Eagles suffer close loss in season opener

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (0-1) suffered their first loss of the season and in conference play after a comeback by the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 34-27, according to a statement by EWU Athletics. The Eagles scored first and built a sizable lead in the first half. After leading 7-3, the Eagles scored 17 unanswered points to go up 24-3 in the second quarter. Momentum then swung back to the Lumberjacks following a 100-yard kickoff return. They followed with 17 points to take the lead into the fourth quarter, part of 24 straight points from the NAU. Eastern managed to tie the game late in the fourth, but the 'Jacks managed to score a game-winning touchdown with under five minutes to play.