Clark County plays big role in EWU success

Clark County has a strong connection to the Eastern Washington football program.

For one thing, Michael Roos graduated from Mountain View High in 2000. After playing four years at Eastern, the offensive tackle went on to play 10 seasons for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, reaching the Pro Bowl in 2008. He is the namesake of the Eagles’ home stadium, Roos Field, which had its signature red turf installed after a $500,000 donation from Roos.

Nine players from Clark County are on Eastern Washington’s roster this season:

• Roldan Alcobendas, a redshirt senior from Camas, is the program’s career leader in points with 308. He was named this year’s recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award, given to the nation’s top small-school kicker. He is a perfect 15 for 15 on field goals this season and ranks second nationally in punting average (45.3 yards).

• Zach Eagle, a redshirt senior from Camas, started five games at receiver this season before suffering a leg injury. He made 14 catches for 186 yards and one touchdown.

• Kedrick Johnson, a redshirt sophomore from Hockinson, has played in all 14 games, becoming a key member of the defensive backfield. He has 47 tackles, including a career high 11 in a playoff win over UC Davis.

• Dylan Ingram, a redshirt freshman from Camas, is a backup tight end and plays on special teams. He caught his first touchdown on Nov. 3 against Northern Colorado.

• Gunner Talkington, a redshirt freshman from Battle Ground, is a backup quarterback. He played in six games, completing 5 of 11 passes for 60 yards.

• Aiden Nellor, a freshman from Union, is a backup tight end who appeared in four games this year.

• Zion Fa’aopega, a freshman from Union, is a reserve defensive lineman who appeared in three games this year.

• Rudolph Mataia, a redshirt sophomore from Evergreen, started the season as backup nose tackle but hasn’t played this year.

• Michael Taras, a freshman from Heritage, is a quarterback who is redshirting the year.