LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon football concluded its 2024 campaign with a valiant effort in a 29-19 loss to No. 4-ranked Montana Western on Saturday at Community Stadium.
The Mountaineers (5-5, 4-6 Frontier Conference) overcame a slow start to outscore the Bulldogs (8-1, 7-1) 19-14 in the second half but couldn't recover from a 15-0 halftime deficit.
Montana Western took control in the first two quarters, opening the scoring with a 19-yard field goal by John Mears midway through the first. Quarterback Michael Palandr connected with Jon Kirkley on an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter, followed by a safety and a 40-yard field goal from Mears to give the Bulldogs a 15-0 lead at the break.
EOU responded in the third quarter when Quincy Glasper found Jonah Lijewski for a 4-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 22-7. Glasper, who passed for 281 yards and three touchdowns, added two more scores in the fourth quarter: an 18-yard pass to Tanner Sweek and a 35-yard strike to Malachi Spurrie. The Mountaineers' rally fell short as their final two-point attempt failed, leaving the final margin at 29-19.
Key Performers
Eastern Oregon:
Glasper led the Mounties offensively, completing 28 of 51 passes. Spurrie hauled in 12 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, while Colton Kesey added 70 receiving yards. Defensively, Blaine Shaw and Gabriel Shukle each recorded 11 tackles, with Shukle contributing one of EOU's five sacks.
Montana Western:
Palandr threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, including a 51-yard strike to Dylan Shipley, who finished with 97 yards on five catches. Pete Gibson rushed for 75 yards on 16 carries. The Bulldogs' defense tallied four sacks, led by James Ochs with two.
Montana Western edged EOU in total offense, 368-356, while both teams tallied 21 first downs. EOU's defense held firm in key moments, limiting the Bulldogs to just 37 yards in the fourth quarter.
Saturday also marked senior day for 24 Mounties, recognizing their contributions to the program over the last several seasons.
