Time to Bowl: Emporia State Football takes on Southeastern Oklahoma in Live United Bowl

Football | 11/30/2022 10:19:00 PM

Game #12
#24 Emporia State Hornets (9-2, 9-2 MIAA)
vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm (6-5, 6-5 GAC)
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 • 12:00 p.m. • Razorback Stadium • Texarkana, Ark.
Series Record: SEOSU Leads 1-0 Current Streak: SEOSU 1 Win
Last Meeting: SEOSU 37, ESU 34 (December 4, 2021 - Live United Bowl)
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 11:00 a.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): LiveUnitedBowl.com
Live Stats • Ticket Info  • Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: ESU vs. Lincoln
August 31/September 2, 2023 • Jones Field at Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.

DEJA VU
The #24 Hornets take on Southeastern Oklahoma in the Farmer's Bank and Trust Live United Bowl in a rematch of last year's game. 

LAST TIME OUT
Emporia State and had the ball at the Northwest Missouri two yard line with 1:12 left but could not complete the comeback in a 27-21 loss. Northwest took a 13-0 lead with 13:16 left in the second quarter. Dawson Hammes scooped up a fumble and scored from 17 yards out  and  Emporia State trailed 13-7 with 10:54 left in the half. The Bearcats answered and took a 20-7 lead into the half. Braden Gleason would score on a one yard rush with 11:04 left in the third to pull ESU back within one score. Northwest went back up 27-14 with 5:34 left in the third.  Gleason ran it in from three yards out to pull the Hornets within 27-21 with 7:07 left in the game. The Hornet defense stopped the Bearcats on third and six with 2:40 left.  Gleason's final pass was intercepted with 48 seconds left.  
Gleason went 26 of 44 for 198 yards and added seven yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Corey Thomas had five receptions for 67 yards. Hammes had 12 tackles a forced fumble and fumble return for a touchdown while Rafe Goucher had ten tackles.  

THE COACH
Garin Higgins has a career record of 147-86 in his 20th season as a head coach. He is 96-77 in his 15th season at his alma mater and is 77-40 since the start of the 2012 season. He is the eighth winningest coach in MIAA history and ranks second among active coaches. He has led the Hornets to the post season in six of the last nine 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 5-4 in the postseason with Emporia State. He is 0-1 against Southeastern Oklahoma.
Tyler Fenwick is 16-18 in his third season at Southeastern Oklahoma and is 53-47 in nine seasons as a head coach. He is 2-0 in the post season and 1-0 against Emporia State.


SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 8-3 on the year and ranked #24 in the AFCA National Poll. They lead the MIAA in total offense and are fourth in scoring offense. Emporia State had a league high total of 21 student-athletes earn All-MIAA recognition with six - receiver Corey Thomas, offensive lineman Conner Lierz, defensive lineman Jordan Williams, linebacker Dawson Hammes, defensive back Jaedon Pool and punter Ross Brungardt - earning first-team honors. Quarterback Braden Gleason is a nominee for the Harlon Hill Trophy while Lierz was a nominee for the Gene Upshaw Award. Emporia State was the only team to rank in the top four of the MIAA in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense.

SCOUTING THE SAVAGE STORM
Southeastern Oklahoma went 6-5 on the season. Quarterback Daulton Hatley, receiver Marquis Gray, offensive lineman DeJante Granger, and linebacker Maalik Hall were named First-Team All-GAC, with a total of 11 Southeastern players garnering all-conference recognition.  They are third in the GAC in scoring a 35.1 points per game while giving up 30.9 points to rank sixth  defensively.

THE SERIES
Southeastern Oklahoma leads the all-time series 1-0 after winning last season's Live United Bowl.

LAST TIME VS. SOUTHEASTERN OK.
In a bowl game that mirrored seven of Emporia State's regular season games the Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl came down to the final seconds as Southeastern Oklahoma pulled out a 37-34 victory with six seconds left.  There were 994 yards of total offense and four ties as neither team took more than a seven point lead in the contest. Braden Gleason finished the game 25 of 40 for 309 yards and three touchdowns while adding 33 yards on seven carries.  Corey Thomas had 103 yeards on six catches with a touchdown while Jaylen Varner had nine catches for 87 yards.  Canaan Brooks gained 108 yards on 19 rushes with a touchdown.
 
UP NEXT
The Hornets are schedule to open the 2023 season on either August 31 or September 2 against Lincoln on Jones Field at Welch Stadium.

KNOW THE FOE
This is the second official meeting between Emporia State and Southeastern Oklahoma State and a rematch of last year's Farmers Bank & Trust Live United Bowl.  Last year the Savage Storm came in at 8-3 while the Hornets were 6-5. The two teams did scrimmage each other in April of 2020 as part of the abbreviated spring COVID season. Both schools began as "Normal Schools" for the purpose of educating teachers.

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 81-43 since then. Of the 43 losses, 20 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 120 games since then Emporia State is averaging 32.95 points while giving up 26.78 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
The Hornets have gone 14-3 in non-conference games under Garin Higgins and are 25-8 outside the MIAA in the 21st century. Since joining the MIAA, ESU is 34-13 in non-conference games and has lost only four 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.

BOWL HISTORY
The Hornets are 4-3 all-time in bowl games and have won their last three of their last four - the 2018 Corsicana Bowl, the 2012 Kanza Bowl, and the 2002 Mineral Water Bowl.

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 77-17 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with a 72-12 record in their last 84 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 44 games under Coach Higgins with a 42-2 record in those games. The Hornets have won 22 games when allowing their opponents 28 or more points under coach Higgins, but Emporia State has only won 19 games when the Hornets have scored less than 28 points, most recently the 24-21 victory at Missouri Southern this season. 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.

NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State is allowing an average of 21.2 points per game through 11 games.  That is the lowest defensive scoring average for the Hornets since allowing 18.1 points per game during their MIAA Championship season of 2003. Emporia State is 54-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins

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 29 national championship games, including ten of the last 16 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 51-26 in the NCAA Playoffs and 21-8 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 72-34 against non-conference opponents. The Hornets join Northwest Missouri (1996-99, 2002, 2004-11, 2013, 2015-16, 2021), 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.  Seven 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. The RiverHawks made the NAIA National Championship game four times and won the title in 1994. Northeastern State also 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

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets are ranked fourth in the nation in completion percentage, ninth in third down conversions and passing offense, 11th in sacks allowed and 18th in total offense.   

