Third Top 25 Match-Up as #24 Emporia State heads to #16 Central Missouri

Football | 10/18/2023 9:27:00 PM

Game #8
#24 Emporia State Hornets (5-2, 4-2 MIAA)
at #16 Central Missouri Mules (6-1, 6-1 MIAA)
October 21, 2023 • 1:30 p.m. • Kennedy Field at Walton Stadium • Warrensburg, Mo.
Series Record: UCM Leads 42-21-4 Current Streak: ESU 1 win
Last Meeting: at ESU 44, UCM 27 (October 8, 2022)
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 12:30 p.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): themiaanetwork.com/esuhornets
Live Stats • Ticket Info • Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: vs. Neb.-Kearney (ESU Homecoming)
October 28, 2023 • 20 p.m. • Jones Field at Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.

THIRD TOP 25 MATCHUP
It will be the third Top 25 road showdown of the year for #24 Emporia State as they travel to Warrensburg to take on #16 Central Missouri.

LAST TIME OUT
Braden Gleason was 42 of 49 for 421 yards with four touchdowns and the Hornet defense had five sacks as #25 Emporia State defeated Washburn 38-23 in the 119th edition of the Turnpike Tussle on Saturday afternoon in Welch Stadium.
The Hornets jumped out to a 21-0 lead before the Ichabods got on the board with 6:47 left in the first half. Emporia State answered one minute later to go up 28-7 and led 28-10 at the break.  Washburn scored the only points of the third quarter to cut the deficit to 28-20 with 7:35 left in the period. The Hornets scored on their first two drives of the fourth quarter to take a 38-20 lead with 10:43 left in the game.  Washburn would score on the next possession but it took 14 plays and over five minutes before Brehm hit a 26 yard field goal to being WU within 38-23 with 5:27 left in the game. Braden Gleason finished the game 42 of 49 for 421 yards and four touchdowns while adding seven yards on the ground. Tyler Kahmann finished with 11 catches for a career high 175 yards with two touchdowns.  Varner added 109 yards on a career-high 13 receptions. Defensively Rylan Miller had career highs of ten tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

THE COACH
Garin Higgins has a career record of 153-88 in his 21st season as a head coach. He is 102-79 in his 16th season at his alma mater and is 83-42 since the start of the 2012 season. He is the seventh winningest coach in MIAA history and ranks second among active coaches. He has led the Hornets to the post season in seven of the last ten 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 4-9 against Central Missouri.
Josh Lamberson is 10-8 in his second year at Central Missouri and 11-29 in this fourth year overall. He is 0-3 against Emporia State overall.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 5-2, 4-2 in the MIAA and ranked #24 in the AFCA National Poll. The Hornets are leading the nation in completion percentage and kickoff returns. Emporia State is the only team ranked in the top three of the MIAA in both scoring offense and defense. Braden Gleason is leading the nation in completion percentage, is third in touchdown passes and passing yards, fourth in total offense, fifth in points responsible for, and seventh in passing efficiency. Tyler Kahmann is second in the nation in touchdown catches and sixth in receptions. Jaylen Varner is ranked eighth nationally in touchdown receptions.
 
SCOUTING THE MULES
Central Missouri is 6-1, 6-1 in the MIAA and ranked #16 in the nation. The Mules are leading the nation in completion. They are leading the nation in total offense and passing offense while ranking seventh in the nation in scoring offense. Zach Zebrowski is leading the nation in touchdown passes and second in passing yards. Arkell Smith is third in the nation in receiving touchdowns. The Mules are 107th in total defense and 96th in scoring defense nationally.

THE SERIES
This is the 66th meeting in the series that dates back to 1901. The Mules lead the all-time series 42-21-4 however the Hornets lead 7-6 over the last 13 meetings.

LAST TIME VS. CENTRAL MISSOURI
Emporia State rolled up 563 yards of total offense in a 44-27 win over Central Missouri. The Hornets jumped in front 17-0 after one quarter and the lead never got to single digits the rest of the way as Emporia State led 41-14 going into the fourth quarter. Braden Gleason went 32 of 44 for 317 yards with three touchdowns and added 34 yards and a touchdown on five rushes.  Tyler Kahann had ten catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns while Corey Thomas caught six passes for 111 yards and a score.  Canaan Brooks had 134 yards on 17 carries.  

UP NEXT
The #24 Hornets return to Welch Stadium for Homecoming against Neb.-Kearney. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m.

