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closeThe second time was the charm for the Western Washington University football team.
Randall Eldridge scored two touchdowns and the Vikings’ defense forced four turnovers as WWU defeated Western Oregon University 24-13 on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Monmouth, Ore., in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
The win avenged an early-season loss to the Wolves and moved WWU (3-2, 3-1) into second place in the conference, a game behind Central Washington University. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak by Western Oregon (3-3, 3-2).
It also sets up an interesting showdown between WWU and the Wildcats next week at the annual Battle in Seattle.
“It was a good game to get,” WWU coach Robin Ross said in a phone interview. “We’ve said from the beginning that we thought this team could play with anyone and I think the players are starting to show that’s true. We’ve always had the effort, but now we’re starting to see the results.”
The Vikings scored 10 points in the final three minutes of the first half to take a 17-7 lead at halftime and held the Wolves to six points in the final two quarters to get the win.
WWU’s Adam Perry went 17 for 26 for 241 yards and two touchdowns and kicker Josh Lider booted a season-long 48-yard field goal to lead the Vikings.
The game was a far cry from the last time these two met at the start of the season. In that game, the Wolves stopped WWU on a late goal-line stand to hold on for a 36-27 win, but this time it was the Vikings’ defense that held WOU out of the end zone.
“The biggest difference was that our defense did a much better in the red zone this time,” Ross said. “That was huge for us. They were able to move the ball in the middle of the field, but we stopped them when it mattered.”
Turnovers were another key for the Vikings defense. WWU forced three fumbles, recovering one, and also came away with three interceptions. The Vikings put an emphasis on creating turnovers in practice leading up to the game.
“It’s good when you get to see things pay off,” Ross said. “When Caleb Jessup recovered that first fumble it fired everybody up.”
Eldridge added his second touchdown of the game in the third quarter on a 6-yard run that gave WWU a 24-7 lead. He also had a 56-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Pat McCann scored the Vikings’ other touchdown, his fourth TD grab in the last two games.
The Wolves pulled within 24-13 with less than six minutes to play in the game, but couldn’t draw closer.
“That game had its close moments,” Ross said. “They’re a good team and it’s nice to come out of there with a win. It makes the bus ride back a lot better.”
Reach Joe Sunnen at joe.sunnen@bellinghamherald.com or 756-2862
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