LA GRANDE — Despite pitching a second-half shutout, Eastern Oregon fell to Rocky Mountain 13-7 at Community Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Battlin’ Bears quarterback Luke Holcomb connected with Joseph Dwyer for a 9-yard score and Austin Drake hit a 19-yard field goal to go up 10-0 in the first quarter. However, the defense would stiffen allowing just a field goal the rest of the way. The defense forced four turnovers in the game with Jason Grant racking up 15 tackles and an interception. The Mountaineers got to sack Holcomb six times.

Eastern Oregon would get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when Tanner Sweek ran into the end zone from six yards out. It cut the lead to 13-7, but the Mountaineers did not get closer than the 42-yard line in its final two possessions. Rocky Mountain outgained EOU 409-193 in the game and ran 20 more plays in the game.

Holcomb completed 29 of 42 attempts for 279 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Eastern Oregon quarterback Quincy Glasper went 18-for-37 with 160 yards passing. The rushing game for Rocky Mountain was spearheaded by Zaire Wilcox, who accumulated 132 yards on 24 carries.

Rocky Mountain improved to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play while the Mountaineers are 0-4 and 0-2 . EOU will host Arizona Christian on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m.