Eneberg energizes Eagles
BOZEMAN, Mont. – When the Eastern Washington University football team needed him most, linebacker David Eneberg was there.
In the Eagles’ 19-10 win over the Montana State Bobcats Saturday afternoon, the senior co-captain had a career-high 13 tackles, including a tone-setting sack early. He also broke up a pass.
“We stepped it up,” Eneberg said. “The defensive coaches did a great job of preparing us. We just got after them. Our goal was to be more physical and I think we were that on both sides of the ball.”
Eneberg always seems to play well against the Bobcats, who have lost four straight to the Eagles.
As a freshman, he intercepted a pass that helped seal Eastern’s 35-25 win at Albi Stadium.
Two years ago, his overtime interception of Travis Lulay ended the Eagles’ 51-44 win.
Last year, before an early sprained ankle sidelined him, he had four tackles, including one that knocked off Lulay’s helmet, in a 35-14 win.
“Every year we’re really prepared to play these guys,” he said. “Going four years undefeated feels really good, especially (in) the first Big Sky game and getting our first win.”
Eagles switch backfield
Although the Eagles’ struggles can’t be blamed exclusively on running back, that’s where head coach Paul Wulff elected to make the most high-profile change.
It was difficult for Wulff, who thinks highly of senior Ryan Cole.
Although wide receiver Tony Davis lined up in the backfield on the first play, junior Toke Kefu came off redshirt to carry the load with 24 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Dezmon Cole also had seven carries for 14 yards.
“He handled it as well as anyone could,” Wulff said of Ryan Cole. “He’s a great team player.”
Ryan Cole was listed as the backup fullback, although he didn’t get any carries. He also played special teams, and on the first chance he got he made a diving tackle on kickoff coverage.
“You’re probably going to see him play more and more (once he learns the position),” Wulff said. “He’s not done carrying the ball.”
Cole is the best blocking back in pass protection, but with the inexperience of quarterback Matt Nichols and a struggling offensive line, taking him out was a gamble.
“We just felt we needed the spark,” Wulff said.
“I felt like I could help the team,” Kefu said. “When Coach called on me and asked me if I was willing to do it, I just seized the opportunity. I could have packed it up, but you never know when your opportunity is going to come again.”
Quick kicks
The Eagles return home next week at 2 p.m. to play Sacramento State, which has lost 19 straight road games, including 18 straight under Steve Mooshagian. … The Bobcats had their 10th straight home crowd of more than 12,000. … The Eagles had three sacks after getting just one in the first three games. … The time of possession favored EWU, 37:10 to 22:50.