QUARTERBACKS
To say Coach Garin Higgins has had a knack for developing quarterback is putting it mildly.  Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 49 times, with 14 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. Braden Gleason was the fifth Hornet quarterback to start a postseason game since 2012 when he started the Live United Bowl. Four of the top seven individual passing games in MIAA history have come from three different Emporia State quarterbacks.

TO THE MOON
Quarterback Braden Gleason (Jr./Muldrow, Okla.) has scored or thrown a touchdown pass in 25 straight games dating back to 2019.  He is third in the nation in completions per game, sixth in completion percentage, eighth in passing yards and total offense, ninth in points responsible for per game, and 11th in touchdown passes.  
AS A JUNIOR: He as named Second-Team All-MIAA at quarterback despite leading the league in passing yards, total offense, and touchdown passes. He had 207 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns against Northwest Missouri. He was 27 of 36 for 322 yards and four touchdowns at Lincoln. He was 30 of 37 for 297 yards and four touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He threw three touchdown passes including the game winner in the fourth quarter at Missouri Southern.  He finished the game 24 of 31 for 211 yards with three touchdowns. He was 27 of 41 for 276 yards and a touchdown at Neb.-Kearney. He had his best completion percentage of the season when he went 32 of 44 for 317 yards with three touchdowns against Central Missouri. He became the first Hornet to throw for 300 yards, rush for 20 and catch a pass when he went 27 of 39 for 300 yards and four touchdowns with 22 rushing yards and a nine yard reception at Washburn. For his efforts against the Ichabods he was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week. He was 27 of 43 for 240 yards with two touchdowns and added a team best 32 yards rushing on six carries against Pittsburg State. He was named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more against Missouri Western, finishing with 261 yards on 27 of 42 passing along with 62 yards on seven rushes.  He went 28 of 44 for 411 yards and a touchdown passing and had a rushing touchdown at Central Oklahoma. He was 23 of 37 for 312 yards with three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown against Northeastern State.   
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection in 2021. He led the nation in completions, ranked ninth in completion percentage, tenth in passing yards, 13th in passing touchdowns, 14th in total offense, and 16th in points responsible for. He led the MIAA in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions while ranking second in total offense and third in completion percentage.  He went 25 of 40 for 309 yards and three touchdowns against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had 297 yards on 21 of 27 passing with four touchdowns and added 38 rushing yards in just over one half against Lincoln. He was 27 of 41 for 170 yards at Fort Hays State, going nine of ten for 70 yards and a touchdown in the last 6:20 for his first fourth quarter comeback win. 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 rushing yards with a touchdown at Central Missouri. 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 completed 28 of 40 passes for 327 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He led Emporia State to a 34-14 win against Central Oklahoma. 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.  
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.
RECORD WATCH: He has 63 touchdown passes to rank third on the Emporia State career list and is fourth with 7,082 passing yards and 7,856 yards of total offense.
This year he is currently ranked fifth in single season passing with 3,146 yards and needs 248 yards to pass himself (3,393 yards in 2021) for fourth place.
This season he ranks sixth on the ESU single season list with 3,407 yards of total offense and needs 66 yards to pass Braxton Marstall (3,472 yards in 2017) for fifth.  He is seventh in single season touchdown passes and could move up to third with three scoring throws this week.  Last year he ranked fourth on the Emporia State single season lists with 3,394 passing yards 3,727 yards of total offense and 30 touchdown passes.
He went 48 of 67 for 497 yards and finished with 546 yards of total offense against Central Missouri in 2021 to set the MIAA record for completions and the ESU record for pass attempts. He was second in ESU and MIAA history to Brent Wilson's 571 yards of total offense set against UCO in 2013 while his 497 passing yards are third all-time in the MIAA behind Wilson's 522 against UCO in 2013 and UCM's Brooke Bolles against MWSU in 2019.

IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Soph./Tulsa, Okla.) has appeared in four games this year.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played most of the third quarter and all of the fourth at Lincoln, completing three of four passes for 14 yards. He went two for two for 13 yards against Fort Hays State. He was two for two for 18 yards against Central Missouri. He saw his first action of the season in the fourth quarter against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He saw his first action as a Hornet against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors as he led Lincoln Christian HS to an undefeated state championship in Oklahoma Class 3A.

PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS
Quarterback Liam Thornton (Fr.-RS/Mesquite, Texas) was a second-team All-District 10-6A selection for North Mesquite HS in Texas.

RECEIVERS
Eight wide receivers have at least one reception of ten yards on the year while six have at least a 25 yard reception. Four receivers have caught multiple touchdowns on the season. Three Hornet receivers rank in the top 20 of the MIAA in receiving yards and the top eight of touchdown receptions.

SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT
Receiver Corey Thomas (Sr./Topeka, Kan.) was a First-Team All-MIAA performer this season after being an honorable mention All-MIAA selection as a junior.  
AS A SENIOR: He is third in the MIAA in receiving yards per game while ranking sixth in the league in catches and eighth in touchdown receptions. He has at least a 20 yard reception in nine of his ten games. He had 67 yards on five catches with a long of 38 against Northwest Missouri. He had 57 yards on seven catches at Missouri Southern. He had seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown at Neb.-Kearney. The touchdown as a 65 yarder on the second play from scrimmage for ESU. He had a career high 111 yards on six catches against Central Missouri. He had four catches for 60 yards and a touchdown at Washburn.  He caught five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburg State. He four catches for 65 yards including a 54 yard touchdown against Missouri Western. He had a career best 79 yard touchdown catch at Central Oklahoma.
AS A JUNIOR: He was tenth in the MIAA in receptions per game. He averaged 5.3 catches for 64.3 yards over his last four games of 2021 highlighted by a six catch, 103 yard performance with a touchdown in the Live United Bowl. He had six catches for 75 yards including a 57 yard touchdown against Lincoln. He had seven catches for 60 yards and a two point conversion at Fort Hays State. 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 against Washburn. He had six catches for 92 yards at Pittsburg 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 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.

