HAVRE, Mont. – The Eastern Oregon Mountaineers closed out the Frontier Conference Division crossover play with a tough 23-7 road loss to Montana State-Northern on Saturday afternoon. Despite flashes of promise, costly turnovers and a stout Lights defense proved too much to overcome.
Montana State-Northern struck first in the opening quarter with a recovered Mountie fumble. The Lights capitalized with a 12-play, 60-yard drive capped by a rushing touchdown and successful extra point. Eastern's defense answered with a spark of its own to close out the quarter.
Kayden Hartman forced a fumble that was scooped up and returned 27 yards by
Nehemiah Medrano. Riding the momentum into the second quarter, the Mountaineers advanced into field goal range, but the kick sailed wide to keep the score 7-0.
The Mountaineers' defense continued to make plays, forcing another fumble to regain possession. With efficient short passes, a few rushing gains, and help from a Lights penalty, EOU extended its time of possession deep into the second quarter. However, another missed field goal kept the Mounties off the board. EOU finally broke through just before halftime. Quarterback
Damian Aalona led a 76-yard nine-play drive capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass to
Nathan Wachs. Kicker
Ethan Cutler added the PAT to tie the game at 7-7 heading into the locker room.
The third quarter swung heavily in favor of Montana State-Northern. Two interceptions thrown by the Mountaineers were each returned for touchdowns by the Lights – one from 15 yards out and the other from 25 – to quickly stretch the lead to 20-7.In the fourth, the Lights tacked on a 22-yard field goal to put the game further out of reach for the Mounties. Eastern Oregon continued to fight, but offensive miscues – including two sacks and a late fumble – stalled any hopes of a comeback. The Lights' defense finished the game with seven sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, keeping EOU out of the end zone after the half. The struggle to secure the football and avoid big momentum swings from turnovers were critical in the Mountaineer loss.
Eastern Oregon Football will turn their focus to the West Division conference play, using a bye week to prepare. The Mounties will return to Community Stadium on Saturday, October 11th for Homecoming Weekend. Kick off is scheduled for 1:00 pm PT.