Eagles Draw Home Game Nov. 29 In I-Aa Playoffs Opponent Still To Be Decided; Big Sky Honors Prescott Again
Eastern Washington’s magical football ride continued Monday when the NCAA officially announced that the Big Sky Conference champion Eagles will host a 12:30 p.m. first-round Division I-AA playoff game Nov. 29 at Albi Stadium.
In addition, record-setting running back Rex Prescott picked up his second consecutive Big Sky offensive player of the week award and four of his senior teammates were selected to the GTE Division VIII Academic All-America team.
The Eagles (10-1 overall, 7-1 in the BSC), coming off a 39-32 win over Cal State Northridge in Saturday’s regular-season finale, were one of five teams already guaranteed a home game in the first round of the 16-team playoffs. The others are Western Illinois, Western Kentucky, Delaware and Villanova.
The Eagles’ first-round opponent will be announced Sunday. Tickets for the game go on sale today at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets and the EWU athletic ticket office. They can be obtained by calling 325-SEAT, 359-4339 or (800) 648-7697.
All tickets will be general admission and cost $8 for adults. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets for $7 each. Children junior high age and younger, will be admitted for $5.
Prescott, a 5-foot-7, 170-pound senior, was honored after rushing for 210 yards and three touchdowns against Northridge. He finished the regular season as EWU’s all-time single-game (272), single-season (1,494) and career (2,929) rushing leader.
His teammates named to the academic All-America team are defensive end Steve Mattson, who has a 3.67 grade-point average in biology and pre-med; wide receiver Jeff Ogden (3.61 in health education); linebacker Derek Strey (3.34 in criminal justice); and running back Mike MacKenzie (3.34 in physical education).
Off Saturday’s win, the Eagles remain No. 6 in the Sports Network Division I-AA poll of sports information directors.
Honors divided
Montana State receiver Tony Vallez shared the offensive honor with Prescott. Vallez had 10 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Bobcats’ 30-6 win over Cal State Sacramento.
Defensive honors were split between Idaho State’s Joe Barnes and Montana’s Chris Colvin, both of whom had two interceptions.
Special teams winner is kicker James Ferrell of Idaho State, who scored eight points in a 26-24 win over Portland State.
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