EMPORIA STATE FOOTBALL HEADS WEST TO TAKE ON FORT HAYS STATE

Football | 10/27/2021 7:21:00 PM

Game #9
Emporia State Hornets (4-4, 4-4 MIAA)
at Fort Hays State Tigers (4-4, 4-4 MIAA)
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 • 1:00 p.m. • Lewis Field • Hays, Kan.
Series Record: ESU leads 53-38-2 Current Streak: FHSU 1 win
Last Meeting: at FHSU 10, ESU 3 (October 12, 2019)
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 12:00 p.m. TV: None
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): themiaanetwork.com/esuhornets
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Live Stats • Ticket Info • Complete Notes in pdf
Up Next: Lincoln • Saturday, November 6, 2021 • 1:00 p.m.
Jones Field at Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.

HALLOWEEN EVE IN HAYS
Emporia State travels to western Kansas for a pre-Halloween showdown with Fort Hays State.

LAST TIME OUT
Emporia State built a ten point lead on three occasions on the way to a 24-21 Homecoming victory over Missouri Southern on Saturday.
The Hornets went up 10-0 with 2:10 left in the first quarter thanks to a Sam Dobbins field goal and a five yard touchdown run by Canaan Brooks. Two Lion field goals were the only points in the second and third quarters as ESU took a 10-6 lead into the fourth. Emporia State went back up by double digits thanks to a nine yard touchdown pass from Braden Gleason to Tyler Kahmann with 11:54 left in the game. The Lions responded with a nine play 75 yard drive capped by a 25 yard pass from Dawson Herl to Brian Boyd and a two point conversion brought Southern within 17-14 with 8:07 left.  Emporia State answered with a four yard touchdown pass from Gleason to Kahmann with 5:45 left to go up 24-14. The Lions scored on an 18 yard pass from Herl to Jaedon Stoshak with just 19 seconds left.  Billy Ross Jr. recovered the on-side kick attempt and Emporia State went to victory formation to secure the 24-21 victory. Brooks had his second consecutive 100 yard rushing day, finishing with 105 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown.  Braden Gleason was 31 of 43 for 219 yards with two touchdowns.  Tyler Kahmann finished with nine catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns.  Jace McDown had a team high nine tackles.

THE COACHES
Garin Higgins has a career record of 137-81 in his 19th season as a head coach. He is 86-72 in his 14th season at his alma mater and is 77-47 since the start of the 2010 season. He has led the Hornets to the post season in five of the last eight seasons with three NCAA Playoffs and a national semifinal appearance in 2015. He had a 51-9 career record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma, including two trips to the national championship game. Higgins was a quarterback for Emporia State from 1987-90 and was on the 1989 national runners-up team. He is 6-7 against Ft. Hays State.
Chris Brown is 70-41 in his tenth season at Fort Hays State. He is 5-4 against Emporia State.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 4-4 on the year. The Hornets are leading the MIAA in passing offense, first downs, net punting, third down defense, and tackles for loss while ranking third in scoring at 33.3 points and eighth in scoring defense at 29.3 points per game. Braden Gleason is leading the MIAA in total offense, passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Ross Brungardt is leading the MIAA in punting.
 
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Fort Hays State is 4-4 on the season with a 2-2 record at home. They are ranked sixth in the MIAA in scoring offense at 31.1 points and fourth in scoring defense at 21.6 points per game. The Tigers are leading the MIAA in red zone percentage, converting on 29 of 31 chances this season. Chance Fuller is second in the MIAA in total offense and passing offense while ranking third in touchdown passes.

THE SERIES
This will be the 94th meeting between the two with Emporia State holding a 53-38-2 edge. The home team has won 12 of the last 14 meetings in the series.

LAST TIME VS. FORT HAYS STATE
Emporia State held Fort Hays State to four field goals and just one touchdown in their five trips to the redzone but were held without an offensive touchdown for the first time in 13 games in a 19-3 loss at Fort Hays State. Gary Woods II had 12 tackles to lead the Hornet defense while Jaedon Pool and  Lawson Holbert each had nine.  Parker Bass had seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a pass break up while Gee Stanley had seven tackles, an assisted TFL, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry.  Jace McDown added eight tackles.  Dalton Cowan was 14 of 29 for 129 yards and added 56 yards on 13 carries.  Wil Amos had two catches for 40 yards while Dexton Swinehart had four catches for 30 yards.

UP NEXT
The Hornets play their final home game of the season on November 6 against Lincoln. Kick off is set for 1:00 p.m. from Jones Field at Welch Stadium.

KNOW THE FOE
This will be the 94th time overall that Emporia State and Fort Hays State have met on the football field.  They had met every year from 1958-2019 before COVID forced the cancellation of the 2020 season, making it the longest continual series for either team despite being in different conferences from 1990-2005. The Tigers have won and shared the MIAA championship and went to the NCAA playoffs in 2017 and 2018.  Fort Hays State has made the NCAA playoffs four times, twice in the MIAA and twice in the RMAC, but have yet to win a playoff game.

FLIP A SWITCH
Emporia State was 15-34 under head coach Garin Higgins and trailing Missouri Southern 17-0 at the midway point of the 2011 season. Emporia State came back to win 31-24 and have gone 71-38 since then. Of the 38 losses, 17 have been to teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 at the time. In Emporia State's first 49 games under Coach Higgins, the Hornets averaged 19.86 points per game while giving up 30.06 points per game. In the 109 games since then Emporia State is averaging 33.17 points while giving up 27.38 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
The Hornets have gone 14-2 in non-conference games under Garin Higgins and are 25-7 outside the MIAA in the 21st century. Since joining the MIAA, ESU is 34-12 in non-conference games and has lost only three games to unranked non-conference D-II opponents since 1996.  

PLAYOFF HISTORY
The Hornets are 3-4 in their seven NCAA playoff games over four trips to the Division II playoffs and have won three of their last five playoff games. Emporia State, Northwest Missouri, and Pittsburg State are the only MIAA teams to have won playoff games in back to back years while Emporia State and Northwest Missouri are the only ones to have accomplished the feat in the last decade.

MIAA IN THE POSTSEASON
Since the MIAA first expanded in 1989 and the new teams became eligible for post season play in 1990, the league has eight national championships and a representative in 15 of 28 national championship games, including ten of the last 15 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 46-21 in the NCAA Playoffs and 21-7 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 67-28 against non-conference opponents. The Hornets join Northwest Missouri (1996-99, 2002, 2004-11, 2013, 2015-16), Pittsburg State (1989-92, 1995, 2001, 2004-05, 2011), Missouri Western (2012), and Central Missouri (2010) as MIAA teams that have reached the national quarterfinals.  Emporia State's game at Northwest Missouri in 2015 was the fifth all-MIAA regional final all-time.  Six different MIAA schools have advanced to the NCAA Playoffs and won a game since 2010 while eight current member institutions have represented the league in the NCAA Playoffs.  Counting their time in other conferences ten of the current 12 MIAA football playing schools have been NCAA Division II Playoff participants. The only two schools to have never made the NCAA Playoffs are Lincoln and Northeastern State, who made the NAIA National Championship game four times and won the title in 1994. Northeastern State participated in the 2011 Mineral Water Bowl, meaning 11 of the 12 member schools have participated in an NCAA sanctioned post season game.   
All MIAA NCAA Divison II Quarterfinals
2015    at Northwest Mo. 38, Emporia State 17    
2011    at Pittsburg State 41, Northwest Mo. 16
2010    at Northwest Mo. 37, Central Mo. 20    
2005    Northwest Mo. 21, at Pittsburg State 10
2004    at Pittsburg State 50, Northwest Mo. 36

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 69-16 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with a 64-11 record in their last 75 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 38 games under Coach Higgins with a record 36-2 in those games. The Hornets have won 21 games when allowing their opponents 28 or more points under coach Higgins, but Emporia State has only won 17 games when the Hornets have scored less than 28 points. The 53-52 loss at Central Oklahoma in 2017 was the first time in school history the Hornets have scored 50 points in regulation and lost a game.

