Last-second loss halts Eastern's Frisco plans

Eagles fall 40-38 to Youngstown State in crusher of a finish

PAUL DELANEY, Staff Reporter | Last updated Dec 23, 2016 10:50am0

Paul Delaney count

Eastern Washington players, Mitch Fettig (left) and D'londo Tucker (right) watch replay officials determine if Youngstown State tight end Kevin Rader made a last-second legal catch for a touchdown. It was, they said, and Eastern lost a heartbreaker, 40-38.

One might say Youngstown State borrowed the pages of different teams in sending Eastern Washington down to yet another bitter defeat in the semifinal round of the Football Championship Subdivision Dec. 17 at frigid Roos Field.

The Penguins' 40-38 victory on a 5-yard pass play - a one-handed catch by tight end Kevin Rader from Hunter Wells with one second left - put YSU in the title game Jan. 7 at Frisco, Texas against James Madison.

Rader's grab came with unintended assistance from Eastern defender Ketner Kupp whose back provided the means to call it a good catch in the eyes of replay official...