Despite rain, EWU offense manages 398 yards in scrimmage

CHENEY — The offense rolled up 398 yards and the defense had seven passes broken up and a pair of interceptions to highlight the Eastern Washington football team’s first full scrimmage of the spring on Friday at Roos Field.

With a trio of quarterbacks passing for 286 yards and scrambling for another 51, the offense had 398 yards in the 70-play session in rainy conditions. Eastern began practices on April 3, and actually went live for about 30 plays last Saturday when Eastern had its first practice in pads, also in a steady downpour.

The Eagle defense had most of its highlights early, including most of the squad’s seven passes broken up on the day and a pair of interceptions by sophomore safety Calin Criner to squelch drives. The defense even had a safety as they held the offense scoreless on its first eight drives of the day, not including a pair of red zone possessions for the offense.

Starting quarterback Gage Gubrud completed 4 of 12 passes for 101 yards, and rushed for another 19. He scored on a 5-yard run to cap a six-play, 60-yard scoring drive.

Sophomore quarterback Eric Barriere led the offense on scoring drives of 74 and 82 yards, the first ending in a 7-yard TD pass to senior Terence Grady. The second drive ended on a 5-yard run by Dennis Merritt, the second of his two touchdowns on the day.

Grady caught four passes for 73 yards to lead the Eagles, and junior Tamarick Pierce had 44 rushing yards on seven carries. Barriere finished with 32 yards on the ground and was 10 of 17 through the air for 145 yards.

The Eagles have eight more practices and scrimmages this spring. Eastern will also scrimmage on Saturday, April 21 (around 11:30 a.m.). The annual Red-White Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Roos Field and will be televised live regionally by SWX.

SCORING PLAYS

Safety – Gunner Talkington tackled in end zone

Dennis Merritt 4 run (Roldan Alcobendas kick)

Gage Gubrud 5 run (Alcobendas kick)

Terence Grady 7 pass from Eric Barriere (Andre Slyter kick)

Merritt 5 run (Jackson Clemensen kick)