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Soph./Marshall, Mo.) earned Third-Team All-MIAA honors. He is third in the MIAA in receiving touchdowns and tenth in receptions per game.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has five touchdowns in his last four games.  He had five catches for 37 yards against Northwest Missouri. He had a 58 yard touchdown among his four catches for 76 yards at Lincoln. He had seven catches for 96 yards with two touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He caught six passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns at Mo. Southern. He had two catches for 14 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had a season high six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown at Washburn. He had a six yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had three receptions for 47 yards including a 37 yarder and a seven yard touchdown against Mo. Western. He caught four passes for 48 yards at Central Okla. He two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 12th in the MIAA in receptions per game as a freshman. He had 39 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns. He had a team high five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had a 30 yard touchdown reception against Lincoln. 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.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Soph./Haysville, Kan.) was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection this year. He is third in the MIAA in touchdown receptions, eighth in receptions and 16th in receiving yards per game.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has a touchdown reception in six of the last eight games. He had 27 yards on three catches against Northwest Missouri. He had three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had a touchdown catch against Fort Hays State. He had career highs of ten catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Central Missouri. He had a 16 yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He had three catches for 42 yards including a 16 yard touchdown against Pittsburg State. He caught six passes for 45 yards against Missouri Western. He had four catches for 21 yards at Central Okla. He had a team high six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown at Missouri Southern. He led Emporia State with five touchdown receptions and finished the season with 34 catches for 428 yards. He had three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had a 16 yard reception against Lincoln. 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 for Campus.

FORMULA ONE
Receiver Cole Schumacher (Sr./Rossville, Kan.) earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA recognition this season.
AS A SENIOR: He is 12th in the MIAA catches. He had 33 yards on three receptions against Northwest Missouri. He had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had 52 yards on six catches at Neb.-Kearney. He caught four passes for 35 yards against Central Missouri. He had six catches for 39 yards at Washburn. He had five catches for 32 yards against Pitt State, including two fourth down conversions. He caught four passes for 33 yards with a touchdown against Missouri Western. He had four catches for 32 yards at Central Okla. He had a 37 yard touchdown reception at the end of the first half against Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was the second leading receiver for the Hornets with 40 catches. 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 caught six passes for 42 yards and a game tying touchdown at Pitt State. He caught four passes for 58 yards against Central Okla. He had three catches for 77 yards with a 70 yard touchdown at Northeastern State.
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 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 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.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Class 3A receiver and three-time state champion at Rossville HS.

STRONG ONE
Receiver Dexton Swinehart (Sr./Lyndon, Kan.) has 103 career catches for 1,039 yards in 34 games.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a 34 yard kickoff return against Northwest Missouri and finished with 82 all purpose yards. He had 78 yards on five catches at Lincoln. He had eight catches for 75 yards against Fort Hays State. He caught four passes for 37 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had four catches for 37 yards against Central Missouri. He had 58 yards on three receptions at Washburn. He caught two passes for 19 yards and had a 30 yard kickoff return against Pittsburg State. He had two kick returns with a long of 32 yards against the Griffons.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He caught 38 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns in 2021. He caught a 24 yard touchdown pass against Lincoln. 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 40 yards on six receptions against Central Missouri. 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.

WHERE THERE'S A WIL
Receiver Wil Amos (Jr./Afton, Okla.) has been hampered by injuries for most of his career and was limited to five games in 2021 due to injuries and finished with 19 catches for 136 yards.
AS A JUNIOR: He had two catches for ten yards against Northwest Missouri. He had a two yard catch against Fort Hays State after missing two games with an injury. He had a 13 yard reception at Washburn and was one for one for nine yards throwing the ball. He had four receptions for 31 yards against Pitt State. He had two catches for 41 yards including a 33 yarder at Central Okla.
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 498 yards on 39 catches in nine games. 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 had 25 rushing yards on four carries and added three receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown against Central Okla. He had five catches for 63 yards including a 42 yard touchdown at Mo. Southern. He had two receptions for 40 yards including a 34 yarder at Mo. Western. He had four catches for 54 yards including a 36 yard touchdown against Central Missouri. He had 40 yards on two catches at Fort Hays State. He had 12 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln.  He had four catches for 51 yards against Neb.-Kearney including a 36 yarder.  
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.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Receiver Zion Jones (Soph./Wichita, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a ten yard catch at Neb.-Kearney. He had 83 all-purpose yards with a five yard reception and 78 yards on kick returns, including a career best 64 yarder to open the game. He had 78 all-purpose yards against Northeastern State, finishing with one catch for 11 yards and two kick returns for 67 yards.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a 17 yard reception against Lincoln.  He caught a nine yard pass against Fort Hays State. He had two receptions for 12 yards at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-City League and two-time All-State selection at Wichita Northwest HS.

TY-RRIFIC
Receiver Tyreek Robinson (Soph./Kissimmee, Fla.) also plays basketball for the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He hauled in his first career reception for 13 yards against Central Missouri.
ON THE BASKETBALL COURT: He had a career high 11 points against Northwest Missouri in the 2021 MIAA Tournament. He scored six points and matched his career high with eight rebounds in his first career start at Central Oklahoma as a freshman in 2019-20.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He averaged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game at Gateway HS. He only played football as a senior but had several NCAA Division I offers.

DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY
Receiver Chris McGee (Soph./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Sunflower League and honorable mention Class 6A All-State selection for Lawrence HS.

KNOW YOUR CHECKS
Receiver Jackson Novacek (Soph./Olathe,Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an honorable mention All-Sunflower League selection. His father Jay played baseball for the Hornets.

S-BACK
The Stinger Back is a hybrid position between a tight end, receiver and full back for the Hornets.

THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Soph./Overland Park, Kan.) was named honorable mention All-MIAA as a tight end/fullback.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had 28 yards on three receptions at Missouri Southern. He had four catches for 45 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had a seven yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He caught three passes for 25 yards against Pittsburg State. He had a 27 yard catch against Missouri Western. He had three catches for 46 yards at Central Oklahoma. He caught two passes for 28 yards against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 24 catches for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He had two catches including a 31 yard touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had three catches for 62 yards against Lincoln. He had a career high nine receptions for 99 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two catches, both for touchdowns, for 23 yards at Missouri Western. He caught two passes for 31 yards including his first career touchdown against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned all-league honors at both tight end and defensive line for Blue Valley Southwest HS. He was a KFBCA All-State pick on the defensive line and was named a Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association MoKan All Star.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Quarterback Jack Diamond (Sr./Shawnee, Okla.) has transitioned from quarterback to S-Back this year for the Hornets. He is the holder on field goals and PATs.
AS A JUNIOR: He was two for three for 44 yards and added a two carries for ten yards and a touchdown against Lincoln. His first pass 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

FAMILY AFFAIR
S-Back Case Cochran (Jr./Cashion, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a four yard catch at Lincoln
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in three games last season and had a nine yard kick return against Lincoln.
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.