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets are leading the MIAA and ranked in the top ten in the nation in passing offense and first downs while ranking second in the league and 11th in the nation in total offense. They are third in the MIAA and 44th in the nation in scoring offense.  

QUARTERBACKS
Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 45 times, with 13 games of at least 400 yards and an MIAA record 522 yard game by Brent Wilson while eight different QBs have thrown at least two touchdown passes in a season.

TO THE MOON
Quarterback Braden Gleason (Soph./Muldrow, Okla.) is leading the nation in completions, ranks second in total offense, sixth in passing yards, eighth in completion percentage, and 13th in touchdown passes and points responsible for. He leads the MIAA total offense, passing yards, touchdown passes, and completions while ranking second in completion percentage and points responsible for.  He is ranked  ninth on the Emporia State single season passing list with 2,532 yards and needs 49 yards to pass Tyler Eckenrode (2,580 yards in 2011) for eighth.   
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was 31 of 43 for 219 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri Southern. He went 37 of 62 for 371 yards and two touchdown against Neb.-Kearney. He was 48 of 67 for 497 yards and two TD passing and added 49 yards on seven carries with a touchdown at Central Missouri. His 48 completions broke Brent Wilson's ESU record of 43 set against Lindenwood in 2015 and the MIAA record of 47 set by Mo. S&T's Evan Gray against MWSU in 2003.  His 67 pass attempts breaks Sean Ponder's ESU record of 66 set against FHSU in 1995.  His 546 yards of total offense are second in ESU and MIAA history to Brent Wilson's 571 against UCO in 2013 while his 497 passing yards are second to Wilson's 522 against UCO and third all-time in the MIAA. He threw four touchdown passes against Washburn, going 18 of 25 for 183 yards on the day. He was 36 of 53 for 348 yards with two touchdowns and added 39 yards and two rushing scores at Pitt State. He was 30 of 45 for 307 yards and three touchdowns at Missouri Western. He led Emporia State on a touchdown drive with under two minutes left to pull with a point of the Griffons. He was 28 of 42 for 280 yards and three touchdowns against Central Oklahoma and connected with eight different receivers. He completed 28 of 40 passes for a career high 327 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He but came in after one play and led Emporia State to a 34-14 win against Central Olahoma. He was 17 of 27 for 160 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added 30 yards on ten rushes. He went 14 of 34 for 222 yards and added 81 rushing yards in his first career start against Missouri Southern. He was ten of 18 for 122 yards and added 45 yards on 12 rushes at Missouri Western. He had 17 yards on five carries at Lincoln. He was five of seven for 39 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Honorable Mention All-State for Muldrow (Okla.) HS. He threw for 6,317 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career along with 1,483 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Quarterback Jack Diamond (Jr./Shawnee, Okla.) transferred to Emporia State from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in December of 2019.
AS A JUNIOR: His first pass as a Hornet was a 62 yard touchdown pass against Northeastern State.
AT NEO A&M: He was 32 of 76 for 426 yards and six touchdowns in seven games for the Norsemen and added 270 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground in 2019.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 3,024 yards of total offense in 11 games as a senior for Shawnee (Okla.) HS.  He was teammates with current Kansas City Chief center Creed Humphrey

IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Fr.-RS/Tulsa, Okla.) earned First-Team All-State honors as he led Lincoln Christian HS to an undefeated state championship in Oklahoma Class 3A.

RECEIVERS
A total of 14 Hornets have caught at least one pass this season and all but one of them have a reception of at least 20 yards while five have catches of at least 60 yards. It is the first time in school history ESU has had five players with a reception of at least 60 yards in a season. Ten Hornets have caught a touchdown pass while seven have multiple touchdowns on the season.

SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT
Receiver Corey Thomas (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) has 23 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns in six games this year.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a 14 yard reception and a seven yard rush against Missouri Southern. He had seven receptions for 60 yards and recovered an on-side kick against Neb.-Kearney. He caught four passes for 52 yards at Central Missouri. He had a five yard touchdown catch among his three catches against Washburn. He had six catches for 92 yards at Pittsburg State. He caught two passes for 14 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a team high seven catches for 99 yards and a 47 yard touchdown against Northeastern State. He finished the season with 126 yards on 11 catches in just three games.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had one reception for 19 yards against Mo. Southern. He had an eight yard reception at Northwest Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Top 11 All-City pick in Topeka as a junior in 2015. He had 1,034 rushing yards and 996 receiving yards with eight touchdowns as a junior but missed much of his senior season at Topeka HS due to injury.

FORMULA ONE
Receiver Cole Schumacher (Jr./Rossville, Kan.) has caught a pass in 23 straight games for the Hornets. He is 14th in the MIAA in receptions per game.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown against Neb.-Kearney. He carried four Lopers into the end zone on his touchdown. He caught six passes at Central Missouri for 46 yards. He had two catches for 25 yards against Washburn. He caught six passes for 42 yards and a game tying touchdown at Pitt State. He had four catches for just 13 yards at Missouri Western. He caught four passes for 58 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had three catches for 77 yards and a touchdown at Northeastern State. His 70 yard reception gave Emporia State a 7-0 lead and is the third longest reception in the MIAA this season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a team high 44 receptions for 461 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. He was eighth in the MIAA in total receptions with 44 in 2019. He caught six balls for 54 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had two catches for 39 yards at Missouri Southern. He had three catches for 32 yards - all on consecutive plays on a third quarter touchdown drive- against Washburn. He had four catches for 48 yards at Missouri Western. He caught eight passes for 53 yards against Central Missouri. He had 59 yards on five receptions with a touchdown against Northwest Missouri. He had three catches for 29 yards at Lincoln. He had six receptions for 45 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He caught four passes for 60 yards at Pittsburg State. He had two catches for 38 yards against Northeastern State, including a 32 yard touchdown.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career best five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown against Missouri Southern. He had two key catches for ten yards in the fourth quarter against Ft. Hays State. He finished the year with 112 yards on nine catches with a touchdown in five games last season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Class 3A receiver and three-time state champion at Rossville HS.

WHERE THERE'S A WIL
Receiver Wil Amos (So./Afton, Okla.) missed three games with an injury before returning to the line up against Central Missouri.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had four receptions for 21 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He caught nine passes for 76 yards at Central Missouri. He had one catch for four yards against Central Oklahoma.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 25 rushing yards on four carries and added three receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He had five catches for 63 yards including a 42 yard touchdown at Missouri Southern. He had two receptions for 40 yards including a 34 yarder at Missouri Western. He had four catches for 54 yards including a 36 yard touchdown that pulled the Hornets within seven points with 1:02 left in the game against Central Missouri. He had 40 yards on two receptions at Fort Hays State. He had five catches for 40 yards against Northwest Missouri. He had a breakout performance with 12 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln.  He added on carry for eight yards to go over 150 all-purpose yards in the game. He had four catches for a team high 51 yards in his first game as a Hornet against Neb.-Kearney including a 36 yard reception. He had 498 yards on 39 catches in nine games as a red-shirt freshman in 2019. He ranked seventh in the MIAA in receptions per game but was just 14th in receiving yards per game despite having a catch of at least 26 yards in all but one game he played in during the 2019 season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Daily Oklahoman and Tulsa World All-State Selection. He had 3,247 yards and 45 touchdowns on the ground and threw for 1,269 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior to lead Afton to state championship. He was a two-time 800m and 400m State Champion in track.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Fr.-RS/Haysville, Kan.) is 12th in the MIAA in touchdown catches and 16th in receptions per game.
AS A FRESHMAN: He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Missouri Southern. He had 42 yards on two receptions against Neb.-Kearney. He had four catches for 65 yards at Central Missouri. He had a four yard touchdown grab against Washburn. He erupted for nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown at Pitt State. He had a 69 yard catch against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 35 receptions for 694 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn All-State honors. He was also a Class 6A honorable mention All-State selection in basketball and baseball.