KNOW THE FOE
This will be the 68th meeting between Emporia State and Central Missouri. In eight of the last 11 meetings it has been a one touchdown game in the fourth quarter.
In 2009 the Hornets drove 60 yards in 54 seconds only to see a potential game tying 31 yard field goal miss wide left in a 24-21 loss. In 2011 the Hornets led 38-31 with 13:46 left in the game before the Mules scored the final 14 points to take a 45-38 win in Emporia. The teams did not meet in 2012 or 2013. An Austin Morton 26 yard field goal pulled the Hornets within 36-31 to start the fourth quarter in Warrensburg in 2014. LaVance Taylor scored on a 75 yard run on third and 13 to put the Mules up 43-31 and after the Hornets fumbled away the ensuing kickoff Taylor scored from 22 yards out for the final score of 50-31.  
The 2015 game was interrupted on Thursday by a severe thunderstorm at the half and resumed on Saturday afternoon in Welch Stadium. Brent Wilson hit Morris Williams for a 14 yard touchdown with 10:16 left to break a 31-31 tie. After a UCM field goal made it 38-34, Wilson found Mitchell Foote on a two yard pass with 2:49 left for the final score of 45-34.  In 2016 the Hornets took a 17-7 lead into the fourth quarter only to see the Mules score 14 straight to go up 21-17 with 9:28 left.  ESU retook the lead on an Antonio Brown one yard run with 36 seconds left, but UCM answered with a 34 yard field goal with :07 left to send the game to OT. The teams traded touchdowns in the first extra period. MJ Mathis pulled an interception in the Mules half of the second overtime. Braxton Marstall hit Mitchell Foote for a 20 yard touchdown on second down to give ESU a 37-31 victory.  
In 2018 Emporia State had a 31-21 lead in the fourth quarter, but Central Missouri scored 13 points in the final 4:14, including the game winning defensive touchdown as time expired following a lateral and two fumbles with the score tied. In 2019 the Hornets were trailing 26-20 when they forced a fumble with 2:01 left.  Two plays later the Mules intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards and got the two point conversion to go up 34-20. Emporia State responded with a three play, 69 yard drive capped by a Dalton Cowan to Wil Amos 26 yard touchdown to make it 34-27 with 1:32 left, but was not able to recover the on-side kick. It was a game of runs the last time the two met in Warrensburg. The Mules jumped out to a 21-7 lead before the Hornets stormed back to take a 28-24 lead in the third.  UCM would go back on top 45-28 thanks to a pair of turnovers before ESU scored 11 straight points to pull within a touchdown.  The Hornets drove to the Mule 30 yard line before their sixth turnover of the game sealed the game

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 30 national championship games, including ten of the last 17 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 51-26 in the NCAA Playoffs and 22-8 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 73-34 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.  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 current schools to have never made the NCAA Playoffs is 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 all current 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

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.

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 87-45 since then. Of the 45 losses, 21 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 132 games since then Emporia State is averaging 32.77 points while giving up 25.67 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 83-18 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with a 78-13 record in their last 91 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 46 games under Coach Higgins with a 44-2 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 last season.

NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State is third in the MIAA and 40th nationally in points allowed this year at 20.0 points per game. They allowed an average of 21.7 points per game last season. That was 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 57-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets are leading the nation in completion percentage, rank fourth in passing offense, eighth in first downs, ninth in total offense, and tenth in team passing efficiency.

