LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University celebrated Homecoming with a hard-fought 28-21 victory over MSU-Northern on Saturday at Community Stadium. The win marks the third consecutive victory for the Mountaineers, improving their record to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in Frontier Conference play.
The Mountaineers took an early lead in the first quarter when Aiden Patterson blocked a field goal attempt that Payton Howe scooped up and returned 65 yards for a touchdown. The Lights responded in the second quarter, scoring twice with a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Mason Dionne and a 21-yard touchdown pass from Zach Brooks to Jeramiah Benson, giving the Lights a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Eastern Oregon regrouped after the break, tying the game early in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run by Brody Macmillan. The Mounties quickly regained possession after a successful onside kick, with Macmillan once again punching in another 1-yard touchdown to make it 21-14.
In the fourth quarter, Quincy Glasper connected with Tanner Sweek for a 7-yard touchdown pass, capping a 12-play, 67-yard drive to extend EOU's lead to 28-14. MSU-Northern made a late push, with Brooks finding Benson again for a 12-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-21, but the Mounties' defense held firm to secure the win.
Statistically, EOU outgained MSU-Northern with 412 total yards to the Lights' 341. Macmillan carried the ball 21 times for 102 yards and two scores for the Mountaineers, while Glasper completed 29-of-38 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. Malachi Spurrier was Glasper's top target, catching 10 passes for 69 yards.
MSU-Northern's Brooks finished 13-of-15 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, while Dionne led their rushing effort with 48 yards on 18 carries. Devin Shelton was the Lights' top target in the passing game, hauling in 7 catches for 119 yards.
On defense, Eastern Oregon was led by strong performances from Tyler Exline, who recorded 7 tackles, and Henry Diaz, who registered 6 tackles and a sack for the Mountaineers. Devin Carmona led the Lights defense with 13 total tackles.
Eastern Oregon will look to continue their winning streak next week when they travel to Helena, Montana, to face the Carroll College Saints on October 19th.
