Old Nemesis Delays Run By Eastern Eagles, Vandals Renew Rivalry This Afternoon In Albi Stadium

In a perfect world, Mike Kramer would have his Eastern Washington University football team in Flagstaff, Ariz., this morning, preparing to face Northern Arizona in the game that will decide the Big Sky Conference championship.

Kramer’s Eagles are on a roll. They have found their comfort zone. They are injury-free. They are ready.

And now … h-e-e-e-e-e-e-re’s Idaho!

Yes, the realities of college athletics demand the existence of a schedule maker. And, in this case, he has not been particularly kind to Eastern.

As it stands, the showdown with NAU must wait until next weekend, while the Eagles (7-1 overall, 5-1 Big Sky) step out of the conference to deal with an old nemesis who has dominated the series.

Idaho (4-4, 1-2 Big West) and EWU tee it up this afternoon at 1:05 in a game that is EWU’s first in Albi Stadium since 1990. Eastern officials hope to draw 10,000 fans to the showdown, which is billed as the Windermere Governor’s Cup.

Idaho has won the last five meetings and 10 of the last 11, with the Eastern’s only victory in that stretch a double-overtime triumph in 1991.

But Kramer feels the playing field has leveled for this year’s matchup, which is why he doesn’t mind risking the wave of momentum and good fortune his Eagles are riding against a non-league opponent.

“To be honest with you, I don’t think there’s a bad time to play Idaho,” Kramer said, “because the game is always such a good barometer of our program. With us winning and having such a great season, and because of our injury situation, it’s a great time to play.

“I say that now, but if (quarterback Harry) Leons gets knocked out on the turf because we can’t pass protect, I’ll be screaming, ‘Whoever scheduled this?”’

Idaho coach Chris Tormey likes the game, and its timing, for obvious reasons. The Vandals are coming off lopsided losses to Nevada and Utah State that dropped them out of the Big West title chase.

“We’ve had two really tough losses the last two weeks and we’re at a point where we really need to win,” Tormey said. “The two schools have a lot of tradition and we’ve had some good battles over the years, so I think it’s a good game for us to play.”

On the downside, Idaho comes in banged up beyond Tormey’s greatest fears.

QB Brian Brennan practiced this week but is listed as questionable because of turf toe and an ankle sprain. Running back Jerome Thomas may play, but because of a thigh bruise, will give way to freshman Anthony Tenner as the starter.

The Vandals have lost 11 other players with season-ending injuries.

Eastern’s veteran defense ranks first in the Big Sky in every major category and has allowed just 88 rushing yards and 15.3 points per game. The Eagles also lead the Big Sky with 30 sacks and should benefit from the return of starting cornerback Ole Olesen, who has missed three games with a knee sprain.

Hoping to cash in

Shelly Schumacher made fun of her husband when he clipped an entry form out of The Spokesman-Review and entered the Windermere Real Estate Kick for Kash contest.

But she won’t be laughing today when Bill Schumacher, whose entry was drawn, lines up at halftime of the Idaho-Eastern Washington football game and attempts a 40-yard field goal worth $10,000.

Schumacher, a 1987 graduate of Rogers High School, has never played organized football, but was a member of the Pirates’ soccer team.

Schumacher rates his chances for success at about 80 percent.

“It depends on the weather,” he said. “If it’s raining and the turf is wet, I could just fall on my butt. If it’s dry, I’ve got a decent chance.”

“I know I’ll have the distance. It’s just a matter of if I can kick it straight or not.” , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Idaho vs. EWU