It was the local kid from Spokane likely sealing the game for the Eastern Washington Eagles. Jeff Minnerly, a sophomore out of Spokane’s Ferris High School, intercepted a Chris Whitney pass at the goal line to kill the Wildcat drive and give the Eagles the ball back. With a 10 point lead and time beginning to wind down, Minnerly’s big play, keeping Villanova off the board, was crucial for Eastern.
After a rapid-fire first half, the Eastern defense has tightened up, forcing a fumbled on Villanova’s first drive of the second half and forcing the interception shortly thereafter. For the game, the Wildcats have turned the ball over five times, compared to Eastern’s one turnover. Those turnovers have been the difference, giving Eastern a short field and killing promising drives for the Wildcats.
Bo Levi Mitchell continues to shine at quarterback for Eastern, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns on 23-33 passing. Nicholas Edwards is having a career day, catching nine passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The Eastern offense fired out of the gate and, despite slowing down in the second half, has been able to keep Villanova at bay.
With nine minutes to go, Villanova has the ball back but trails Eastern, 34-24.