QUARTERBACKS
Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 54 times, with 16 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 is one of five Hornet quarterback to start a postseason game since 2012 and four that have won a postseason game. 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 (Sr./Muldrow, Okla.) has scored or thrown a touchdown pass in 33 straight games dating back to 2019. He has only lost one game by more than a single score since taking over as the regular starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2021 season. He has three fourth quarter comebacks in his career. He holds the Emporia State career record and is ranked eighth among active NCAA quarterback in career touchdown passes, regardless of division.
AS A SENIOR: He is leading the nation in completion percentage, is third in touchdown passes, passing yards and completions, fourth in total offense, fifth in points responsible for, and seventh in passing efficiency. He was named D2Football.com National and MIAA Offensive Player of the Week after going 42 of 49 for 421 yards with three touchdowns against Washburn. He went 35 of 51 for 310 yards with three touchdowns and added a team high 62 rushing yards on ten carries at Pittsburg State. He was 31 of 46 for 385 yards with two touchdowns at Missouri Western and led the Hornets 81 yards in 2:03 for a game tying field goal with 46 seconds left. He went 19 for 29 for 289 yards with four touchdowns against Central Oklahoma. He was 18 of 20 for 219 yards and three touchdowns in the first half at Northeastern State. He went 26 of 37 for 257 yards and three touchdowns at Northwest Missouri. He was 42 of 49 for 442 yards with five touchdowns against Lincoln on his way to MIAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.
AS A JUNIOR: He was second in the nation in completions per game, fourth in points responsible for, fifth in touchdown passes, sixth in completion percentage, seventh in passing yards and ninth in total offense. He was named Second-Team All-MIAA at quarterback while leading the league in passing yards, total offense, and touchdown passes. He tossed five touchdown passes against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. 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 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 and was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week. He was 27 of 43 for 240 yards with two touchdowns and added 32 yards on six carries against Pittsburg State. He was the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two against Mo. 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.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection. 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 was nine of ten for 70 yards and a touchdown in the last 6:20 for his first fourth quarter comeback win at Fort Hays State. 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. 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.  
AS A FRESHMAN: Gleason was 17 of 27 for 160 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added 30 yards on ten rushes in a 34-14 win against Central Oklahoma. He went 14 of 34 for 222 yards and added 81 rushing yards in his first career start against Missouri Southern.
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 holds the ESU all-time record with 92 touchdown passes, and is ranked second with 9,655 passing yards and 10,574 yards of total offense for the Hornets. He needs 263 passing yards and 582 yards of total offense to tie Braxton Marstall for the school record in both categories. He is sixth in the MIAA in career passing and needs 263 yards to move into a tie with Marstall (9,918 from 2014-18) for fifth place and 370 yards to tie Kasey Waterman (10,025 from 1998-2001) of Missouri Western for fourth. He is fifth in career total offense in the MIAA and needs 20 yards to tie Drew Newhart (10,594 from 2007-10) of Missouri Western for fourth place.
Last year he ranked second in single season touchdown passes with 33, was fourth in single season passing with 3,404 yards, and fifth on the ESU single season list with 3,689 yards of total offense.  As a sophomore  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 had 546 yards of total offense against Central Missouri in 2021 to set the MIAA record for completions and the ESU record for pass attempts. That is second in ESU history to Brent Wilson's 571 yards of total offense and 522 passing yards set against UCO in 2013.

IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Jr./Tulsa, Okla.) is in his fourth year at Emporia State
AS A JUNIOR: He played the entire second half at Northeastern State and went 14 of 20 for 76 yards and a touchdown. He was seven of eight for 99 yards with two touchdowns and added a 25 yard rush against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He completed his first seven passes of the year. 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.

HEAVY GAGE
Quarterback Gage Roach (Fr.-RS/Stillwell, Kan.) threw for 1,831 Yards and 19 Touchdowns while gaining 594 yards with four touchdowns on the ground for Blue Valley West HS. He was a Class 6A Honorable Mention All-State and Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior in Class 6A.

RECEIVERS
Ten different wide receivers have caught a pass this season with seven of them having a catch of over ten yards. Five different wide receivers have at least one touchdown reception this season.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Jr./Haysville, Kan.) is leading the MIAA and ranked second in the nation in receiving touchdowns while ranking sixth nationally and second in the MIAA in receptions. He is second in the MIAA and 12th in the nation in receiving yards He has 137 receptions for 1,609 yards and 24 touchdowns in 31 career games for Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 11 receptions for a career high 175 yards and two touchdowns against Washburn and became the first Hornet since Justin Brown in 2017 to have three consecutive 100 yard receiving games. He had a career highs 12 for 140 yards at Pittsburg State with two touchdowns. He had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown at Missouri Western. He caught six passes for 39 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had two catches for 20 yards at Northeastern State. He had eight catches for 77 yards and a a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and five touchdowns against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: His nine touchdown catches ranked second in the MIAA and he finished the season with 47 catches for 536 yards. He was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick. He had three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had a touchdown catch against Fort Hays State. He had 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 and a touchdown against Pittsburg State. He caught six passes for 45 yards against Missouri Western. He had a team high six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He led Emporia State with five touchdown receptions and finished the season with 34 catches for 428 yards. He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Mo. Southern. He had four catches for 65 yards at Central Missouri. He had a four yard touchdown grab against Washburn. He had 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 a Class 6A honorable mention All-State selection in basketball and baseball for Campus.

