HORNETS PICK UP FIRST WIN

ESU uses six turnovers to defeat Langston

Stephen Coleman

Football | 12/16/2011 1:47:00 PM

September 24, 2011-The Emporia State defense forced six turnovers on the way to a 35-7 win over Langston (Okla.) in non-conference action on Saturday at Jones Field at Welch Stadium. It was the first time the Hornets have put up 30 or more points in back to back games since 2006.

Both teams struggled offensively early, before ESU got on the board with a 31 yard field goal from Zane Guadagnolo with 6:47 left in the first quarter. The Hornets made it 5-0 with 3:19 left on the first safety by ESU in 55 games dating back to 2004. The safety came when Tyrone Weaver forced a fumble in the endzone by Lion running back Ricky Shearin. After the free kick, the Hornets went 50 yards in six plays as Dasor Horton scored from one yard out. The extra point hit the cross bar to give ESU an 11-0 lead with 1:38 left in the opening frame.

Langston ran a fake punt on fourth and one from their own 22 yard line but Kamrhan Jones stopped punter Dave DeHarde for no gain. Eckenrode would connect with Shjuan Richardson on a nine yard pass play for an 18-0 lead with 9:54 left in the half. On the first play of the next series for Langston, Stephaun Raines intercepted Jacquon Thomas and returned it 20 yards to the Lion 22 yard line. Guadagnolo would hit his second field goal of the half, this time from 30 yards out with 7:28 left in the half. The Hornets had a chance to add to their lead but Guadagnolo’s field goal attempt from 30 yards hit the right upright with 43 seconds left as the teams went to the lockerrooms with ESU leading 21-0.

Ben Carlson got his first career interception to set ESU up at their own 45 yard line with 6:21 left in the third quarter. LaDarrian Page would take a pass from Eckenrode and go 21 yards to give the Hornets a 28-0 lead with 1:53 remaining in the third quarter.

Langston finally got on the board with a two yard rush from Darrion Lewis with 6:10 left in the game to break up the shut out. The Hornets put one more score on the board when back up quarterback Craig Gilmore found Matt Coursen in the endzone from three yards out with 41 seconds left.

The Hornets ended the game with a season low 259 yards of total offense but converted on a season high five of seven trips into the redzone. Eckenrode was 17 of 28 for 157 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Page was his favorite target on the day, ending with five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. He also added 20 yards on 11 carries. Derwin Hall was the leading rusher for ESU with 29 yards on three carries. Dasor Horton added 27 yards and a touchdown rushing as seven Hornets carried the football. Gilmore was three of three for seven yards and a touchdown. Six Hornets caught at least two passes in the game.

Carlos Ross led Langston with 85 yards on 16 carries while Darrion Lewis was 12 of 25 for 152 yards through the air with a touchdown and an interception. Jacquon Thomas was three of 12 for 39 yards with three interceptions.

Defensively Wayne Burgess had an interception return of 31 yards, a fumble recovery and two pass break ups. Stepahun Raines, Ben Carlson and Kevin Gaddis each had an interception as well for the Hornets. Riyadh Moore had a sack, forced fumble and recovery for ESU.

The Hornets continue their home stand next week when they play host to #8 Washburn. Kick-off for the 108th edition of the Turnpike Tussle is set for 1 p.m.

NOTES:
ESU scored 30 plus points in back to back games for the first time since 2006.
ESU is now 8-1 in non-conference games under coach Higgins and 6-0 at home.

###HORNETS###

Print Friendly Version