season.
- Blaine Shaw's first-half interception marks the fourth-straight game with an EOU interception and forced turnover.