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Jr./Marshall, Mo.) is eighth in the nation in touchdown catches and receptions, and 12th in receiving yards. He is third in the MIAA in receiving yards, receptions and touchdown catches. He has two touchdown catches of at least 75 yards this year and is the first Hornet with at least two receptions of over 75 yards since Shjuan Richardson had three in the 2012 season. In his career he has 140 catches for 1,643 yards and 21 touchdowns in 29 games.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a reception of at least 15 yards in every game this season. He had a career high 13 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown against Washburn. He caught six passes for 41 yards at Pittsburg State. He had nine catches for 93 yards and a score at Missouri Western. He had a career high 147 yards and three touchdowns on just six receptions against Central Oklahoma including a 78 yard touchdown. He became the first Hornet since Shjuan Richardson in 2012 to have back to back games with at least 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter at Northeastern State highlighted by an 80 yard touchdown. It was the longest touchdown reception by a Hornet since Mo Williams III had an 80 yarder against Northeastern State in 2015. He finished with 117 yards on four receptions against the RiverHawks. He caught five passes for 61 yards including a 40 yarder at Northwest Missouri. He had a team high ten receptions for 106 yards against Lincoln.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He earned Third-Team All-MIAA honors with 48 receptions for 541 yards and nine touchdowns. He was tied for second in the MIAA in touchdown receptions while ranking eighth in receptions per game and 13th in receiving yards. He had seven touchdowns in his last five games. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two scores against Southeastern Oklahoma. 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 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.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 12th in the MIAA in receptions per game. He had 39 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had a 30 yard touchdown reception against Lincoln. 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 was a defensive back as a red-shirt in 2019 for the Tigers.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a four-time All-Conference selection at Marshall HS and was the district MVP his senior season.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Receiver Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is 14th in the MIAA in all-purpose yards and 15th in receptions. He is leading the MIAA in kick return yards and would be ranked second in the nation if he had enough returns to qualify for the national leaders.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught four passes for 30 yards against Washburn. He had two receptions for ten yards at Pittsburg State and the Gorillas never kicked to him on kick-offs. He had 148 all-purpose yards at Missouri Western with 73 receiving yards on four catches and two kick returns for 75 yards. He also had a two point conversion against the Griffons. He had 85 all-purpose yards on two touches against Central Oklahoma with a 35 yard reception and a 50 yard kick return. He collected 107 all-purpose yards at Northeastern State with 32 yards on six catches and a 75 yard kick return to start the game. He had a pair of catches for 13 yards at Northwest Missouri. He had six catches for 70 yards and added 62 yards on two kick returns for a total of 132 all-purpose yards against Lincoln.
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.

TRENDING
Receiver Trenden Collins (Fr./Muldrow, Okla.) is playing as a true freshman. He is the first true freshman receiver to score a touchdown for Emporia State since Justin Brown in 2014.
AS A FRESHMAN: He caught four passes for 20 yards and had a 15 yard punt return against Washburn. He had two catches for 18 yards at Pittsburg State. He had a nine yard reception at Missouri Western. He had two receptions for seven yards against Central Oklahoma. He had nine catches for 54 yards and a touchdown at Northeastern State. He caught two passes for ten yards at Northwest Missouri. He had five catches for 99 yards including a 74 yard touchdown in his Hornet debut against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-District MVP in 2021 and 2022 for Muldrow HS. He had 2,100 rushing yards and 805 receiving yards as a senior with over 25 touchdowns

SCHULTZY ON O
Receiver Ethan Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two catches for 15 yards against Washburn. He had a 13 yard catch at Missouri Western. He had 32 yards on five catches against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference selection as a receiver for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Tyler is a defensive back for Emporia State.

DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY
Receiver Chris McGee (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a nine yard reception at Northeastern State. He scored his first career touchdown and finished with two receptions for 15 yards against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Sunflower League and honorable mention Class 6A All-State selection for Lawrence HS.

IT'S NOT BRAGGING
Receiver Deontei Braggs (Jr./Spiro, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught a pass for four yards at Northeastern State. He had two catches for 13 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He took a shovel pass 62 yards for a touchdown at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Oklahoma District 2A-5 Offensive/Defensive MVP and Player of the Year. He was a first-team OCA All-State selection with 1,469 passing yards with 15 touchdowns while adding 751 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. He had 32 total tackles with four interceptions.