STRONG ONE
Receiver Dexton Swinehart (So./Lyndon, Kan.) is 12th in the MIAA in receptions per game.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had 30 yards on four receptions against Missouri Southern. He had four catches for 24 yards at Central Missouri. He had four receptions for 29 yards, with 28 yards coming after the catch, against Washburn. He had 78 yards on six receptions at Missouri Western. He had eight receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He had four catches for 29 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He finished the season with 403 yards on 34 receptions. He had four catches for 38 yards at Mo. Western. He had 40 yards on six receptions against Central Missouri. He had four catches for 30 yards at Fort Hays State. He had seven catches for 97 yards with a 42 yard touchdown at Lincoln. He had a 16 yard reception and a catch for a two-point conversion against Neb.-Kearney. He had 112 yards on five catches against Northeastern State including a 74 yard touchdown.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Kansas Class 2-1A Offensive Player of the Year and a Topeka Capital Journal Top 33 selection. He earned Topeka Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle 2017 First-Team Offensive and Defensive All-State honors.

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Fr.-TR/Marshall, Mo.) is ranked 19th in the MIAA in receptions per game, 21st in yards per reception and 24th in receiving yards per game.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had five catches for 38 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 72 yard reception at Missouri Western and finished with two catches for 80 yards against the Griffons. He caught five passes for 53 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns at Northeastern State.
AT MISSOURI: He is a transfer from Missouri where he was a defensive back as a red-shirt in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a four-time All-Conference selection at Marshall HS and was the district MVP his senior season.

MAKE LEMONADE
Receiver Kai Lemons (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four catches for 47 yards including his first career touchdown on a 27 yard pass at Central Missouri. He had a 21 yard reception against Washburn. He had two catches for 13 yards in a start at Pittsburg State. He had a 19 yard reception at Missouri Western. He caught one pass for five yards at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in three games and had a ten yard catch against Northeastern State.
AT HUTCHINSON CC: Played for the Blue Dragons in the 2017 season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-State selection for Derby HS and earned First-Team All-Senior Class honors.

IT'S NOT BRAGGING
Receiver Deontei Braggs (Fr.-RS/Spiro, Okla.) took a shovel pass 62 yards for a touchdown at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Oklahoma District 2A-5 Offensive/Defensive MVP and Player of the Year. He was a first-team OCA All-State selection with 1,469 passing yards with 15 touchdowns while adding 751 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. He had 32 total tackles with four interceptions.

THE THINKER
Receiver Rasheed Noel (Soph./Coppell, Texas) had his red-shirt pulled prior to the Central Missouri game in 2019.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 118 all-purpose yards against Central Missouri with 70 receiving on eight catches while carrying the ball three times for 48 yards. He had a 45 yard touchdown run on a reverse against the Mules.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Texas All-District 6-6A performer.  He had 387 all purpose yards with nine touchdowns as a senior. Defensively he recorded 21 total tackles with a sack.

TURN UP THE HEAT
Receiver Devin Stoker (Fr-RS/Olathe, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 548 all-purpose yards on 42 touches as a senior for Olathe North HS, an average of 13.0 yards every time he touched the ball and scored six touchdowns.

S-BACK
The Hornets have S-Backs have combined to catch six touchdowns this season.

DALTON GANG
S-Back Dalton Cowan (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is sixth in the MIAA in receptions and 15th in receiving yards. He has missed the last two games with an injury.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught seven passes for 85 yards and a touchdown at Central Missouri. He had a touchdown reception against Washburn. He had a career high six catches for 93 yards at Pittsburg State. He caught three passes for 30 yards at Missouri Western. He had five receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He had five catches for 65 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: Playing quarterback the first nine games, he had 241 rushing yards with six rushing touchdowns while throwing for 1,683 yards with 11 touchdowns. He was third in the MIAA in completion percentage, sixth in completions, seventh in total offense and passing efficiency, and eighth in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He had rushing touchdowns against Central Oklahoma and at Missouri Southern. He went 36 of 57 for 313 yards with two touchdowns against Central Missouri. He had 56 yards on 13 carries while going 14 of 29 for 129 yards through the air at Fort Hays State. He had two touchdown passes against Northwest Missouri. He was 28 of 40 for 331 yards and three touchdowns against Lincoln. He went 21 of 32 for 161 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns against Neb.-Kearney. He went 15 of 25 for 261 yards with three touchdowns through the air and added 88 rushing yards on nine carries against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He threw a 54 yard touchdown in his only snap against Ft. Hays State. He played the final series against Pittsburg State and had the majority of the fourth quarter at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first-team All Class 5A and first-team All-Centennial League selection at quarterback for Seaman HS. He was named City Offensive Player of the Year after he passed for 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 589 rushing yards with eight touchdowns. His brother Reid is also on the Hornet football team while his sister Riley is on the soccer team. His father Jeff played linebacker for ESU while his mother Cassie (Henry) played basketball for the Lady Hornets.

THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Fr.-RS/Overland Park, Kan.) is 17th in the MIAA in TD receptions.
AS A FRESHMAN: He caught four passes for 25 yards against Missouri Southern. He had a career high nine receptions for 99 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two catches, both for touchdowns, for a total of 23 yards at Missouri Western. He caught two passes for 31 yards including his first career touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He saw his first action as a Hornet at Northeastern State and had a key block on Deonti Braggs 62 yard touchdown.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned all-league honors at both tight end and defensive line for Blue Valley Southwest HS. He was a Kansas Football Coaches Association (KFBCA) All-State pick on the defensive line and was named a Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association MoKan All Star.

FAMILY AFFAIR
S-Back Case Cochran (Soph./Cashion, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He started and had his first career touchdown on a three yard catch at Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the 2016 District Offensive MVP and 2017 District Receiver of the Year. He is the brother of former Emporia State assistant coaches Cayden and Cale Cochran.

RUNNING BACKS
The Hornets three primary running backs are averaging 4.1 yards per carry and have each scored a rushing touchdown this season. They have also combined to average 8.4 yards per reception with two touchdowns on the year.

PROMISED LAND
Running back Canaan Brooks (Jr./St. Louis, Mo.) is third in the MIAA in rushing yards per game, fourth in rushing touchdowns and sixth in all-purpose yards.
AS A JUNIOR: He had his second straight 100 yard rushing game, finishing with 105 yards on 28 carries against Missouri Southern. He had a career high 151 yards on 30 carries with two touchdowns against Neb.-Kearney. He had 15 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns and 54 yards on five catches at Central Missouri. He had 72 yards on 21 carries against Washburn. He ran for 80 yards on nine carries against Central Oklahoma with a long rush of 52 yards. He had 52 rushing yards on 11 carries with an 18 yard touchdown run at Northeastern State and added 19 yards on three receptions.
AT SOUTH DAKOTA: He played in all 12 games as a sophomore in 2019 with 114 carries for 505 yards and four touchdowns and had a season high 112 yards on 11 carries against Youngstown State. As a freshman he played in ten games finishing with 144 yards on 55 carries.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned all-conference, all-metro and all-state honors after rushing for 1,438 yards and 33 touchdowns for Lutheran North HS. He averaged 9.8 yards per carry as he led the Crusaders to their first conference championship since 2002. He played at  Hazelwood West HS before transferring to Lutheran North HS prior to the 2017 season.

SPEEDSTER
Running back Billy Ross Jr. (Fr.-RS/Oklahoma City, Okla.) is 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He is leading the league and ranks third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking second in the MIAA in punt return average and third in kick return average.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 123 all-purpose yards on 13 touches against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 63 yard touchdown reception on a screen pass against Washburn. He gained 73 yards on 22 carries at Pittsburg State. He had 169 all-purpose yards at Missouri Western with 66 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards and 54 yards on two punt returns.  He returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown to open the scoring and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. It was the first punt return for a touchdown by a Hornet since 2016. He had 65 all-purpose yards against Central Oklahoma with 21 rushing yards on seven carries, 42 yards on two kick-off returns and a two yard punt return. He had 93 all-purpose yards at Northeastern State with 29 rushing, 39 receiving and 25 yards on punt returns.
ON THE TRACK: He has already competed in one outdoor and two indoor seasons for the ESU track team. He ran a personal best 10.67 to place tenth in the 100m at the MIAA Outdoor Championships.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 860 receiving yards, 660 rushing yards, 1,800 all purpose yards, and 22 total touchdowns for Heritage Hall HS  He was a five-time State Champion in track in the 100m, 200m, and 4x200m.

