LA GRANDE, Ore. – In a defensive battle at Community Stadium, the Eastern Oregon fell to the No. 7 ranked Carroll College Saints 14-6. The Saints had averaged 29.2 points per game coming in into Saturday’s contest, and were contained to just one offensive score by the tough Mountaineers defense.
Eastern Oregon entered halftime with a 3-0 lead following a 20-yard field goal from Ethan Cutler, and they expanded that lead to 6-0 with another Cutler field goal in the third quarter. However, the tides turned in the fourth quarter when Carroll’s Jack Prka scored on a 1-yard run and an scoop and score resulted in another touchdown for the Saints. The back-to-back scores flipped the game in favor of the Saints, who maintained their unbroken season record. Penalties and fumbles plagued Eastern Oregon, losing 89 yards over 8 penalties and turning over the ball twice due to fumbles, compromising field position and possession times.
Eastern Oregon, despite their loss, outperformed Carroll in total offense with 268 yards compared to Carroll’s 213. The offensive output was primarily lead through their aerial game as Quincy Glasper threw for a notable 244 yards. Lijewski-Blackham emerged as a key receiving threat for Eastern Oregon, hauling in 3 receptions for 57 yards. The Mounties struggled in the rushing department, amassing only 15 yards to Carroll’s 167.
Henry Diaz and Blaine Shaw led a formidable defensive effort for Eastern Oregon during the game against Carroll. Diaz disrupted Carroll’s offense with an impressive 12 tackles, while Shaw contributed with 8 tackles, a 6-yard loss sack, and a pass breakup. Their efforts challenged Carroll’s offensive line and quarterback, holding to the Saints to their lowest points total of the year.
Although Carroll quarterback Jack Prka had a modest passing performance with just 46 yards, his composure in critical moments ensured the Saints navigated through the stiff Eastern Oregon defense. Matthew Burgess spearheaded the Saints’ ground attack, ending the game with a commendable 90 rushing yards on 19 carries. On the defensive end, Tucker Jones led the team with 9 total tackles, and the Carroll defense held the Mountaineers scoreless in the second half.
This homecoming loss drops Eastern Oregon to a 2-5 record, whereas Carroll remains unbeaten at 6-0, showcasing why they hold the No. 7 ranking. The Mountaineers will travel to Caldwell, Idaho next Saturday, facing the College of Idaho Yotes at 1:00 p.m. MT.