CHENEY, Wash. — After last week's 42-27 home opener win against Monmouth, Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best was complimentary of his veteran offensive players who put up big numbers.
Quarterback Kekoa Visperas was 25-28 passing for 275 yards and five touchdowns. On the receiving end of most of those touchdowns was Efton Chism III, with 12 receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Tuna Altahir added 108 yards on the ground.
When asked if any of those guys continue to surprise Best and the rest of the coaching staff, he noted that the record books at Eastern are elusive due to high-caliber players of the past, but he's glad to see the big plays at practice translate to game day.
"You see those things and hope it evolves into a game situation," Best said. "None of those things are planned, they're all spur of the moment, catch and run, or catch and see how far you can go. I mean, Tuna Altahir played as physical as he's played in his career, and it showed on tape."
Having a home crowd to celebrate all of the explosive plays helps, and the Eagles are in a unique situation playing their first two games of the season at home. It's likely the first time in program history they've opened their season with back-to-back FCS opponents at home.
"It's an advantage and we believe it's an advantage, so let's use it to our advantage because after this game, it becomes not as advantageous because we're going on the road," Best said. "So, first two home against FCS opponents. I couldn't be happier with the schedule and couldn't be happier with the effort our guys presented last Thursday, and we expect to carbon copy the same pieces this Saturday."
Kickoff is at 4 p.m. this Saturday at Roos Field.