CALDWELL, Idaho - Eastern Oregon nearly orchestrated one of the season's biggest upsets in a showdown with No. 8 ranked College of Idaho, narrowly missing out with a final score of 42-38. Saturday's contest followed closely on the heels of their narrow defeat to top-10 ranked Carroll College just two weeks ago, signifying their readiness to compete with the best in the NAIA.
The game kicked off with Eastern Oregon's Sam Larson making an impressive 25-yard reception from Quincy Glasper, concluding a 70-yard drive in just over two minutes. College of Idaho quickly responded with Jon Schofield catching a 44-yard pass from Andy Peters to tie the game.
The second quarter was marked by back-and-forth action. College of Idaho took the lead early in the quarter with a 26-yard reception by John Kreps. Eastern Oregon bounced back midway through the quarter with a dynamic 23-yard rush by Aiden Patterson. Yet, the pendulum swung again when Ben Hruby made a short 2-yard catch for College of Idaho. Not to be outdone, Eastern Oregon's Waylon Riedel punched in a 1-yard run, leveling the score at 21-21 just before halftime.
Eastern Oregon grabbed the lead early in the third quarter with a 39-yard field goal by Ethan Cutler. However, College of Idaho's Richardson had other plans, making a 14-yard catch to reclaim the lead for his team.
In the final quarter, the intensity ratcheted up even further. Riedel again made his mark with a 1-yard run for Eastern Oregon, but Richardson responded for College of Idaho with a 9-yard reception. With the pressure mounting, M. Spurrier caught a 21-yard pass from Glasper, nudging Eastern Oregon ahead 38-35. In a climactic finish, Richardson sealed the win for College of Idaho with a 15-yard reception, concluding the game at 42-38 in favor of College of Idaho.
Eastern Oregon showcased their offensive firepower with 494 total yards, compared to College of Idaho's 442. Quincy Glasper had an impressive performance for Eastern Oregon, completing 27 of 40 passes for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns, with no interceptions. Malachi Spurrier emerged as his favorite target, hauling in 13 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, College of Idaho's Andy Peters showcased his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 101 yards. For Eastern Oregon, Anthony Peterson had a notable performance with 60 rushing yards on six attempts.
Defensively, Chase Brown of College of Idaho had a standout performance with 10 total tackles, while Jason Grant and Jonas Waugh of Eastern Oregon led their team with 7 tackles apiece.
The Mounties will return to Community Stadium on November 4th, set to face Southern Oregon on Senior Night.