BARNYARD
S-Back Jordan Barnard (Fr./Olpe, Kan.) has made the travel squad as a true freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a KFBCA All-State tight end, a 2020 Grasslands All-Star Team First-Team tight end, a Sports In Kansas Class 1A All Senior State Team tight end, a Topeka Capital First-Team All-State tight end and a Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State wide receiver.

DALTON GANG
S-Back Dalton Cowan (Sr./Topeka, Kan.) was named second-team All-MIAA at all-purpose back but has missed the last six games with an injury. He was re-injured in training camp and will now help coach for the remainder of the fall. He is believed to be the only player in Emporia State history to have over 250 rushing, 300 receiving and 1,500 passing yards with at least three rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns in his career.

RUNNING BACKS
The Hornet running backs had combined for at least 100 yards rushing in six straight games with 183 yards at Lincoln. Emporia State had a season high 277 yards rushing with 241 coming from running backs on 33 carries. Running backs combined for 195 yards on 32 carries against Central Missouri after getting 147 yards on 37 rushes at Washburn. They had 27 yards on 14 carries against Pittsburg State after combining to gain 120 yards on 34 carries against Missouri Western. They were limited to 52 yards on 22 carries at Central Oklahoma after going for 123 yards on 24 carries for an average of 5.1 yards per carry with two touchdowns against Northeastern State.

SPEEDSTER
Running back Billy Ross Jr. (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) was named Third-Team All-MIAA. He is fifth in the MIAA in rushing yards and touchdowns and sixth in all-purpose yards.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high 200 all-purpose yards including 147 rushing yards at Lincoln. He ran for two touchdowns and finished with 13 carries for 46 yards against Fort Hays State while adding 49 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. He had 44 yards on ten carries at Missouri Southern. He had a career high 150 yards rushing on 16 carries at Neb.-Kearney - all of it in the final three quarters. He had nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown against Central Missouri. He had 54 rushing, 13 receiving and 11 return yards at Washburn with a rushing touchdown. He had a 30 yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had 99 yards on 26 carries and added 15 yards on five receptions against Missouri Western. At Central Oklahoma and caught seven passes for 96 yards and added 23 yards on eight carries. He had 59 yards on six carries against Northeastern State including a 35 yard touchdown run.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner. He had 292 yards on 95 carries while catching 28 passes for 285 yards. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average. He had 66 all-purpose yards at Northwest Missouri including a season's best 38 yard kick-off return. He had 95 all-purpose yards against Lincoln with 48 on the ground, 19 receiving and 28 in returns. He had 123 all-purpose yards on 13 touches against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 63 yard touchdown reception 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 and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. 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 competed in two outdoor and three 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.

PROMISED LAND
Running back Canaan Brooks (Jr./St. Louis, Mo.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA pick. He is 11th in the MIAA in total rushing yards despite missing four games with injury.  
AS A SENIOR: He had 49 yards on 12 carries against Northwest Missouri after missing two games with an injury. He gained 60 yards on 20 carries at Missouri Southern. He had 85 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns at Neb.-Kearney. He gained a season high 134 yards on 17 carries and added six receiving yards against Central Missouri. He had 92 yards on 20 carries with a three yard reception at Washburn. He returned to the lineup against Pitt State and had 30 yards on nine carries after missing two games with an injury. He carried the ball 14 times for 58 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He earned Second-Team All-MIAA honors last year. He was fourth in the MIAA in rushing yards per game, fifth in rushing touchdowns and 11th in all-purpose yards. In the six games that he carried the ball at least 12 times, he averaged 100.8 yards per game with seven of his eight rushing touchdowns on the season. He had 108 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had two carries for 23 yards against Lincoln. He scored both touchdowns for Emporia State at Fort Hays State, finishing with 90 rushing yards on 12 carries and 23 yards on six receptions. He finished 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.
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.

THE KINGSMAN
Running back Kingsley Bennett (Fr./Garland, Texas) is playing a true freshman for the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had ten carries for 36 yards at Lincoln. He had a career high 65 yards on nine carries with a 38 yarder against Fort Hays State. He gained 21 yards on eight carries against Missouri Western. He had 62 yards on nine touches at Central Oklahoma including a 35 yard long reception. He had 47 all-purpose yards on seven touches against Northeastern State. He rushed four times for six yards, had two catches for 16 yards and a kick return for 25 yards.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: In eight games as a senior at Naaman Forest HS he rushed for 1,336 yards on 157 carries with 18 touchdowns and had 16 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-District running back and First-Team kick/punt returner honors.

LIFE OF PETZ
Running back Jack Petz (Jr./Lenexa, Kan.) has returned to running back after playing S-Back last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three carries for six yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had 17 yards on three carries against Central Missouri. He gained 15 yards on eight carries at Central Oklahoma.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had nine carries for 63 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He got the start against Washburn and had one receptions. He had one catch for five yards against Central Missouri. He had a three yard catch at Pittsburg State. He had seven carries for 28 yards as a running back against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State and First-Team All-EKL pick for St. James Academy. He was a 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl pick and a three time state medalist in diving.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets offensive line has four players that earned All-MIAA honors this year. So far this year they are ranked 11th in the nation in sacks allowed, giving up 11 sacks in 460 drop backs.

MEET THE CONNER
Center Conner Lierz (Sr./Manhattan,Kan.) was a First-Team All-MIAA selection at center.  He has started all 23 games he has played in for the Hornets.
AS A SENIOR: He has 61.5 knockdowns including a career 14.5 against Central Missouri. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against both Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was named Second-Team All-MIAA at guard. He had a team high 50 knockdowns on the season. He was named Squarehead Award winner for the fourth time this season against Missouri Southern. He earned the Squarehead Award against Neb.-Kearney. He was named the Offensive MVP at Central Missouri by the coaches. He recorded 8.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He earned his second straight Squarehead Award at Mo. Western. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Central Okla. He had a team high eight knockdowns at Northeastern State.
AT HUTCHINSON CC: He transferred to ESU from Hutchinson CC in December 2019. He was an honorable mention All-Jayhawk performer for the Blue Dragons.

X MARKS THE SPOT
Tackle Xavier Cason (Sr./Junction City, Kan.) was named Second-Team All-MIAA. He has played in 41 games with 26 starts in his career.
AS A SENIOR: He has a team high 64.5 knockdowns on the season including a career best 11.5 at Neb.-Kearney and ten against Central Missouri. He is a five-time Squarehead Award winner against Lincoln, Fort Hays State, Neb.-Kearney, Central Missouri and Pitt State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection. He averaged 3.5 knockdowns per game. He was named Squarehead Award winner at Fort Hays State. He earned the Squarehead Award against Central Missouri. He had a team high five knockdowns against Central Oklahoma. He had five knockdowns at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was named the Squarehead Award winner after the Northwest Missouri game. He made his first start against UNK 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.

