CHENEY, Wash. — After having their scrimmage on Saturday canceled due to poor air quality caused by nearby wildfires, the Eastern Washington University football team was able to get back on the field on Monday afternoon for their first team scrimmage of fall camp. Offense earned bragging rights after two unexpected off days, turning in several highlight reel plays.
"To be able to do what we were able to do today was because of a lot of people outside of our circle, to be able to fight the fires and do the things they do to put their lives on the line, we get to play a sport because they are protecting our community," said head coach Aaron Best after the scrimmage.
"There's a lot of other way more important things that are going on outside of our circle. It's been a whirlwind for us but I can't imagine what it's like to do what they do, and have been doing, since Friday. Hats off to every one of those folks that are allowing us the opportunity to keep our community safe and prepare."
Monday's scrimmage was initially scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. but nearby wildfires and the resulting smoke in the air caused a suspension of all activities. EWU athletic training staff, in accordance with NCAA and National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) guidelines, monitored the air quality closely all weekend, clearing the team to resume some activities as the air improved on Monday.
On the field, the Eagle offense was decisive and limited mistakes, combining for 5 touchdowns and a field goal in nine possessions. Quarterback Kekoa Visperas led the first unit and, unofficially, completed 9-of-10 passes for 152 yards and 1 touchdown, adding 4 carries for 22 yards. Jared Taylor took first snaps with the second unit along with Michael Wortham also getting into the action. Taylor went 11-for-13 through the air for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Tuna Altahir led the ground attack with 41 yards on 8 carries, finding the endzone twice. The Kennewick, Wash. product looked polished on the day, bouncing a 13-yard gain off the left tackle to find the endzone and cap a methodical 10-play opening drive.
"I thought (the offense) put some pieces together that we needed to, we played with speed and had an overall good scrimmage," said Altahir.
Altahir lost over 10 pounds in the offseason, looking to add speed and quickness.
"I feel in shape, did some speed training in the winter. It was really good."
Justice Jackson (5-15) and Malik Dotson (6-19) also earned touches from the running back position, with Dotson adding a 21-yard score on a swing pass from Visperas.
Robert Mason III made a statement on the outside, scoring on 21- and 84-yard receptions, highlighted by a fingertip snag in stride down the left sideline. Preseason All-Big Sky honoree Efton Chism III hauled in 3 catches for 72 yards, including a 53-yard gain punctuated by a hurdle along the sideline. Malaki Roberson added 2 receptions for 26 yards.
Pending air quality, the Eagles will continue regular practice schedules including their second of two fall scrimmages on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Scrimmages are free and open to the public, with limited in-stadium amenities available.
EWU has numerous emergency resources available that students, faculty and staff can utilize. Visit
https://www.ewu.edu/stories/wildfire-emergency-resources-for-our-community/ for more information.
Tickets for the 2023 EWU Football season are now available! Visit goeags.com/tickets or call the EWU Athletics Ticket Office at 509-359-6059 to secure yours today.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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