STEAK SAUCE
Receiver Kobe Washington (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is in his first year with the Hornets after transferring from Northwestern Oklahoma.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught two passes for 12 yards at Northeastern State.
AT NWOSU: He caught 26 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore for the Rangers.
AT NEO A&M: He played in six games with nine receptions for 73 yards for the Norsemen as a freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 26 receptions for 380 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior at Midwest City HS.

KNOW YOUR CHECKS
Receiver Jackson Novacek (Jr./Olathe,Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had an eight yard reception against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an honorable mention All-Sunflower League selection. His father Jay played baseball for the Hornets.

PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS
Quarterback/receiver Liam Thornton (So./Mesquite, Texas) is shifting to receiver after starting his ESU career as a quarterback. He was a second-team All-District 10-6A selection at quarterback for North Mesquite HS in Texas.

S-BACK
The Stinger Back is a hybrid position between a tight end, receiver and full back for the Hornets. Two of Emporia State's S-backs have touchdown receptions this season.

THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at tight end/fullback last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught five passes for 52 yards including a 32 yard touchdown against Washburn. He had four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown at Pittsburg State. He finished with 58 yards on two catches at Missouri Western. He had 57 yards on two catches including a 57 yard touchdown against Central Okla. He had three catches for 51 yards including a 28 yard touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had three receptions for 34 yards against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had 24 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns on the year. 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 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.

BARNYARD
S-Back Jordan Barnard (Soph./Olpe, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two catches for 24 yards and his first touchdown against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He made the travel squad as a true freshman last season.
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.

BROTHERLY LOVE
S-Back Casey Harelson (Fr.-RS/Davenport, Okla.) is in his second year with Emporia State. His brother is former Hornet linebacker and current linebacker coach Cade Harelson.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the 2021 District MVP and a three-time All District selection. He was named Second-Team Little All-City on defense. He was a two-time Daily Oklahoman and Tulsa World honorable mention all state 2020 and 2021 performer.

RUNNING BACKS
Emporia State's top three running backs are averaging 4.6 yards per carry on the season. Running backs had 94 yards on 26 carries with a score against Washburn. They were held to just 11 yards rushing at Pittsburg State. They averaged 4.1 yards on 18 carries at Missouri Western. They had 177 yards on 20 carries for an average of 8.9 yards per rush against Central Oklahoma. They combined for 112 yards on 28 carries at Northwest Missouri after having just 54 yards on just 15 carries against Lincoln.

SPEEDSTER
Running back Billy Ross Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is fourth in the MIAA and 52nd in the nation in rushing yards per game while ranking sixth in the league in rushing touchdowns.  
AS A JUNIOR: He did not play against Washburn with an injury. He was held to five yards on just seven carries at Pittsburg State. He had 17 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns at Missouri Western. He had a career high 157 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown against Central Oklahoma with a career long 58 yard touchdown run. He netted 97 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown at Northeastern State. He had 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries at Northwest Missouri. He was the first opponent with over 100 yards and a touchdown in Bearcat Stadium since ACU's Bernard Scott in 2008.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was named third-team All-MIAA after finishing fourth in the MIAA with 713 rushing yards and ninth eight rushing touchdowns. 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 150 yards rushing on 16 carries at Neb.-Kearney. He had 54 rushing, 13 receiving and 11 return yards at Washburn with a rushing touchdown. He had 99 yards on 26 carries against Missouri Western. At Central Okla. he caught seven passes for 96 yards and added 23 yards on eight carries. He had a 35 yard touchdown run against Northeastern State.
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 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.   
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.

THE KINGSMAN
Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) has moved between running back and receiver this season. He primarily played running back against Washburn. He is also a member of the ESU track & field team, he had a career best 10.57 in the 100m at the 2023 MIAA Championships.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had 15 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown against Washburn and added three receptions for 20 yards. He had three catches for 47 yards at Pittsburg State. He had three receptions for 25 yards at Missouri Western. He had two catches for four yards and added a 40 yard kick return against Central Oklahoma. In his first action at receiver he had two catches for 18 yards at Northeastern State. He three receptions for 34 yards including a 28 yard go ahead touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He carried the ball six times for 27 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 41 carries for 146 yards as a true freshman and finished with 264 all purpose yards. 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 had 62 yards on nine touches at Central Oklahoma including a 35 yard long reception.  
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.

