(Image Courtesy of Eastern Washington Athletics)
Written by Brandon Clearwaters
Cheney, WA- The EWU Eagles will open the 2018 season on September 1st, 2018 on the Inferno at Roos Field. Saturday will be the sixty-ninth meeting between the two regional rivals. While this may be the sixty-ninth meeting between the two squads, it is, however, the first time these two regional rivals have played each other in eight years.
The Eagles are 34-30-4 all-time versus their division two regional rival Central. Making things even more interesting, this season, both the Wildcats and Eagles are picked to win their leadue titles. The Eastern Washington Eagles are currently ranked eighth in FCS while the CWU Wildcats are ranked ninth in NCAA Division II. Last season Central Washington finished an undefeated regulars season at 11-0, before suffering a second round loss to eventual D-S Title winners Texas A&M-Commerce.
With nine starters will be returning on offense as well as eight on the defensive side of the ball, this season the Eagles will have tons of experience on display on the field. A key factor for Eastern Washington, win the turnover battle, the Eagles are 41-0 since 2010 when winning the turnover margin in the game. In 2018 the Eagles are hoping that senior safety and team co-captain Mitch Fetting is ready to have a big year for the Eagles. Joining Fetting this season will be senior cornerback Josh Lewis and senior Cole Karstetter. “I do know we will be older, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to be better,” said Best.
The Eagles look to improve from last season where for the eleventh time they have finished the season 5-3 or better in the Big Sky Conference. After not getting an NCAA Football Championship Playoff berth. the Eagles are looking to “Leave No Doubt on the field this season as they enter their 2nd year under the leadership of Coach Aaron Best.
The Eastern Washington Eagles open the 2018 season on Saturday, September 1st versus rival Central Washington with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 pm Pacific Time at the Inferno at Roos Field in Cheney, Washington.
