Northwest Notes Oct. 5, 2021

EWU kicker earns Big Sky special teams honors

Eastern Washington University kicker Jackson Cleaver was named the Big Sky Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced, for his performance over the weekend against Montana.

The nod is the first for the freshman, and the first for Eastern Washington since former Coeur d'Alene High standout Seth Harrison in 2019. Cleaver, who filled in for the injured Harrison against Montana, went a 2-for-2 on both field goals and extra points in Eastern's 34-28 win over the Grizzlies on Saturday at Roos Field in Cheney.

Cleaver, who hails from Tigard, Ore., also booted for 400 yards on seven kickoffs, three of which were for 65 yards plus one for 64, for an average of 57.1 yards per attempt. He also added a tackle.

It was just the fourth career game for Cleaver and the second of the season. He is a perfect 3-for-3 in his young career on field goal attempts after making his lone attempt last season. He also made six extra points last season, all against Northern Arizona.

Cleaver and the rest of the Eagles, who are ranked No. 4 in both the Stats Perform FCS and the AFCA polls this week, are preparing for a matchup this Saturday at Northern Colorado (noon, ESPN+).

WSU's Jackson named Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week

SAN FRANCISCO — Washington State EDGE Brennan Jackson was named the Pac-12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Jackson recorded four tackles with one sack, one pass breakup and helped the Cougar defense record seven tackles-for-loss including four sacks in a 21-6 road win at Cal, WSU’s first win in Berkeley since 2013. Jackson was credited with five total pressures including four quarterback hurries while the defense held Cal to just six points, 152 passing yards and 3-of-15 on third downs.

Jackson enters the week tied for fourth on the team with 18 tackles and third in the Pac-12 with 17 total pressures.