MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois dropped a high-scoring contest Saturday afternoon, falling 52-31 to Eastern Washington at Roos Field.

The Leathernecks moved the ball effectively, finishing with 358 yards of total offense on 82 plays. Quarterback Chris Irvin threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns, both hauled in by Christian Anaya, who finished with a team-high eight catches for 44 yards. Irvin also added a rushing touchdown. Freshman quarterback Cason Carswell saw action late, completing five passes for 41 yards.

On the ground, Markell Holman carried the load with 28 rushes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Tristin Duncan paced the receivers with 110 yards on five catches, including a 34-yard grab.

Defensively, Malini Ti'a led Western Illinois with nine total tackles. Buju Aumua-Tuisavura added eight total tackles, while Christian Pierce finished with seven. The Leathernecks forced two turnovers on interceptions by Justin Richardson and Keith Moko.

Special teams also provided a spark, as Antonio Chadha connected on a 39-yard field goal and converted all four extra-point attempts. Punter Luke Droegemueller was solid, averaging 44 yards on eight punts with a long of 62.

Eastern Washington's balanced attack proved to be the difference, piling up 597 total yards and seven touchdowns. Quarterback Nate Bell threw for 272 yards and two scores while rushing for three more.

Western Illinois (1-3) will look to bounce back next week when it hosts Eastern Illinois in the Big South-OVC opener at Hanson Field.

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