CALVIN AND HOBBES
Running back Calvin Boyce (Soph./Prague,Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had six carries for 48 yards and a touchdown against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 22 yard reception at Central Missouri. He scored on a one yard touchdown run at Missouri Western. He closed out the Central Oklahoma game with four carries for 18 yards including a key 12 yard gain for a first down. He had 50 yards on ten carries with a long rush of 18 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 44 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns as a red-shirt freshman in 2019. He had six carries for 24 yards at Fort Hays State. He had seven carries for 18 yards and two catches for five yards in his first career start at Lincoln. He gained 50 yards on nine carries and added a seven yard reception against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an Oklahoma VYPE Magazine All-Star Team Selection after he scored 36 touchdowns as a senior.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets have re-tooled the offensive line with just two players with previous starting experience returning for 2021. So far they are giving up one sack in every 34.5 passing attempts.

MEET THE CONNER
Guard Conner Lierz (Jr./Manhattan,Kan.) transferred to ESU from Hutchinson CC in December 2019.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 5.4 knockdowns per game. He was named Squarehead Award winner for the fourth time this season against Missouri Southern. He earned his third Squarehead Award of the season against Neb.-Kearney. He was named the Offensive MVP at Central Missouri by the coaches. He recorded a season high 8.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He had 4.5 knockdowns at Pittsburg State. He earned his second straight Squarehead Award at Missouri Western. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Central Oklahoma and was second on the team with four knockdowns. He had a team high eight knockdowns at Northeastern State.
AT HUTCHINSON CC: He was an honorable mention All-Jayhawk performer for the Blue Dragons.

NO LONGER A FRESHMAN PHENOM
Center Hayden Reed (Jr./Celina, Texas) is in his fifth year with the Hornets and has already graduated. He has started all 31 games for Emporia State over the last three seasons with 29 of those starts at center.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 2.8 knockdowns per game from the center spot. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Washburn. He had five knockdowns at Pitt State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He moved back to the starting center at Fort Hays State and finished the season at that position. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Lincoln as a guard. He started the season at center for three games before moving to guard for two.
AS A FRESHMAN: He became the first freshman to start at center for the Hornets under coach Higgins since Lance Uhles in 2008.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was a first-team All-District performer on the offensive line for Celina HS.

X MARKS THE SPOT
Tackle Xavier Cason (Jr./Junction City, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He has played in 27 games with 12 starts over the last three seasons.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 3.8 knockdowns per game. He earned the Squarehead Award against Central Missouri. He had a team high five knockdowns against Central Oklahoma. He was second on the team with five knockdowns at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was named the Squarehead Award winner after the Northwest Missouri game. He made his first career start against Neb.-Kearney after he played most of the second half at Pittsburg State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He made the two-deep as a true freshman and played in four games.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention pick and 2018 Shrine Bowl Participant. He is the younger brother of former Hornet linebacker Manny Cason.

MILES AND MILES
Guard Miles Wade (Jr./Chicago, Ill.) is in his fifth year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 3.6 knockdowns per game. He had a team high 8.5 knock downs at Pittsburg State on the way to his second Squarehead Award of the season. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Northeastern State
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in six games on the offensive line in 2019 after making the switch from the defensive line.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-Conference performer and three year starter for Rich Central HS. He had 20 solo tackles with ten tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble as a senior.

SHERMAN'S MARCH
Tackle Sherman Deaton (Fr.-RS/Fountain, Colo.) is averaging 2.3 knockdowns per game. He has started all eight games for Emporia State since he earned his first career start at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All Conference selection and earned First-Team Colorado All State honors at Fountain HS.

THE INFERNO
Tackle Dante Smith-Posey (Fr.-RS./Lenexa, Kan.) made his first career start at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-Sunflower League pick. He was a Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal All-State selection as well a 2019 Shrine Bowl selection.

AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Soph./Enid, Okla.) was an All-Conference and All-District performer for Enid HS.  He earned the Offensive Line MVP Award at Emporia State's O-Line Camp his senior year.

GREAT ESCAPE
Guard Will Valentas (Sr./Andover, Kan.) was an honorable mention All-Jayhawk selection at Butler CC before transferring to Emporia State.

BRING THE WOOD
Guard Ian Carpenter (Fr.-RS/Andover, Kan.) was a First-Team Topeka Capital Journal and KFBCA All-State selection and a 2019 Shrine Bowl selection.

A GOOD MAN
Tackle Carlos Guzman (Fr.-RS/Denver, Colo.) was a First-Team All-Conference and the Offensive MVP for Bear Creek HS.

HULL CITY
Tackle Josh Hull (Fr.-RS/Humboldt, Kan.) was a two-time First-Team Kansas All State Offensive Lineman and a KFBCA First-Team All-State performer. His mother Mona (Scantlin) Hull played basketball for the Lady Hornets.

DEFENSE
Emporia State has six returners that have earned All-MIAA honors in their career. The Hornets lead the MIAA in tackles for loss and third down defense while ranking second in sacks and rushing defense. They are eighth in the nation in third down defense.

LINEBACKERS
The heart of the Hornet defense is at the linebacker position where they had three All-MIAA performers returning from 2019. All three starters rank in the top nine of the MIAA for tackles for loss.

GET DOWN
Linebacker Jace McDown (Sr./Columbus, Kan.) is a two-time All-MIAA performer and was an honorable mention All-American as a junior in 2019. He is fifth in the league lead in tackles for loss and sixth in solo tackles.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with nine tackles against Missouri Southern. He had eight tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with three tackles, a TFL, a pass break up and a fumble recovery at Central Missouri. He was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown against Washburn. He had a team high ten tackles at Pitt State with 2.5 TFL. He recorded eight tackles, three for a loss and one sack at Missouri Western. He was credited with three solo tackles, one for a loss and a forced fumble against Central Oklahoma. He had six tackles, five of them solo, and 1.5 tackles for loss at Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was a first-team All-MIAA selection and honorable mention All-American by the Football Gazette. He was second the MIAA in tackles while ranking 30th in the nation in solo tackles. He was credited with six tackles and two sacks against Central Oklahoma. He recorded six tackles with one for a loss at Missouri Southern. He had nine tackles against Washburn. He was credited with seven tackles including one for a loss against Missouri Western. He had ten tackles with 1.5 TFL against Central Missouri. He was credited with eight tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a game high 13 tackles with an interception against Northwest Missouri. He recorded a career high 15 tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a game high 14 tackles with two for a loss at Pittsburg State. He had a team high six tackles against Northeastern State. He was named a preseason All-American by Lindy's.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was named Second-Team All-MIAA after leading the MIAA with 127 total tackles, 79 solo tackles, and five forced fumbles. He was ranked third in the nation in forced fumbles, fourth in total tackles and eighth in solo tackles. He had 12 tackles at Central Oklahoma, eight of them solo. He had nine tackles with one for a loss against Missouri Southern. He earned his second MIAA Defensive Player of the Week award after recording a career high 14 tackles and forcing two fumbles at Washburn. He had 11 tackles and one tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He was credited with nine tackles, 2.0 TFL and a quarterback hurry at Central Missouri. He had 12 tackles, a forced fumble, pass break up and an interception against Ft. Hays State to earn MIAA and D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Week honors. He had nine tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break up at Northwest Missouri. He had 11 solo stops, 2.5 TFL and a sack against Lindenwood. He was credited with 12 tackles including a sack at Neb.-Kearney. He had 11 tackles against Pitt State. He had six tackles with a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry in his first career start at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was a regular on special teams for Emporia State as a freshman. He had four tackles on special teams against Missouri Western.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Kansas Top 11 pick and Offensive Player of the Year in Class 4A-II with 2,667 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns as he led Columbus HS to the Class 4A-II semifinals and an 11-1 record. He had 121 tackles as a senior and recorded 401 tackles on defense in his career.
IN McDOWN'S CAREER: McDown has 283 career tackles in 41 career games, with 275 of them coming in the last 30 games.  
He has graduated with a 3.99 GPA in health and human performance. He is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American and was named the Newberg Distinguished Senior at Emporia State. He is a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and ESU Athletic Director's Honor Roll as well as being an MIAA Scholar Athlete. He is also a D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award recipient and member of Chi Apha Sigma Athletic Honor Society. He was named Emporia State's Outstanding Male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2019-20 and was voted best teammate and most outstanding player on the football team by his fellow players. He was a semifinalist for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy® Presented by Mazda and was named the MIAA Fall Male Student-Athlete of the Year for 2019-20.

