Football | 4/2/2014 11:32:00 AM

2014 Schedule
Schedule Release in 2014

April 2, 2014-Fresh off their first NCAA Playoff appearance in ten years, the Emporia State football team will play host to five games in the 2014 season. The Hornets are 19-4 over the last two years, the best record among Kansas NCAA Division II schools.  

Emporia State will open the season on Thursday, September 4 on Jones Field at Welch Stadium against Missouri Southern. It is the first game against the Lions for the Hornets since a 31-24 victory on Oct. 8, 2011. Emporia State is 23-6 since that day.

The Hornets will make their first trip to Warrensburg, Mo. since the 2010 season when they play Central Missouri on Sept. 11 at Walton Stadium. It will be the first Thursday night game between the Mules and Hornets.

Emporia State returns to Emporia for their first Saturday game on Sept. 20 against Central Oklahoma. The Hornets set three MIAA offensive records in last year's 54-38 win over the Bronchos last season.

The Hornets will travel to Tahlequah, Okla. on Sept. 27 for a match-up with Northeastern State.  

Lindenwood will make just their second trip all-time to Welch Stadium on Oct. 4. The Hornets defeated the Lions 13-0 in the only other meeting during the 2012 season.

The fifth most played rivalry in Division II will resume on Oct. 11 in Pittsburg, Kan. as the Hornets take on the Gorillas for the 93rd time.  This will be the first meeting between the two since the 2011 season.

Homecoming for Emporia State will be Oct. 18 against Ft. Hays State in the longest continuous series for the Hornets. The two have met every year since 1958. The Hornets have won six straight home games against the Tigers.

The Hornets travel to Missouri Western on Oct. 25 to wrap up the month. It is the second straight year Emporia State will travel to St. Joseph, Mo. after taking a 35-31 come from behind victory last season.

The 110th edition of the Turnpike Tussle will take place at the north end of I-335 on Nov. 1 when Emporia State takes on Washburn in Topeka, Kan.  The Hornets have won the last two meetings in the most played active series in Division II history to take a 53-51-6 overall lead.

The defending national champions return to Emporia on Nov. 8 when Northwest Missouri comes to Welch Stadium.  This is a rematch of the MIAA's two NCAA Playoff participants from last season.  The Hornets were the last team to lead the Bearcats after one quarter last season.

Emporia State will end the regular season on Nov. 15 at Neb.-Kearney.   The Hornets have won six of the last seven meetings with the Lopers, including both games since the Lopers joined the MIAA.

The NCAA Playoffs will begin the following week on Nov. 22 and culminate with the NCAA Division II National Championship game on Dec. 20 at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. hosted by the MIAA.

The Hornets resumed spring practice on Wednesday, March 26 and will continue through the spring game on April 19 on Jones Field at Welch Stadium.  

Emporia State was 9-2 last season and advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the second time in school history. The Hornets are 19-4 over the last two seasons and will return 19 players that started at least three games last season, including three of the All-Region selections.  


ESU Football 2014 Schedule
Thur.    Sept. 4     Missouri Southern     Emporia, Kan.    7:00 p.m.
Thur.     Sept. 11     at Central Missouri    Warrensburg, Mo.    7:00 p.m.
Sat.    Sept 20    Central Oklahoma    Emporia, Kan.    2:00 p.m.  (Traditions)
Sat.    Sept. 27    at Northeastern State     Tahlequah, Okla.    6:00 p.m.
Sat.     Oct. 4    Lindenwood     Emporia, Kan.    2:00 p.m.
Sat.     Oct. 11    at Pittsburg State     Pittsburg, Kan.    2:00 p.m.
Sat.     Oct. 18    Ft. Hays State     Emporia, Kan.    2:00 p.m. (Homecoming)
Sat.    Oct. 25    at Missouri Western    St. Joseph, Mo.    1:30 p.m.
Sat.    Nov. 1    at Washburn    Topeka, Kan.    1:00 p.m.
Sat.    Nov. 8    Northwest Missouri     Emporia, Kan.    2:00 p.m.
Sat.    Nov. 15    at Neb.-Kearney      Kearney, Neb.    1:00 p.m.
ESU Football 2013 Spring Practice Remaining Schedule
Fri.    Apr. 4    Practice 8        6:30 a.m.
Mon.    Apr. 7    Practice 9        4:10 p.m.
Wed.    Apr. 9    Practice 10          6:30 a.m.
Fri.    Apr. 11    Practice 11        6:30 a.m.
Sat.    Apr. 12    Practice 12        10:00 a.m.
Mon.    Apr. 14    Practice 13        4:10 p.m.
Wed.    Apr. 16    Practice 14        6:30 a.m.
Sat.    Apr. 19    Spring Game        2:00 p.m.