NO LONGER A FRESHMAN PHENOM
Guard Hayden Reed (Sr./Celina, Texas) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection. He moved to guard against Missouri Western. He is in his sixth year with the Hornets and has already graduated. He has started all 46 games for Emporia State over his career.
AS A SENIOR: He has 45 knockdowns so far this year. He had six knockdowns and was named Squarehead Award winner at Missouri Southern. He moved to guard against Missouri Western and earned the Squarehead Award against the Griffons.
AS A JUNIOR: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection at center. He averaged 2.4 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.

THE INFERNO
Guard Dante Smith-Posey (Soph./Lenexa, Kan.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He is third on the team with 50 knockdowns this season. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 1.6 knockdowns per game. He 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.

A GOOD MAN
Tackle Carlos Guzman (Soph./Denver, Colo.) moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has 33 knockdowns on the year. He recorded a career high 13 knockdowns to rank second in the team against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-Conference and Offensive MVP for Bear Creek HS.

SHERMAN'S MARCH
Tackle Sherman Deaton (Soph./Fountain, Colo.) is in his third year with the Hornets. He has started 16 games in his career.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has 20.5 knockdowns this year. He came off the bench to have five knockdowns against Central Missouri.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 2.2 knockdowns per game as a red-shirt freshman. He started all 12 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.

AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Jr./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.

HULL CITY
Tackle Josh Hull (Soph./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.

TALON OF POWER
Guard Talon Wheeler (Fr.-RS/Broken Arrow, Okla.) was a First team All-District Offensive Line honoree and the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at Broken Arrow HS.

LIFE OF RILEY
Offensive lineman Riley Philbern (So./Hoisington, Kan.) was a First-Team Kansas All-State Class 2A pick and a unanimous First-Team All-League selection for Hoisington HS.

NOTTING HILL
Tackle Caleb Nott (Fr.-RS/Wichita, Kan.) was the starting right tackle for 10-1 Wichita Northwest HS and a three-year varsity athlete.

DEFENSE
Emporia State is ranked third in the MIAA in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. They are giving up 21.2 points per game, the lowest per game average since allowing 18.1 points per game in the 2003 season. After finishing last in the MIAA in yards allowed per pass completion last year, the Hornets have given up just 6.2 yards per pass attempt and 10.2 yards per completion this year with only 13 plays going over 25 yards and four plays over 40 yards.

LINEBACKERS
All three starting linebackers for the Hornets are ranked in the top 16 of the MIAA in tackles.

DAWSON'S CREEK
Linebacker Dawson Hammes (Sr./Rossville, Kan.) earned First-Team All-MIAA honors.  
AS A SENIOR: He is fourth in the MIAA in tackles and tied for 2nd in interceptions. He had 12 tackles and a scoop and score fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He was credited with ten tackles at Lincoln. He had eight tackles and a sack against Fort Hays State. He had ten tackles, and a tackle for loss at Missouri Southern. He led Emporia State with eight tackles and a pass breakup against Central Missouri. He had a team high eight tackles at Washburn. He had a career high 14 tackles against Pittsburg State with 1.5 tackles for loss. He had nine tackles, eight of them solo, and an interception at Central Oklahoma.
AS A JUNIOR: He was an honorable mention All-MIAA performer. He ranked fifth in the MIAA in total tackles, eighth in solo tackles and 16th in tackles for loss. He was credited with seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles and a forced fumble against Lincoln. He was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after recording 12 tackles at Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles against Missouri Southern. He had nine tackles with 1.0 TFL against Neb.-Kearney. 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, and a sack 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. He had five tackles and a forced fumble against Central Oklahoma. He recorded nine tackles at Missouri Southern. He had 11 tackles with 1.5 TFL against Washburn. He had a team high nine tackles with a sack at Lincoln. He recorded six tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had seven tackles at Pittsburg State with a sack.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in all 11 games. He had 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 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.

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Soph./Kingfisher, Okla.) is 21st in the nation and second in the MIAA in fumble recoveries. He is ranked 16th in the league in tackles.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had nine tackles against Northwest Missouri. He recorded nine tackles and half a sack at Lincoln. He had eight tackles, a career high two sacks and a pass break up against Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Missouri Southern. He had six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with one tackle against Central Missouri and at Washburn. He had four tackles against Pittsburg State.  He had eight tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He recorded a career high 11 tackles at Central Oklahoma with a pass break up. He had six tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high five tackles against Lincoln as a red-shirt freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned first-team All-State honors as a senior with 98 tackles, 15 TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles.  He was a part of Kingfisher HS state championship basketball team.

PROCESSIONAL
Linebacker Cade Harelson (Sr./Davenport, Okla.) was honorable mention All-MIAA last year.
AS A SENIOR: He is 13th in the MIAA in tackles per game and is tied for 22nd in interceptions. He recorded eight tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had eight tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded six tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with six solo tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception at Washburn.  He had nine tackles with a TFL against Pittsburg State. He had nine tackles including an assisted tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He was credited with nine tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had nine tackles, an assisted sack against Northeastern State.
AS A JUNIOR: He finished fifth in the MIAA in tackles, 10th in sacks, and 13th in tackles for loss per game. He had 11 tackles, nine of them solo, at Northwest Missouri. He had 12 tackles at Fort Hays State. 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 against Washburn. He had seven tackles at Pittsburg State. He had 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 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.
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.

TAKE A CHANCE
Linebacker Chance Rodriguez (Jr./Holcomb, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a sack among his three tackles at Lincoln. He had two tackles against Fort Hays State. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri. He had two tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had a career high six tackles against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles, two of them solo, against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles with a tackle for loss against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: 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 All-Area performer at tight end and linebacker.

BARGE RIGHT IN
Linebacker Jack Barger (Jr./De Soto, Kan.) has already graduated but is only a junior in eligibility. He is also the Hornet's primary long snapper.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with four tackles and two quarterback hurries at Lincoln. He had three tackles against Fort Hays State. He had four tackles and downed a punt at the one yard line at Neb.-Kearney. He had four solo tackles and a sack against Central Missouri. He had four tackles against Pittsburg State. He was credited with five tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He saw action in all 11 games last season and finished with eight tackles. He had two tackles in his first career start against Lincoln. He assisted on the stop on the Tigers two-point attempt at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles at Mo. Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two interceptions during the Hornets spring scrimmage against Southeastern Oklahoma, returning one 43 yards and the other 11 yards. Played in ten regular season 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.

LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Soph./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two tackles against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-League and First-Team All-District at Desmet Jesuit HS.

THE SUITE LIFE
Linebacker Zach Dortch Jr. (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had three tackles including a sack at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was 6A-2 Conference Player of the Year for Putnam City North HS and was named First-Team All-Big 10 Conference

JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Linebacker David Johnson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) had two assisted tackles at Lincoln. He had a solo tackle at Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He is a graduate of Lawrence Free State HS.

MR. TAMBOURINE MAN
Linebacker Dylan Roach (Soph./Overland Park, Kan.) was a two time All-EKL Honorable Mention pick. He was the career leading tackler at Blue Valley West HS. His father Noel Roach played for the Hornets.

MONDO SIZE
Linebacker Caleb Mondi (Soph./Lawrence, Kan.) earned Lawrence Journal World First-Team All-Area, Second-Team All-Sunflower League and Honorable Mention All-State honors at Lawrence HS.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets have 11.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss from their defensive line this season.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Jr./St Louis, Mo.) earned First-Team All-MIAA honors.
AS A JUNIOR: He is seventh in the MIAA in sacks and tenth in tackles for loss. He had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, 1.5 TFL and three quarterback hurries at Lincoln. He recorded five tackles and two sacks against Fort Hays State. He had five tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles and a quarterback hurry at Neb.-Kearney. He recorded two solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with three tackles, an assisted tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry against Pittsburg State. He had two tackles and broke up a pass against Missouri Western. He was credited with six tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had a team and career high ten tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was Second-Team All-MIAA He finished seventh in the MIAA in total tackles for loss and eighth in total sacks. He averaged 5.5 tackles per game over the final six games. He had six tackles and a hurry against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had seven tackles with a sack at Northwest Missouri. He had three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and seven total tackles at Fort Hays State. 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 (Soph./El Reno, Okla.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA pick.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded a career high ten tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had four tackles and 1.5 sacks against Fort Hays State. He was credited with two tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded two tackles, one for a loss at Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles against Central Missouri including an assisted tackle for loss. He had three tackles, one for a loss at Washburn. He recorded three tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss against Pittsburg State. He had a fumble recovery against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was named honorable mention All-MIAA. He started the last seven games of the year. He had two solo tackles against Lincoln. He had three tackles including a sack at Fort Hays State. 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.

ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Soph./Overland Park, Kan.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles, 1.5 TFL and a key sack late at Missouri Southern. He was credited with five tackles and two quarterback hurries at Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo tackle for loss against Central Missouri. He had two tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He was credited with three tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles and a sack against Missouri Western. He had an assisted tackle at Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He missed four games with an injury. He had a solo tackle for loss against Lincoln. 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 at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.

BECKER ADDITION
Defensive lineman Daniel Becker (Soph./Conway Springs, Kan.) has steadily progressed through his four years with Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high 2.5 sacks at Lincoln. He recorded two assisted tackles against Pittsburg State. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He 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.

BEAR DOWN
Defensive lineman Maquay Shaw (Jr./Haskell, Okla.) provides size in the interior of the D-line.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three tackles and a quarterback hurry at Lincoln. He forced a fumble and had two tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He had two assists against Central Missouri. He was credited with two assisted tackles against Pittsburg State. He had a solo tackle against Missouri Western. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was in on five tackles against Lincoln. 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.

BOOMER SOONER
Defensive lineman Charlie Suenram (Soph./Edmond, Okla.) has shown steady progress during his time at Emporia State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was credited with two solo tackles at Central Oklahoma. He also had two solo tackles against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team COAC All-Conference and Honorable Mention OCA All-State selection. He recorded 80 tackles with seven sacks.

ADAMS FAMILY
Defensive lineman C.J. Adams (Fr.-RS/Enid, Okla.) had half a tackle for loss at Neb.-Kearney. He blocked at PAT against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-District selection. He was the co-defensive tackle of the year and earned VYPE Oklahoma Athlete of the Month honors for Enid HS.

DOCTOR LIVINGSTON
Defensive lineman Myles Livingston (Jr./Emporia, Kan.) transferred to Emporia State from Kansas State. He was a First-Team All-Centennial League pick for Emporia HS.

TEE IT UP
Defensive lineman Tee Preisner (Soph./Allen, Kan.) was a First-Team All-State Class 3A as senior after earning honorable mention All-State as a junior at Northern Heights HS.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Hornets are third in the MIAA in pass defense. Three different Hornet defensive backs have at least one interception.

JUMP IN THE POOL
Safety Jaedon Pool (Sr./Midwest City, Okla.) was a First-Team All-MIAA selection. He is the co-president of the ESU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
AS A SENIOR: He is 16th in the MIAA in tackles. He had eight tackles at Lincoln. He led ESU in tackles with ten at Missouri Southern and nine at Neb.-Kearney. He had six tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass break up against Central Missouri. He was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven solo tackles, two pass break ups and recovering an on-side kick at Washburn. He had eight tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had five tackles at Central Okla.
AS A JUNIOR: He earned Third-Team All-MIAA honors. He was ninth in the MIAA with nine total passes defended and 12th with two interceptions. He had four tackles and a pass break up against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He was credited with a career high ten solo tackles  at Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles at Fort Hays State. He had six tackles with a tackle for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five tackles at Central Missouri. Against Washburn he had seven tackles, broke up a two point conversion and recovered an 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 Pitt State. He had 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. He was on back-to-back State Championship football teams and the 2017 Track & Field State Championship team.  

MAXWELL HOUSE
Safety Derrick Maxwell (Soph./Chicago, Ill.) was named Second-Team All-MIAA. He is tied for the MIAA lead in interceptions while ranking 11th in the league in passes defended. He is second in the league and 26th in the nation in forced fumbles.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a 40 yard interception return at Lincoln. He led ESU with eight tackles against Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles and an assisted tackle for loss at Missouri Southern. He recorded six tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He forced two fumbles against Central Missouri. He was credited with six tackles at Washburn. He had a career high eight tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had six tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and an interception return of 28 yards against Missouri Western. He had six tackles at Central Oklahoma. He was credited with six tackles, three pass break ups, a tackle for loss and an interception against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in ten games with a start against Central Missouri. 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.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA. He is tied for ninth in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a pass break up and half a tackle for loss with two tackles against Fort Hays State. He had three tackles and a pass break up at Missouri Southern. He was credited with three tackles and a pass break up at Neb.-Kearney. He had three solo stops with one for a loss against Central Missouri. He had two interceptions and six tackles against Pittsburg State. He was credited with four solo tackles against Missouri Western. He had five tackles, four of them solo, at Central Oklahoma. He recorded four tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was 22nd in the MIAA in passes defended while starting five of 12 games. He had five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass break up at Fort Hays State. 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.

