CALDWELL, Idaho - Eastern Oregon Football's season got off to a promising start as Simplot Stadium, but a second-half surge from College of Idaho flipped the script as the Mountaineers fell 21-17 in Saturday night's season opener. 

EOU dominated early behind Elia Kirisimasi, who accounted for both the Mountaineers' first quarter touchdowns. Kirisimasi opened the scoring with a four yard rushing touchdown, then found Tyler Creswick downfield for a forty three yard pass to put the Mountaineers up 14-0. 

College of Idaho responded late in the second quarter with a twenty two yard touchdown run from their quarterback, cutting the lead to 14-7. As time expired, a thirty nine yard field goal from Ethan Cutler gave EOU a 17-7 lead at the half.

The Mountaineer offense stalled after halftime, as they were held scoreless over the final two quarters. A critical fourth-down stop and a late interception ended any threats from EOU. The Yotes took the lead with both a passing and a rushing touchdown. 

Kirisimasi finished with 209 passing yards, while Creswick led all receivers with 99. 

Eastern Oregon will return to action on Saturday, September 13th at 1 p.m. PT for their home opener at Community Stadium against Whitworth University.