DEFENSE HOLDS DOWN GRIFFONS IN 36-12 EMPORIA STATE WIN

September 17, 2022-Emporia State held the MIAA's top rushing attack to half their season average in a 36-12 Hornet win at Welch Stadium.
 
The Hornets went three and out on their first possession but All-American Ross Brungardt responded with a 64 yard punt that was downed at the Griffon four yard line.  On third and nine from the five Western was called for holding in the end zone resulting in a safety to give ESU a 2-0 lead with 12:08 left. 
 
The teams traded punts on the next four possessions before Emporia State took over at their own five with 6:47 left in the half.  Billy Ross Jr. got the Hornets out from under their own goal posts with two carries for 30 yards and Braden Gleason connected with Tyler Kahmann for 16 yards to get into Griffon territory. Emporia State was facing fourth and two from the 30 when Gleason ran read option and kept the ball for a 30 yard touchdown run to give the Hornets a 9-0 lead with 3:35 left in the quarter.
 
After forcing another three and out Emporia State went on a 12 play, 68 yard drive that spanned the quarters before Gleason connected with Jaylen Varner from seven yards out to go up 16-0 with 12:30 left in the half.
 
The Griffons finally got on the board with 4:44 left in the half.  Quarterback Reagan Jones scored from three yards out to cap a ten play, 54 yard drive.  Western would go for two but got called for pass interference on the play.  After the penalty their PAT kick missed and Emporia State held a 16-6 lead.
 
The teams traded three and outs again before Emporia State took over at their own 41 with 1:54 left in the half.  Gleason went six of nine on the ensuing drive for 60 yards capped by a three yard touchdown pass to Cole Schumacher with 12 seconds left in the half.  The PAT attempt was blocked by Dakari Streeter as the Hornets took a 22-6 lead into the break.
 
The half-time break would extend from 20 minutes to 2:42 as a severe thunderstorm with lightning moved into the Emporia area. 
 
After the delay Western setup at their own seven yard line following the opening kickoff.  Brandon Hall took a hand off of first down and Derrick Maxwell forced a fumble that Rafe Goucher jumped on at the Griffon six.  Two plays later Gleason scampered in from four yards out that included a complete spin around a defender before crossing the goal line. The PAT was good giving Emporia State a 29-6 lead just 53 seconds into the third quarter.
 
The Hornets forced another three and out on the Griffons possession and drove to the Western six yard line.  Sam Dobbins missed a 22 yard field goal with 10:26 left to keep the score at 29-6.  The defense responded with another three and out to get the ball back with 8:06 left in the quarter.  The Hornets drove to the Western 22 yard line but Gleason's fourth down pass to Corey Thomas was short as the Griffons took over with 4:30 left in the period.
 
Western would drive 77 yards in just seven plays capped by a 38 yard scoring strike from Jones to pull within 29-12 with 1:20 left in the period.  The Griffons went for two again and came up short on the pass play.
 
The Hornets responded on the first play of the fourth quarter when Gleason hit Thomas on a pass in the flat and Thomas took it 54 yards for a score.  The PAT was good and Emporia State led 36-12 with 14:50 remaining in the game.
 
The Griffons responded with a nine play, 70 yard drive down to the Hornet four yard line. Jones fourth down pass to Cooper Burton was incomplete and the Hornets took over at their own four with 11:27 left.  Emporia State only gained 25 yards on seven plays but were able to take 4:52 off the clock. When Western took over at their own 34 with 6:35 left, the Hornet defense forced another three and out highlighted by Jordan Williams sack on third down.
 
Emporia State ate up another 2:23 on their next possession before punting to Western with 2:41 left.  The Griffons drove 60 yards in 11 plays but came up short on second and goal from the six as time expired.
 
Braden Gleason went 27 for 42 for 261 yards with three touchdowns and added 62 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to lead the Hornet offensive attack.  He connected with nine different receivers, seven of whom had at least an 11 yard catch.  Corey Thomas had four catches for 65 yards and a touchdown while Tyler Kahmann caught six balls for 45 yards.  Jaylen Varner and Cole Schumacher each added a touchdown catch.  Billy Ross Jr. had 26 carries for 99 yards and added 15 yards on five receptions.
 
Cade Harelson was credited with nine tackles while Declan Haub had eight stops.  Derrick Maxwell recorded six tackles including a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and returned an interception 28 yards.
 
Ross Brundgardt punted seven times for an average of 46.3 yards including a 64 yarder.
 
The Hornets will be back in action next Saturday when they play host to Pittsburg State.  Kick-off from Jones Field at Welch Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m.