PAPAL AUTHORITY
Safety Chris Pope (Jr./Edmond, Okla.) is a graduate transfer from NCAA FCS Northern Colorado.
AS A JUNIOR: He did not play the last two games with an injury. He had a pass break up and two tackles against Fort Hays State. He had three tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded six tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five tackles against Central Missouri. He had four tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He had a career high nine tackles against Pittsburg State. He had five solo tackles, two of them for a loss at Central Okla. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AT NORTHERN COLORADO: He played in seven games last season. He saw action in three games as a redshirt-freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Edmond Memorial HS. He lettered in football,basketball and track.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Cornerback Roderick Farmer (Fr.-TR/Memphis, Tenn.) is a transfer from Coffeyville CC.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five tackles against Central Missouri. He recorded two solo tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He recorded on solo tackle in his first start for the Hornets against Missouri Western. He had three tackles and two pass break ups at Central Oklahoma. He had one tackle against Northeastern State but was featured on ESPN's College Game Day TikTok account for his post game dance moves.
PREVIOUSLY: He spent last season at Coffeyville CC after originally signing with Delta State after graduating from White Station HS in Memphis.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Soph./Oklahoma City HS) is tied for 11th in the MIAA in fumble recoveries.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five tackles and a fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass break ups at Lincoln. He had five solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with four tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions. He had four tackles against Lincoln and at Fort Hays State. 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. He had three tackles and an interception at Central Missouri. He had a fumble recovery against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was Honorable Mention OCA All-State and All-City for Putnam City HS.

SAFETY FIRST
Cornerback Khalil Rasheed (Soph./Coppell, Texas) is tied for 26th in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had four tackles and forced a fumble against Northwest Missouri. He had two pass break ups at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Fort Hays State. He had two tackles at Missouri Southern in his return to action after missing three games with an injury. He recorded one tackle at Central Okla. He had four tackles, an assisted TFL and an interception against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in all 12 games last year as a red-shirt freshman, getting a start in the Live United Bowl. 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 Pittsburg 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.

LIKE A PORSCHE
Defensive back Christian Carrera (Fr.-RS/Dumas, Texas) was credited with a solo tackle against Central Missouri. He had three tackles and a pass break up against Missouri Western. He recorded two solo tackles including a tackle for loss at Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Districtselction as a senior after earning Second-Team All-District as a junior. He also participated in track and reached regionals as a sophomore.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Defensive back Andrew Kayhill (Soph./Greenwood, Mo.) is in his third year with the Hornets and may play at both the safety and cornerback position.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a fumble recovery against Fort Hays State. He was credited with a solo tackle at Neb.-Kearney. He had an assisted tackle against Central Missouri. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He as a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Lee's Summit West HS.

BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Soph./Ada, Okla.) had a solo tackle against Northwest Missouri. He had assisted tackles against both Pittsburg State and Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the District Defensive Player of the Year and a Class 5A Oklahoma All-Star for Ada HS.

SIM CITY
Safety Mike Sims (Sr./Woodbridge, Va.) is a graduate transfer from Central Washington.
AS A SENIOR: He had a pass breakup and an assisted tackle against Missouri Western.
AT CENTRAL WASHINGTON: He appeared in 10 of 11 games for the Wildcats and finished the season with 15 total tackles.

ELLIS ISLAND
Defensive back Chris Ellis (Soph./Stillwater, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned 6A-II Oklahoma All-State and 6A-II All-Conference District 1 honors and was named the Conference Defensive Player of the Year for Stillwater HS.

STEAK
Defensive back Kobe Holley (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State. He spent two seasons at Butler CC. He redshirted his first year and was injured his second.

DIVINE INTERVENTION
Defensive back Devin Johnson (Fr.-RS/Oklahoma City, Okla.) was the All-City Athletic Conference Player of the Year for John Marshall HS. He was a First-Team All-District performer and had over 1,000 all purpose yards and 11 touch-downs as a senior

BUFFALO BILL CODY
Defensive back Cody Ladson (Sr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-team All-Centennial League and Class 6A Honorable Mention All-State selection. He had 103 tackles, three interceptions with a touchdown and one kick return touchdown and was named Washburn Rural HS Special Teams Player of the Year.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Emporia State is ranked ninth in the nation in net punting. The Hornets have hit seven of 11 field goals this year while their opponents have on connected on just two of five attempts.

RETURN SPECIALISTS
Returner Billy Ross Jr. (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had a 21 yard punt return at Lincoln. He had an 24 yard punt return against Fort Hays State. He had a 16 yard punt return against Northeastern State in addition to his 59 rushing and 13 receiving yards.
He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner last season. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average.
Kick returner Dexton Swinehart (Jr./Lyndon, Kan.) had a 34 yard kick-off return against Northwest Missouri. He had a 32 yard kick return against Fort Hays State. He had a 21 yard kick return at Neb.-Kearny. He returned a kickoff 30 yards against Pittsburg State. He returned a kickoff 32 yards against Missouri Western.  
Kick returner Zion Jones (Soph./Wichita, Kan.) had a 19 yard kick return against Northwest Missouri. He returned the opening kickoff against Central Missouri 64 yards. He is averaging 32.8 yards per return on four kick returns.

