Chism Shatters Records: Eags Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to ‘Jacks in Season Finale

Chism Shatters Records: Eags Suffer Heartbreaking Loss to ‘Jacks in Season Finale

November 24, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The 2024 season concluded with ups and downs for Eastern Washington. In their final game, they lost to No. 21 Northern Arizona, 30-18. EWU finished the season with a record of 3-5 in the Big Sky and 4-8 overall.

Head coach Aaron Best reflected on the game: “For three quarters, it was back-and-forth and a battle for field position. We went for it on fourth down and did not convert, and they did the same late in the half. NAU put up a strong defense that challenged us. We managed well with the lead until late in the game; we just couldn’t stop them defensively.”

The game began as a defensive battle. The first quarter had no points until NAU scored on a long 75-yard touchdown. EWU responded with a touchdown drive, tying the game. However, the Lumberjacks took the lead into halftime.

Eastern scored 11 points in the third quarter and led heading into the final period. NAU rallied in the fourth, scoring 13 points while shutting out the Eagles to secure the win.

Efton Chism III, playing his final game for EWU, had an impressive performance with 13 catches for 119 yards and one touchdown. This marked his 53rd game with a reception, breaking Cooper Kupp’s 52-game streak, which is a record for Eastern and the FCS. Chism also set a new single-season reception record for EWU with 120 catches.

Chism shared his thoughts on his achievements: “Passing [Kupp] means a lot, especially given his records. Most of them are hard to break. Realizing after the game that it’s over is emotional. After dedicating so much over the past few years, I feel blessed to have been an Eagle.”

Quarterback Jared Taylor completed 4 of 5 passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. The team ran for 134 yards, with Kekoa Visperas leading with 62 yards on six carries.

Scoring Summary:

  • NAU scored first with a 75-yard touchdown.
  • EWU tied with a touchdown catch by Jett Carpenter.
  • NAU quickly responded with another touchdown, leading 14-7 at halftime.
  • The second half began with a safety, bringing EWU to 14-9.
  • Chism’s 67-yard touchdown gave EWU a brief lead of 15-14.
  • NAU took the lead again with a field goal, then scored a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning 30-18.

Eagle Notes:

  • Efton Chism III ended his career with 346 catches, 3852 yards, and 37 touchdowns.
  • Kentrell Williams Jr. made a career-high 10 tackles in the game.
  • Jett Carpenter scored a touchdown for the first time since September 2022.
  • Matthew Brown’s safety was EWU’s first since September 2021.
  • Michael Wortham achieved 110 kickoff return yards, reaching 1093 for the season.
  • Kekoa Visperas completed 15 of 22 passes for 94 yards and one interception, the only turnover in the game.