Best pleased with scrimmage

CHENEY - The 2024 football season for Eastern Washington University kicked off with a promising start, as the Eagles held their first of two scrimmages on August 15 at Roos Field. The 70-play event served as a dress rehearsal ahead of the regular season, earning positive feedback from head coach Aaron Best.

"What we've shown so far is promising, though not unexpected for the staff," Best remarked after the scrimmage. "We're rotating quarterbacks and personnel, so it's not as smooth as you'd ideally like, but that's part of the process. We're in the phase of finding out who can perform under pressure, and that's what these scrimmages are all about."

The Eagles are coming off a challenging 2023 season where they finished 4-7, and this year, they are determined to turn things around.

According to Best, one of the most electrifying moments came from Michael Wortham, one of the three quarterbacks vying for the starting position. Wortham broke through the defense for a 95-yard touchdown run, sprinting untouched down the field. His play highlighted the kind of explosive potential the Eagles hope to unleash more consistently this year.

Redshirt-freshman Aidan Carter also made a strong case for himself, leading the offense on its second touchdown drive. Carter connected twice with wide receiver Boden Gardner, driving the team into the red zone. He then capped off the drive with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Riley Rudolfo, who impressively broke a tackle on his way to the end zone.

Newcomer Marceese Yetts, another player who has been turning heads in camp, delivered a noteworthy 42-yard run, demonstrating his speed and vision. His efforts set up a four-yard touchdown run by redshirt-freshman Nate Bell, further solidifying the depth in the Eagles' backfield.

On the defensive side, Eastern Washington's squad showed resilience and playmaking ability. Alphonse Oywak made a significant impact with an interception near midfield, disrupting the offense's rhythm and showcasing the defense's ball-hawking mentality. The defense also managed to stall several offensive drives, holding the offense to three field goals, with two successful attempts by Jackson Cleaver and one by Soren McKee.

The scrimmage was not just about the highlights, but also about giving players on the cusp of earning playing time a chance to shine. With projected starters sitting out, sophomores and other young players received valuable reps.

"We need to get these guys ready to play," Best noted. "The more reps they get now, the better off we'll be when the season starts. It's about building depth and ensuring everyone is ready when their number is called."

Eastern Washington will host the Monmouth Hawks on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Roos Field.