DAWSON'S CREEK
Linebacker Dawson Hammes (Jr./Rossville, Kan.) ranks fifth in the MIAA in solo tackles, sixth in tackles for loss, and seventh in total tackles.
AS A JUNIOR: He had seven tackles against Missouri Southern. He had nine tackles with 1.0 TFL against Neb.-Kearney. He had five tackles at Central Missouri with an assisted tackle for loss. He was credited with six stops against Washburn. He had nine tackles with one for a loss at Pittsburg State. He was credited with eight stops at Missouri Western. He had eight tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with a team high eight tackles, seven of them solo, with three tackles for loss at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was an honorable mention All-MIAA performer as a sophomore. He had five tackles and a forced fumble against Central Oklahoma. He recorded nine tackles at Missouri Southern. He had a career high 11 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss against Washburn. He was credited with six tackles in three of his previous four games-at Missouri Western, at Fort Hays State and against Northwest Missouri. He had a team high nine tackles with a sack and a quarterback hurry at Lincoln. He recorded six tackles and a quarterback hurry against Neb.-Kearney. He had a career high seven tackles at Pittsburg State with a sack. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in all 11 games last season. He had a career high four tackles against Missouri Southern. He had two stops against Missouri Western. He had two solo tackles against Ft. Hays State. He was credited with a solo tackle at Northwest Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-State and Top 33 selection in the state of Kansas. He earned first-team All-Mid-East League with 172 tackles, with six sacks and three pass deflections as a senior. He was a three-time state champ at Rossville HS playing for his father, former Hornet Derick Hammes.

PROCESSIONAL
Linebacker Cade Harelson (Jr./Davenport, Okla.) is third in the MIAA in sacks, sixth in solo tackles seventh in total tackles, and eighth in tackles for loss.
AS A JUNIOR: He had seven stops and two pass break ups against Missouri Southern. He had seven tackles, half a sack and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He recorded eight tackles and a pass break up against Washburn. He had seven tackles and a pass break up at Pittsburg State. He was credited with a career high 15 tackles at Missouri Western with three tackles for loss and a sack. He recorded six tackles with two sacks and quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had seven tackles, three for a loss including a sack at Northeastern State.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was tied for sixth in the MIAA with two fumble recoveries and ranked 25th in the nation. He had four tackles at Missouri Southern. He missed two games with an injury. He had two tackles, one for a loss, and a pass break up against Northwest Missouri. He was credited with four solo tackles and a fumble recovery at Lincoln. He had three tackles and a fumble recovery against Neb.-Kearney. He recorded four tackles and forced a fumble at Pittsburg State. He had two tackles against Northeastern State with one for a loss.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was credited with four unassisted tackles against Missouri Southern. He had four solo tackles against Missouri Western. He had two tackles and his first career interception at Central Missouri. He was credited with an assisted tackle and a pass break up at Northwest Missouri. He had three tackles at Neb.-Kearney.  He recorded four tackles with 1.5 sacks at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Little City First team selection and all-state honoree for Davenport HS. He was the eight man football Class B-7 District MVP.

BARGE RIGHT IN
Linebacker Jack Barger (Soph./De Soto, Kan.) has already graduated but is only a sophomore in eligibility. He had a pick-six interception during the Hornets spring scrimmage.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles at Mo. Western and a solo tackle against Central Oklahoma.
AS A FRESHMAN: Played in ten games and had a career high three tackles at Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an all-state linebacker for De Soto HS and a finalist for the Get Busy Livin' KPreps Player of the Year Award.

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Fr.-RS/Kingfisher, Okla.) earned first-team All-State honors as a senior with 98 tackles, 15 TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles.  He was also a member of Kingfisher HS state championship basketball team.

TAKE A CHANCE
Linebacker Chance Rodriguez (Soph./Holcomb, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first-team All-State selection at tight end as Holcomb won the Class 4A-II state championship. He was a first-team Garden City Telegraph All-Area performer at tight end and linebacker.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Linebacker David Johnson (Soph./LAwrence, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He had an interception during Emporia State's spring scrimmage with Southeastern Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first-team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State performer for Lawrence Free State HS.

LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Fr.-RS/St. Louis, Mo.) was a First-Team All-Conference and First-Team All-District performer for Desmet Jesuit HS.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line has combined for 10.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in the first eight games despite just having one starter back from 2019.

STRENGTH FROM WITHIN
Defensive lineman Marek Thompson (Sr./Osceola, Mo.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets and is a two-time All-MIAA selection.
AS A SENIOR: He was named Defensive Player of the Game by the coaches against Neb.-Kearney despite not getting credited with a tackle. He had two solo stops against Washburn. He had five tackles with an assisted tackle for loss at Pittsburg State. He recorded four tackles at Mo. Western. He had three tackles, including an assisted tackle for loss and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He had a solo tackle at Northeastern State while routinely taking on double teams at the line of scrimmage.
AS A JUNIOR: He was a third-team All-MIAA pick in 2019 when he was eighth on the Hornets with 30 tackles, 5.0 TFL, and a sack. He tied his career high with six tackles at Missouri Southern and against Washburn. He was credited with a tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries against Central Missouri. He had five tackles at Fort Hays State. He forced a fumble and had a tackle for loss against Northwest Missouri. He had four tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles, three of them solo, with 1.5 TFL at Pittsburg State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded five tackles at Central Okla. He had a career high six tackles at Washburn. He had four tackles including two sacks and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He was credited with five assisted tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He recorded three tackles against Pittsburg State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a sack and a forced fumble against Washburn last season. He recorded three tackles against Missouri Western. He had two tackles, one for a loss and knocked down a pass at Ft. Hays State. He had four tackles with two TFL against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Central Missouri. He had four tackles at Northwest Missouri.
IN HIS CAREER-Was a member of the ESU track team and placed 11th in the MIAA in discus in 2018.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time first-team All-State pick and unanimous selection as a senior. He was a Missouri state finalist for the Wendy's HS Heisman.

OFF THE FERRY
Defensive lineman Jahmek Murphy (Sr./Staten Island, N.Y.) is in his fourth year with Emporia State. He has graduated and is a GA in the ESU Admissions office. He is seventh in the MIAA in sacks
AS A SENIOR: He had a career high seven tackles with three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks at Central Missouri. He was credited with two solo tackles and a quarterback hurry against Washburn. He had a solo sack against Central Oklahoma. He had a sack and three tackles at Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo tackle against Northwest Missouri. He recorded a tackle for loss at Lincoln. He had one tackle at Pittsburg State. He had one tackle for loss against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a solo tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Central Missouri. He sealed the win against Ft. Hays State with a sack on the final play of the game. He had a tackle for loss on second and goal that helped hold Pittsburg State to a field goal.
IN HIGH SCHOOL/CC-He had nine tackles in seven games with three tackles for loss and a sack at ASA College in New York. He graduated from Tottenville HS.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Soph./St Louis, Mo.) is eighth in the MIAA in tackles for loss and sacks.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had three solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had seven tackles and a tackle for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles, all of which were behind the line of scrimmage, and a strip sack at Central Missouri. He had a sack, a quarterback hurry and two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high eight tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass break up at Pittsburg State. He was credited with three tackles at Missouri Western. He had four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack against Central Oklahoma.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had three tackles with half a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He recorded a career high five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had a sack at Lincoln. He had two unassisted tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo stop at Pittsburg State. He was credited with a solo tackle against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Conference Defensive Lineman as a senior. He also participated on the track & field team for Hazelwood East HS where he threw shot put.

