Eagle shines for Eagles in spring game

CHENEY — Senior wide receiver Zach Eagle was named the game’s MVP after he helped the White shut out the Red 17-0 in EWU’s annual Red-White Game on Saturday at Roos Field.

Eagle had the day’s first touchdown on a 45-yard reception from sophomore wide receiver Johnny Edwards IV, and finished with 94 yards between receptions and punt returns. Junior linebacker Jack Sendelbach led the way on defense for the White with 11 tackles and a sack.

“I think on both sides some plays were made — some big plays,” Eastern coach Aaron Best said. “That was a big play for the offense of the White squad with that reverse pass. We don’t like to shelve too many things — we like to keep it free and fun for the guys. They executed a play that they practiced all week, and so kudos to them. They got off on the right foot and kind of shocked the Red squad.”

A draft earlier in the week helped pick teams for the game, with each team featuring five senior co-captains. The TD for Eagle came on the first play of the game for the White, and on its next possession senior quarterback Gage Gubrud combined with redshirt freshman Gunner Talkington on a seven-play, 57-yard scoring drive.

The Red advanced as far as the White 21 and 23 in the fourth quarter for its deepest penetrations of the game, but those ended with an interception by Keshaun King and the other on downs.

Eagle finished with three catches for 63 yards and had another 31 yards on two punt returns, and teammate Jayson Williams also had three catches for 47 yards. Gubrud was 4 of 10 passing for 45 yards and Talkington was 5 of 10 for 50 yards and an 11-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman Andrew Boston.

Sophomore quarterback Eric Barriere was 14 of 22 for 170 yards for the Red, with redshirt freshman Marques Hampton Jr. catching four for 27 and senior Nsimba Webster finishing with three for 68 yards.

The Eagles open the regular season at home against Central Washington on Sept. 1.