HELENA, Mont. – Eastern Oregon Football's comeback effort fell just short on Saturday, as they dropped a 24-19 contest to Carroll College at Nelson Stadium. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Mountaineers, who rallied in the second half but couldn't overcome an early deficit.

Carroll took control early, jumping to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter behind a 10-yard touchdown run by Chris Akulschin and a 31-yard field goal from Spencer Berger. The Saints extended their advantage in the second quarter when Jack Prka connected with Gavin Vandenacre on a 44-yard touchdown pass, giving Carroll a 17-0 lead. Eastern Oregon got on the board with a 24-yard field goal from Tanner Shattuck, making it 17-3 at halftime.

The Mountaineers opened the second half with another field goal by Shattuck, cutting the deficit to 17-6. However, Carroll responded with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Prka to Lincoln Holmes, pushing their lead back to 24-6. Eastern Oregon mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Quincy Glasper throwing two touchdown passes: a 25-yarder to Tanner Sweek and a 1-yard pass to Walker Camp with just 19 seconds remaining. Despite their efforts, the Mountaineers' two-point conversion attempt failed, and Carroll managed to run out the clock to secure the win.

Statistically, Carroll outgained EOU with 481 total yards to the Mountaineers' 354. Glasper led Eastern Oregon's offense, completing 31 of 54 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 54 yards. Malachi Spurrier was his top target, catching 13 passes for 116 yards. Camp and Sweek added 61 and 59 receiving yards, respectively, each scoring a touchdown.

Carroll's Prka threw for 339 yards and two touchdowns, while Akulschin added 118 receiving yards. Archie LaFurge and Jake Jeske led the Saints' ground attack, combining for 122 yards.

The Mountaineers made their presence felt in the Carroll backfield, with Sam Cadenas racking up three sacks and four tackles. Jason Grant and Jonas Waugh each contributed eight tackles for the Mounties, with Grant forcing a fumble and adding a pass breakup. Hunter Peck led the Saints' defense with 10 tackles and 2 sacks, while Elijah Larson contributed 5 tackles and 4 pass breakups.

Eastern Oregon (3-4, 3-2 Frontier) will return to Community Stadium next Saturday when they face Simpson University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.