WISE WOLF
Defensive lineman Rafe Goucher (Fr.-RS/El Reno, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high six tackles, two for a loss, and a sack at Pittsburg State. He had an assisted tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Class 5A District 1 Defensive Player of the Year for El Reno HS. He earned Oklahoma All-State honors as a defensive lineman.

LIKE A HAWK
Defensive lineman Hawkens Taylor (Jr./Flower Mound, Texas) is in his fifth year with the Hornets. All of his tackles this year have been behind the line of scrimmage.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with a tackle for loss at Central Missouri. He recorded a sack against Washburn. He had an assist on a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had his first career sack against Central Oklahoma.
AT ESU: He played in three games as a sophomore and had two tackles against Northeastern State as a red-shirt freshman in 2018.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-District 6-6A selection at defensive tackle as a senior after earning first-team All-District 5-6A as a defensive end his junior year at Marcus HS.

BEAR DOWN
Defensive lineman Maquay Shaw (Soph./Haskell, Okla.) got his first career start at Missouri Western.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two assisted tackles against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with four tackles including a tackle for loss at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was the two-time Haskell HS Offensive Lineman of the Year and has switched to the defensive side of the ball at Emporia State.

BECKER ADDITION
Defensive lineman Daniel Becker (Fr.-RS/Conway Springs, Kan.) was a KFBCA First-Team All-State selection and a Topeka Capital Journal Top 33 player in the state of Kansas. He was the Central Plains Defensive Player of the Year and a 2018 Kansas Defensive Player of The Year finalist.

BOOMER SOONER
Defensive lineman Charlie Suenram (Fr.-RS/Edmond, Okla.) was a Second-Team COAC All-Conference and Honorable Mention OCA All-State selection. He recorded 80 tackles with seven sacks.

ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Fr.-RS/Overland Park, Kan.) missed four games before returning to the lineup against Missouri Southern.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had a pair of assisted tackles at Missouri Western. He had a sack and two tackles in his first game as a Hornet at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive secondary is one of the deepest position groups for the Hornets with five players having starting experience. Five defensive backs have combined for seven interceptions on the season

JUMP IN THE POOL
Safety Jaedon Pool (Jr./Midwest City, Okla.) is sixth in the MIAA in interceptions. He is the vice president of the Emporia State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a tackle and two pass breakups against Missouri Southern. He had six tackles with a tackle for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five tackles, four of the solo, at Central Missouri. Against Washburn he had seven tackles, broke up a two point conversion and recovered an Ichabod on-side kick attempt. He had an interception and three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three solo tackles at Missouri Western. He had two solo tackles, an interception and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was 19th in the MIAA in pass break ups. He had five tackles against Central Oklahoma. He recorded four solo tackles at Mo Southern. He had two tackles and a pass break up against Washburn. He had three tackles and three pass break ups against Central Missouri. He was credited with a career high nine tackles at Ft. Hays State. He had eight tackles against Neb.-Kearney.  
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two tackles and a pass break up at Northwest Missouri. He two pass break ups against Lindenwood. He had a pair of tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five solo tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had two solo tackles and a fumble recovery at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-District at Carl Albert HS. He had 75 tackles, five sacks and an interception while catching 22 passes for 335 yards and four touchdowns. He was on back-to-back State Championship football teams and the 2017 Track & Field State Championship team.  

GEE-WHIZ
Rover Gee Stanley (Sr./Miami, Fla.) was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at linebacker as a junior in 2019 but has moved to the defensive backfield.
AS A SENIOR: He had two tackles including a 12 yard sack against Missouri Southern. He had four tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had three solo tackles with one for a loss at Central Missouri. He 11 tackles, two of them for a loss against Washburn. He had three solo tackles at Pitt State. He intercepted a pass at Missouri Western and ended the game with eight tackles. He was credited with five tackles at Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was second in the MIAA in tackles for loss per game. He had five tackles, two forced fumbles, a recovery and a sack against Central Oklahoma. He had seven tackles including 2.5 TFL at Missouri Southern. He matched his career high with ten tackles at Missouri Western. He recorded ten tackles against Central Missouri. He had seven tackles at Fort Hays State. He recorded six tackles with one for a seven yard loss against Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a sack at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles, all for a loss including a sack against Northeastern State.
AT COFFEYVILLE CC-He recorded 47 tackles and 9.5 TFL's and three sacks for the Ravens.
AT ROBERT MORRIS-He was the Northeast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named a HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American. He had 59 tackles with 12.5 tackles for loss.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a three-star prospect by 247sports.com and a two-star prospect by Rivals. He was a Top 100 outside linebacker recruit in the 2016 class according to 247sports. He was Florida All-Class 8A third team after recording 104 tackles, 56 of them solo, in his senior season.

iSPY
Cornerback Kyle Rinck (Sr./Independence, Kan.) earned All-MIAA honors in 2019 and led the MIAA in pass breakups in 2018. He is tied for 15th in the MIAA in passes defended this year.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with six tackles and two pass break ups against Missouri Southern. He had a 49 yard interception return against Washburn. He was credited with three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had four tackles, a sack and a pass break up at Missouri Western.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded three solo tackles and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He had five tackles at Missouri Southern. He was credited with four solo tackles with one for a loss, and two pass break ups against Washburn. He had four tackles and a pass break up against Central Missouri. He had three solo tackles and a fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He recorded four tackles and a pass break up against Neb.-Kearney.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was ranked second in the MIAA with 14 passes defended. It was the most pass break ups without an interception in the MIAA last year. He had a career high ten solo tackles at Central Oklahoma along with a pass break up. He broke up three passes and had seven tackles at Washburn. He had four tackles, one tackle for loss, a pass break up and a blocked PAT against Missouri Western. He matched his career high with eight tackles and had two pass break ups at Central Missouri. He had eight tackles, three pass break ups and recovered a fumble against Ft. Hays State. He had five tackles, against Lindenwood. He had two tackles and a pass break up at Neb.-Kearney. He had a tackle and two pass break ups in his first career start against Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an honorable mention all-state performer for Independence HS.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Fr.-RS/Oklahoma City HS) is leading the MIAA with two forced fumbles and is tied for sixth in interceptions.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had an interception, a pass break up and four solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had four solo tackles and forced two fumbles against Neb.-Kearney. One of his forced fumbles prevented a Loper touchdown. He had three tackles and an interception at Central Missouri. He had a fumble recovery against Washburn. He had a pass break up at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was Honorable Mention OCA All-State and All-City for Putnam City HS.

COMEBACK KID
Cornerback Kelin Gordon (Jr./Del City, Okla.) is in his fifth season with the Hornets. He sat out 2018 with an injury.
AS A JUNIOR: He missed the last two games with an injury. He had two tackles and a fumble recovery against Washburn. He had five solo stops at Pittsburg State. He was credited with two tackles at Missouri Western. He recorded seven tackles against Central Oklahoma. He had one tackle against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two pass breakups against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with a solo stop at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles at Lincoln. He was credited with two tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three solo tackles and an interception against Northeastern State.
AS A TRUE FRESHMAN-He had a pass break up and a tackle at Ft. Hays State. He had a solo tackle and a pass break up against Pittsburg State along with a 26 yard kick off return. He had three tackles at Lindenwood. He had two tackles at Central Oklahoma and returned two kicks for a total of 37 yards. He was credited with three tackles at Missouri Southern and had three kick returns for a total of 50 yards. He had a solo tackle against Neb.-Kearney and returned one kick 25 yards.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the District 5A-1 defensive back of the year for Del City HS. He earned All-District and All-Big City selection after recording 44 tackles, seven interceptions and one fumble recovery as a senior. He was also a member of Del City HS state championship 4x100m relay team.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is tied for 15th in the MIAA in passes defended.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He broke up three passes and had four solo tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a tackle and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He had two solo stops at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He recorded two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high six tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss against UCO.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-City Selection for two-time Oklahoma State Football Champion Millwood HS.