WAY/NO WAY
Punter Ross Brungardt (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) was named First-Team All-MIAA. He is second in the MIAA and is ranked seventh in the nation in punting this season.
AS A JUNIOR: He averaged 48.8 yards on six punts against Northwest Missouri with five of the six placed inside the Bearcat 20 yard line. He was named MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week after he punted six times for an average of 40.8 yards per punt against Fort Hays State.  He placed two punts inside the FHSU 20 yard line, including a 41 yarder that was downed at the Tiger one yard line.  He also booted one that deflected off a Tiger player at the FHSU 26 yard line and was recovered by the Hornets. He had two key fourth quarter punts that were inside the 20 yard line at Mo. Southern including a career best 69 yarder with 12 seconds left. Two of his four punts at Neb.-Kearney were inside the Loper 20 yard line.  He averaged 38.0 yards per punt against Central Missouri and the Mules averaging starting field position was inside their own 30 yard when he punted. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt at Washburn and forced two fair catches while placing two inside the 20 yard line at Washburn. He averaged 40.3 yards on three punts against Pittsburg State with two of them going inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 46.3 yards on seven punts against Missouri Western.  His first punt went 64 yards against the wind and was downed at the four yard line. Two plays later Western was called for holding in the end zone for a safety to give ESU a 2-0 lead. He also had a 55 yard punt that was nearly downed at the one yard line. He averaged 46.0 yards on eight punts with a long of 65 yards at Central Oklahoma. He averaged 43.2 yards per punt on five punts against Northeastern State. Four of his five punts went at least 42 yards and the only punt under 40 yards was fair caught at the RiverHawk eight yard line.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a First-Team All-MIAA pick, a Football Gazette honorable mention All-American and a first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District performer.  He led the MIAA and ranked fifth in the nation in average punt and has a league high 20 punts of at least 50 yards - twice as many as the next punter -  and placed 17 punts inside the 20 yard line. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in every game last season and one of at least 60 yards in five games. He had two punts of over 50 yards against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He averaged 39.8 yards on a season high nine punts at Northwest Missouri with a long of 60 yards. He averaged 46.7 yards on three punts against Lincoln. He averaged 45.6 yards per punt with half of them inside the 20 yard line at Fort Hays State. 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 UNK. 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 Mo. Western. He averaged 42.6 yards on nine punts including a long of 64 yards against UCO. 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.
RECORD BOOK: He is averaging 43.0 yards per punt this season.  The single season record for Emporia State is 44.98 yards per punt set by Justin Marcha in 2017 while the MIAA record is 45.95 yards per punt by Pittsburg State's Brian Moorman in 1997. For his career Brungardt is averaging an ESU best 41.7 yards per punt. Moorman holds the MIAA career record at 43.97 yards per punt.

DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Fr./Argyle, Texas)  was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection. He is tenth in the MIAA in total made field goals and his 1.0 FGM per game would rank fourth in the MIAA if he had played in enough games to qualify for the leader list. He is the first Hornet to make at least three field goals in back to back games since Austin Morton hit three against Minnesota State and five against Henderson State during the 2015 playoffs.
AS A FRESHMAN: He missed his first PAT at Lincoln after hitting 26 straight to start his career. He went six for six on PATs against Fort Hays State and averaged 56.9 yards per kick off. He was three for three on PATs and had a 22 yard field goal that proved to be the difference in the game at Missouri Southern. He has made all 16 PATs and is six of seven on field goals. He hit three field goals at Neb.-Kearney including a career best 42 yarder. He was five of five on PATs and hit field goals of 34, 31 and 34 yards against Central Missouri. He hit all six PATs in his first career action at Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an ambidextrous punter that averaged 44.5 yards per punt with his left foot and 39 yards with his right foot. He scored 113 points and hit 96% of his PATs as a junior when Argyle HS went 16-0.  He was also a two-time District Utility Player of the Year on the soccer pitch.

CLYDESDALE
Kicker Sam Dobbins (Sr./Emporia, Kan.) has gone 78 of 86 on PAT in his career and has made seven field goals.
AS A SENIOR: He averaged 55.5 yards on four kick-offs after not playing the previous two games with an injury. Battling a strong wind, he averaged 55.6 yards on five kickoffs with three touchbacks at Missouri Southern. He averaged 57.4 yards on nine kickoffs with three touchbacks at Neb.-Kearney. He averaged 53.9 yards on eight kickoffs against Central Missouri. He averaged 53.4 yards on seven kickoffs at Washburn with two touchbacks. His kickoff to start the second half was fumbled at the three yard line.  He averaged 63.0 yards on three kickoffs against Pittsburg State. He averaged 62.3 yards per kick off on six kicks with two touchbacks against Missouri Western and the Griffons average starting field position was inside the 21 yard line following his kicks.  He averaged 62.0 yards on three kickoffs at Central Oklahoma. He went six for six on PATS and averaged 58.4 yards per kick-off against Northeastern State.  
AS A JUNIOR: He was named Second-Team All-MIAA as a kicker. He was sixth in the MIAA with five field goals made and went 45 of 46 on PAT. He was an MIAA best 45 for 46 on PATs and averaged 58.3 yards per kickoff with 21 touchbacks. He executed a successful on-side kick against Neb.-Kearney. He had a career long 39 yard field goal at Central Missouri.  He gave ESU the lead with a 22 yard field against Central Oklahoma.
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.

HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 15th season as the Hornets head coach in 2022 and is eighth on 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 seven 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 147-86 record in 20 seasons as a head coach with a 96-77 record in 15 seasons at his alma mater.  
He built the Hornets the right way during his 15 seasons and orchestrated one of the great turnarounds in Emporia State history. The Hornets have gone 77-41 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 took 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 POLLS SAY
Emporia State is ranked #24 the AFCA National Poll. The MIAA has three teams ranked in the top 25 of the AFCA poll and two in the D2Football.com national poll. The Hornets have been ranked or received votes in the AFCA Poll at some point during the regular season for eight straight years. Emporia State is 9-17 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with a 9-6 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri. The Hornets are ranked #8 in the Massey Ratings.

BEST IN THE STATE  
Emporia State's three NCAA playoff appearances and seven total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state since 2012. Their 77 victories are the second most wins among NCAA schools in the state of Kansas in that time.

CAPTAINS
This year's captains are linebackers Dawson Hammes, defensive back Jaedon Pool, S-back Dalton Cowan, receiver Corey Thomas, offensive lineman Conner Lierz and quarterback Braden Gleason.

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 35th 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 2021 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.

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.

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 9-3 overall, 9-3 in the MIAA;
•be the eighth time Emporia State has won nine games in a season;
•make Emporia State 1-1 all-time against Southeastern Oklahoma;
•be Emporia State's tenth post season win all-time;
•be Emporia State's fourth bowl win in their last five tries;
•make Coach Higgins 6-4 in post season games at Emporia State and 13-9 overall;
•make Coach Higgins 97-77 at Emporia State and 148-86 overall.

A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 8-4 overall, 8-4 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 0-2 all-time against Southeastern Oklahoma;
•make Coach Higgins 5-5 in post season games at Emporia State and 12-10 overall.
•make Coach Higgins 96-78 at Emporia State and 147-87 overall.

LEADING THE WAY
Emporia State has led for 418:48 of the 660 minutes (63.5%) played this year and have trailed for just 146:57 (22.3%) of the 660 minutes played

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.