EOU prepares for opener

EXCHANGE PROGRAM: The Mountaineers football team heads to Ashland to open the 2009 season against Southern Oregon University Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Raider Stadium. The Observer/PAUL HARDER

For starters, it’s the shortest bus trip of the season — nearly nine hours.

 “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Camp said. “We’re taking two buses, so the players will have room to be comfortable.

There’s also a stop on the way. The football team will take a break to practice at the Oregon State football facility.

Camp played for the Beavers, starting all four years on the offensive line.

“The kids are going to have a lot of fun with that stop,” Camp said. “It’s a great way to break up the trip, and get some work in.”

As for EOU’s opponent, the Raiders have a lot of question marks following a 3-7 season in 2008. Southern Oregon’s inexperience behind center is at the top of the list.

Ben Running, a North Medford graduate, emerged from fall camp as the starter. The sophomore beat out five other players for the starting position.

Sophomore transfer Brandon Baldwin will take over for Marion Rosales in the backfield. Rosales earned All-Independent League honors during his senior season.

Camp isn’t letting the changes affect his focus.

“Southern Oregon has a great tradition on the football field. They’re going to be tough,” Camp said.

“I expect them to run the ball. That’s what I would do.”

For good reason. All the experience returning for the Raiders is on the offensive line, returning five players from last season. Three-year starter Jordan Meyers and two-year starter Trent Henson earned All-Independent League honors last season.

As for the Mountaineers it’s a game to help set the momentum for the rest of the season.

EOU went 1-10 two seasons ago. In Camp’s first season, the Mountaineers finished 5-6.

“It’s an important game,” Camp said. “That being said no one game is more important than another.

“We just need to start strong and finish strong. That’s our focus for this season.”

The Mountaineers are 4-5 in season openers since 2000, and 2-3 at Raider Stadium over the same span.