AIR JORDAN
Safety Jordan Wallace (Sr./Denton, Texas) is in his fourth year with the Hornets after transferring from Coffeyville CC.
AS A SENIOR: He had two tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He recorded two tackles and two pass breakups against Washburn. He had two tackles against Central Oklahoma.
AS A JUNIOR: He had six tackles, five of them solo, against Washburn. He was credited with four tackles and an assist on a sack against Central Missouri. He had four solo stops and a pass break up against Northwest Missouri. He had four tackles, two for a loss, and a pass break up against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with a solo tackle at Pittsburg State. He had an unassisted tackle for loss and a pass break up against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He matched his career high with six tackles at Central Oklahoma. He recorded a career high six tackles with a pass break up at Washburn. He had five tackles against Missouri Western. He was credited with five tackles against Lindenwood. He recorded a career high five tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles and returned an interception 35 yards against Pittsburg State. He had two solo tackles at Northeastern State.
AT COFFEYVILLE CC-He had 21 tackles and two pass break ups for the Red Ravens in 2017. He originally Signed with Iowa State out of high school.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was ranked as a Three Star Recruit. He was a First-Team All-District at Guyer HS. He had 76 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception as a senior.

THE FLASH
Safety Garrick Martin (Fr.-RS/Stillwater, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had four tackles and half a tackle for loss in his first start at Pittsburg State. He had two assisted tackles at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a 6A-II All-Conference, All-District and All-Area performer for Stillwater HS.

MAXWELL HOUSE
Defensive back Derrick Maxwell (Fr.-RS./Chicago, Ill.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He forced a fumble against Missouri Southern. He had three solo stops at Central Missouri. He had five tackles and an interception against Washburn. He had two tackles at Pitt State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Conference selection at Rich Central HS.

SAFETY FIRST
Defensive back Khalil Rasheed (Fr.-RS/Coppell, Texas) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had four tackles at Central Missouri. He was credited with six tackles and two pass breakups against Washburn. He had three tackles and an assisted tackle for loss at Pitt State. He had a solo tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 70 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss,  two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown as a senior at Coppell HS.

THE BAIRD OF THE LAKE
Safety Cole Baird (Jr./Silver Lake, Kan.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets. He has played both defensive back and linebacker during his Emporia State career.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with two solo tackles at Missouri Western. He a career high five tackles with one for a loss against Central Oklahoma. He had two solo tackles at Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three tackles at Missouri Southern. He was credited with a quarterback hurry at Central Missouri. He had two solo tackles at Lincoln. He was credited with three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles at Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in five games for Emporia State as a freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first team All-Class 3A selection for Silver Lake HS. He had 65 tackles and two interceptions for the Eagles as a senior.

BUFFALO BILL
Safety Cody Ladson (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) has been a key component on special teams.
AS A JUNIOR: He was named Special Teams Player of the Week against Missouri Southern and Central Missouri by the coaches. He had a solo tackle against Washburn and at Missouri Western.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in four games in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-team All-Centennial League and Class 6A Honorable Mention All-State. He had 103 tackles, three interceptions with a touchdown and one kick return touchdown.

SPEED FORCE
Cornerback Juwan Johnson (Jr./Tulsa, Okla.) is in his third year at Emporia State and placed tenth in the nation in the 100m at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo tackle against Missouri Southern. He was credited with a solo tackle against Central Oklahoma. He got his first career interception at Northeastern State.
ON THE TRACK: He qualified for the NCAA Championships with a career best 10.40 in the prelims of the 100m at the MIAA Championships and placed fifth in the finals at 10.81. He was also a part of 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams that placed fifth at the outdoor championships. He was seventh in the 60m at the 2021 MIAA Indoor Championships and placed fifth in 2020.
AT NEO A&M: He was a SWJCFC Honorable Mention All-Conference performer at receiver. He had 23 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore including a 98 yard reception. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.

THE BIRD
Safety Trey Morris (Jr./Cushing, Okla.) is in his fifth year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo tackle at Central Missouri. He was credited with a solo tackle and returned three kicks for a total of 47 yards at Missouri Western.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high nine tackles at Missouri Western in his first start. He had two tackles including an assisted tackle for loss at Fort Hays State. He recorded three tackles with one for a loss against Northwest Missouri. He  had his first career interception at Lincoln. He had three tackles including one for a loss against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He forced a fumble at Central Oklahoma. He had a career high five tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had a tackle and returned a kick-off 46 yards against Lindenwood.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned All-District, all-area, and all-state honors at Cushing HS. He had 35 catches for 873 yards and 15 touchdowns with 36 rushes for 365 yards and two touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Hornets return all three players that kicked/punted for them in 2019. Emporia State is leading the MIAA and are tenth in the nation in net punting and are an MIAA best 35 of 35 on PAT.

CLYDESDALE
Kicker Sam Dobbins (Jr./Emporia, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets. He is fourth in the MIAA in field goal percentage and fifth in field goals made.
AS A JUNIOR: He is 35 for 35 on PATs this season and is averaging 55.9 yards per kickoff with 11 touchbacks. He executed a successful on-side kick against Neb.-Kearney. He had a career long 39 yard field goal at Central Missouri. He had a 30 yard field goal at Missouri Western.  He gave ESU the lead with a 22 yard field against Central Oklahoma. He hit a 34 yard field goal at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He handled kick-offs at home. He averaged 56.0 yards per kick on 41 kick-offs with ten touchbacks. He averaged 61.2 yards on ten kick-offs against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He missed seven games with an injury. He hit both field goals made by the Hornets last year, connecting on tries from 30 and 24 yards against Missouri Southern.  He was 19 of 23 on PATs and at one point hit 18 straight. He averaged 47.7 yards on three punts with a 55 yarder in Emporia State's Corsicana Bowl win.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an all-state kicker as a junior for Emporia HS.

WAY/NO WAY
Punter Ross Brungardt (Soph./Lawrence, Kan.) is leading the MIAA and ranked second in the nation in average punt and has a league high 13 punts of at least 50 yards and has placed 11 punts inside the 20 yard line. He has had a punt of at least 50 yards in every game this year and one of at least 60 yards in four games.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He averaged 39.5 yards per punt against Missouri Southern, the only game he has averaged less than 40 yards this year. He averaged 49.0 yards on four punts with two of them inside the 20 yard line against Neb.-Kearney. He was not called on to punt at Central Missouri. He averaged 48.8 yards on nine punts against Washburn and the only punt that did not go 40 yards went out of bounds at the WU 15 yard line. He averaged 45.6 yards on five punts with a long of 64 yards at Pittsburg State. He averaged 42.8 yards on eight punts with a long of 61 at Missouri Western. He averaged 42.6 yards on nine punts including a long of 64 yards against Central Oklahoma. He averaged 46.0 yards on six punts, placing two inside the 20 yard line with three of at least 50 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was second in the MIAA in fair catches forced, third with nine punts of at least 50 yards and punts inside the 20 yard line. His 67 yarder against Neb.-Kearney was tied for the fourth longest in the league in 2019. He averaged 39.4 yards on eight punts at Missouri Southern. He was credited with six punts for an average of 40.3 yards against Central Missouri. He averaged 40.8 yards per punt on eight punts at Fort Hays State. He averaged 41.2 yards on eight punts a long of 58 yards and three inside the 20 against Northwest Missouri. He averaged 36.5 yards on two punts at Lincoln with one of them inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 40.7 yards per punt with a 35.4 yard net against Neb.-Kearney. He averaged 38.0 yards per punt at Pittsburg State. He had four punts for 33.0 yard average with two of them placed inside the 20 yard line against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had six punts of at least 50 yards for Lawrence HS.

