DILLON, Mont. – The Eastern Oregon University Mountaineers fell to Montana Western, 59-21, in their season opener on Saturday at Bulldog Stadium.
The Bulldogs struck first with a 62-yard touchdown pass from Michael Palandri to Coby Tanioka just 2:52 into the game. Palandri added to the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 4:38 mark of the first quarter, capping an 8-play, 69-yard drive. Early in the second quarter, Palandri scored again on a 2-yard run, pushing Montana Western's lead to 21-0.
Montana Western extended their lead to 28-0 midway through the second quarter when Palandri connected with Dylan Shipley for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Eastern Oregon finally broke through on the ensuing drive, as Quincy Glasper hit Malachi Spurrier for a 79-yard touchdown strike just 10 seconds later, narrowing the deficit to 28-7.
Momentum briefly swung in EOU's favor when Blaine Shaw recovered a fumble and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 28-14 with 4:45 remaining in the half. However, Tanioka immediately answered for the Bulldogs with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, pushing the score to 35-14. Palandri added his third rushing touchdown of the day with 42 seconds left in the half, sending the Bulldogs into the locker room with a commanding 42-14 lead.
The second half opened with Palandri finding Eli Nourse for a 26-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter, and Jake Humphrey broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 56-14. Eastern Oregon's final score came when Glasper once again connected with Spurrier for a 32-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, capping an 8-play, 65-yard drive.
Montana Western tacked on a 47-yard field goal by John Mears in the fourth quarter, sealing the 59-21 victory.
Mountaineer quarterback Quincy Glasper completed 16 of 31 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. All-conference wide receiver Malachi Spurrier was a bright spot for EOU, hauling in seven receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulldogs put up big numbers offensively, totaling 593 yards in the contest. Michael Palandri led the way, throwing for 320 yards and recording six total touchdowns. Montana Western's Jake Humphrey led the ground game with 73 yards on six carries.
Defensively, EOU was led by Jason Grant, who recorded 12 total tackles, while Blaine Shaw added six tackles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
The Mountaineers were limited to 31 rushing yards on 24 attempts and converted just 3 of 15 third-down opportunities, while Montana Western averaged 8.0 yards per play and converted 6 of 12 third downs.
Eastern Oregon will look to respond next Saturday when they travel to Spokane, Washington, to face Whitworth University at 1:00 p.m.
