Cheney, WA (SportsNetwork.com) – He’s baaack.
Oh, how ever.
Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. returned to the lineup for the
first time since being injured on Oct. 3, passing for 399 yards and four
touchdowns to help the fifth-ranked Eagles defeat No. 11 Montana, 36-26, before
11,339 in a key Big Sky Conference game on Saturday.
Adams broke two metatarsal bones in his right foot and missed four straight
games.
With the redshirt junior again guiding Eastern Washington’s high-powered
offense, the Eagles (9-2, 6-1) built a 33-10 lead midway through the third
quarter.
Just like last year’s matchup at Montana, the Grizzlies (6-4, 4-2) rallied back
into the game, pulling within 33-26 before EWU put the win away on Tyler
McNannay’s 34-yard field goal with 28 seconds left. The Eagles have sole
possession of first place in the crowded Big Sky race.
Adams completed 24-of-36 pass attempts. Cooper Kupp (eight receptions, 134
yards), Shaq Hill (seven receptions, 103 yards), Nic Sblendorio and Kendrick
Bourne all caught receptions.
Linebacker Ronnie Hamlin had nine tackles to give him 440 in his career, a new
EWU record.
Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson was 29-for-50 for 447 yards and three
interceptions and two interceptions. Jamal Jones caught nine passes for 139
yards and a touchdown.