GOING LONG
Long snapper Kenneth Harding (Fr-RS./Ballwin, Mo.) is in his first year as deep snapper for the Hornets. He had an assisted tackle at Pitt State and was credited with two tackles at Northeastern State.

SCHOON-OVER MIAMI
Kicker Clark Schoonover (Jr./Andover, Kan.) was third in the MIAA and 14th in the nation in made field goals while ranking third in the league and 24th in the nation in field goal percentage.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was fourth in single season field goals for Emporia State with 14 makes. He had a career best 37 yard field goal at Missouri Southern. He set an MIAA record with 20 kick points and tied the Emporia State single game record with five made field goals at Lincoln. He broke Central Missouri's Steve Huff's league record of 19 points scored against SEMO on Nov. 2, 1985 and tied Austin Morton's Emporia State and NCAA Playoff record of five made field goals set on Nov. 28, 2015 at Henderson State. He also hit all five PAT's in Jefferson City. He went six of six on PATs and three for three on field goals against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 21 of 25 on PATs and missed his only field goal attempt.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State Kicker and First-Team All-League kicker/punter for Andover Central HS.

CAPTAINS
This year's team captains are linebackers Jace McDown and Dawson Hammes, defensive back Jaedon Pool, S-back Dalton Cowan, receiver Corey Thomas and offensive lineman Xavier Cason.

THE POLLS SAY
The MIAA has two teams ranked in the top 25 in this week's AFCA national poll and two in the D2Football.com national poll with two teams receiving votes in the AFCA poll. By getting votes during the second week, the Hornets have been ranked or received votes in the AFCA Poll at some point during the regular season for seven straight years. Emporia State is 8-14 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with an 8-5 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri.

BEST IN THE STATE  
Emporia State's 67 victories are the most wins among NCAA schools in the state of Kansas since the beginning of the 2012 season. Their three NCAA playoff appearances and five total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state.

HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 14th season as the Hornets head coach in 2019 and has moved into the top ten of the MIAA's all-time wins list and is the second winningest active coach in the league. He has taken his alma mater to the postseason five times, including a national quarterfinal appearance in 2015.
He ranks second in career wins at Emporia State behind stadium namesake Fran Welch's 115 wins from 1928-54. He has a 137-81 record in 18 seasons as a head coach with an 86-72 record in 14 seasons at his alma mater.  
His 86 wins are the second most in Emporia State history behind Fan Welch's 115 from 1928-54 and ranks tenth in MIAA history. He has built the Hornets the right way during his 14 seasons and orchestrated one of the great turnarounds in Emporia State history. The Hornets have gone 67-36 after going 19-36 in his first five seasons.
He is the 21st head football coach at Emporia State, was the first to lead the Hornets to ten wins in two different seasons and has done it in three seasons with three different quarterbacks. He has coached in more post season games than any one in Emporia State history. He completed his ninth season by taking his alma mater deeper into the NCAA Division II playoffs than ever before in 2015 while winning seven more games than in 2014. In 2013 he became just the second coach to take the Hornets to the NCAA Playoffs and is one of just six Emporia State coaches to take the Hornets to a post season game of any type.
He had led the Hornets to within just one game of a post season berth in 2010 and 2011 before winning the Kanza Bowl in 2012 and was one win away in 2017. He joins Larry Kramer, Fran Welch and Bill Hargis as the only Emporia State coaches to have a span of four straight winning seasons.
He compiled a 51-9 record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University before becoming the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State in 2005. He was the offensive coordinator at Northeastern State in 2006.  While at Northwestern Oklahoma State, he was named the Central State Football League Coach of the Year five straight years from 2000 through 2004. The Rangers won 31 consecutive games from 1998 through 2000.
A native of Blackwell, Okla., Higgins graduated from Emporia State in 1992. He was a four-year letterman for the Hornets and helped lead the team to a national runner-up finish in 1989. He has been involved with four teams that have played for or won national championships as a player, coordinator or head coach. Higgins and his wife Heather, a 1995 graduate of ESU, are the parents of three children - son Halen and daughters Harlee and Gracyn.

THE NFL EXPERIENCE
The Hornets have had 16 players play in one of the major professional football leagues.  Two Hornets have won Super Bowl rings - Kelly Goodburn with the Washington Redskins and Leon Lett with the Dallas Cowboys. Jeff Richards appeared in the playoffs in 2019 with the Los Angeles Chargers after winning a Grey Cup with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL in 2016. Adam Schiltz saw action in exhibition games with the Chiefs in 2015 while Austin Willis played in exhibition action for the Buffalo Bills in 2016. Harold Ayodele was a part of the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp and saw action in exhibition games in 2011. Higgins has coached four players that have gone on to play in the NFL regular season - Jeff Richards with the Chargers, Lynn Scott with the Dallas Cowboys, Sam Breeden with the Green Bay Packers, and Patrick Crayton with the Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. Most recently Jeff Richards appeared in six regular season and two playoff games in for the Chargers in 2018. Three former Hornets - Adam Schiltz with the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin Willis with the Buffalo Bills, Harold Ayodele with the Chiefs have appeared in NFL Preseason games since in 2011.
Both Jeff Richards and Patrick Crayton spent time on the Emporia State coaching staff.

LISTEN & WATCH LIVE
Video webcasts for all of Emporia State's regular season games are available on a pay per view basis from the MIAA Digital Network. The MIAA Network content is available live and is immediately archived for on-demand viewing after each event.  Fans can find the action on www.themiaanetwork.com and on The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
Audio of all Emporia State games are available on KFFX 104.9FM and at www.kvoe.com with ESU Hall of Honor members Greg Rahe and Fred McClain on the call along with Tagan Trahoon on the sidelines. KFFX is in their 34th straight year as the radio home of Hornet Athletics, the longest active streak between a commercial station and an MIAA school.

DID YOU CATCH IT
The Pittsburg State game was the 22nd time the Hornets have played a game on live television since 1997. The Emporia State football game at Northwest Missouri on Saturday, November 7, 2015 was selected for the DII Football Showcase on the American Sports Network, giving the Hornets three televised games that season. For the entire six year run of the MIAA Television Network the Hornets had a home game featured, capped by their 45-34 win over Central Missouri in the 2015 home opener. The Hornets are third behind Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri for the most appearances on live television over the last ten years. The Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 game against Missouri Western was the first televised match-up of nationally ranked teams from Jones Field at Welch Stadium.

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 5-4 overall, 5-4 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 5-4 after nine games for the first time since 2018;
•make Emporia State 54-38-2 all-time against Fort Hays State;
•be the Hornets first win over the Tigers in Hays since 2013;
•be the first road win by either team in the series since 2014;
•make Coach Higgins 87-72 at Emporia State and 138-81 overall.

A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 4-5 overall, 4-5 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 4-5 after nine games for the first time since 2017;
•make Emporia State 53-39-2 all-time against Fort Hays State;
•be the sixth straight win by the home team in the series;
•make Coach Higgins 86-73 at Emporia State and 137-82 overall.

WORKING OVERTIME
• The Hornets are 6-8 in overtime games with wins in six of their last eight after dropping their first four extra period contests.
• Emporia State is 4-1 in overtime games under Garin Higgins with wins in the last four games.
• The quadruple overtime game in 2006 between Emporia State and Pittsburg State was the first MIAA regular season game to go to four overtimes and the first involving an MIAA team since Northwest Missouri's 4 OT win against Carson Newman in the 1999 National Championship Game.
• The 18 point deficit (28-10) in the second quarter at Minnesota State is the largest deficit Emporia State has overcome to win a game as an NCAA school.
• Emporia State has twice overcome a 17 point deficit at the half for a win in MIAA play. Most recently they trailed 17-0 at Neb.-Kearney before rallying for a 20-17 win in 2018. The first was against Missouri Southern in 2011 when the Hornets trailed 17-0 and eventually won 31-24 in Welch Stadium.
• Emporia State came from 17-0 down at the end of the first quarter to defeat Ft. Hays State 24-17 to open the 1992 season.