THOMAS TRUCKING
Running back DeAndre Thomas (Jr./Blue Springs, Mo.) is a transfer from the University of Kansas.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 11 rushes for 55 yards against Washburn. He had a six yard carry at Pittsburg State and caught three passes for 22 yards. He had four carries for 20 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had 75 yards on 13 rushes at Northeastern State. He had four carries for 18 yards against Lincoln.
AT KANSAS: He had a five yard rush against Texas.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Conference and All-District selection for Blue Springs HS.

HE'S DEVINE
Running back Devin Johnson (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets and has moved to offense after playing defensive back his first two years.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He gained 14 yards on two carries at Northeastern State. He had two yards on one carry against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played defensive back for the Hornets and had two tackles in six games.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the All-City Athletic Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-District for John Marshall HS. He had over 1,000 all purpose yards and 11 touch-downs as a senior.

LIFE OF PETZ
Running back Jack Petz (Sr./Lenexa, Kan.) has returned to running back after splitting time at the S-Back position earlier in his career. He has been extremely effective on special teams.
AS A SENIOR: He had three special teams tackles against Central Oklahoma, two of them inside the Broncho 15 yard line. He got one carry at Northeastern State
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.

MAX IN THE MIDDLE
Running back Max Middleton (Fr.-RS/Andover, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He one rush for two yards in his Hornet debut at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He rushed for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior year at Andover HS, giving him back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He was a two-time First-Team All-League and two-time All-State Honorable Mention Class 5A selection. Sports in Kansas Top 100 Seniors class 5A Honorable Mention.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets have given up just five sacks in 313 drop backs this season. Emporia State is sixth in the nation in total sacks allowed and is 13th in the nation in tackles for loss allowed.

THE INFERNO
Tackle Dante Smith-Posey (Jr./Lenexa, Kan.) has also played center this year after being named honorable mention All-MIAA as a guard last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He earned his third Squarehead Award of the season with seven knockdowns against Washburn. He was named Squarehead Award winner against Pittsburg State. He had 4.5 knockdowns at Missouri Western. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Northwest Missouri after recording eight knockdowns against the Bearcats.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He is third on the team with 53 knockdowns this season. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 1.6 knockdowns  and 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.

SHERMAN'S MARCH
Guard Sherman Deaton (Jr./Fountain, Colo.) has started 22 games in his career. He moved to a guard position after playing tackle last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a 32.0 knockdowns this season. He had eight knockdowns against Washburn. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Missouri Western and finished with six knockdowns against the Griffons. He had 5.5 knockdowns at Northwest Missouri. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Lincoln with 5.5 knockdowns.
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.

A GOOD MAN
Guard Carlos Guzman (Jr./Denver, Colo.) moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri last season at tackle and has moved to guard this year.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 5.3 knockdowns per game on the season. He had a team high 11.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He recorded 4.5 knockdowns at Missouri Western. He had nine knockdowns against Central Oklahoma and was named the Squarehead Award winner. He had 5.5 knockdowns at Northwest 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.

TOP GUN
Tackle Trevion Mitchell (Fr.-RS/Mesquite, Texas) has moved into the starting lineup as a red-shirt freshman.
AS A FRESHMAN: He is averaging 3.4 knockdowns per game. He had five knockdowns against Washburn. He had a pair of knockdowns at Missouri Western. He had 4.5 knockdowns against Central Oklahoma. He had six knockdowns at Northeastern State. He is tied for the team lead, playing 519 snaps for the offensive line.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a 7-5A Division I All-District second team selection on offense for West Mesquite HS.

AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Jr./Enid, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 4.5 knockdowns per game in five games. He had a career high 9.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He had 2.5 knockdowns at Pittsburg State. He had three knockdowns in a start against Central Oklahoma. He was named Squarehead Award winner after recording five knockdowns at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He 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.

FREE STATE
Tackle Jalan Robinson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his first year at ESU after transferring from Kansas.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 1.3 knockdowns per game. He was injured at Pittsburg State and did not play against Washburn.
AT KANSAS: He transferred to Emporia State after three years at the University of Kansas.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors and First-Team All-Sunflower League honors as a senior at Free State HS.

HULL CITY
Guard Josh Hull (Jr./Humboldt, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Horents.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He 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 (Soph./Broken Arrow, Okla.) is in his third year at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First team All-District Offensive Line honoree and the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at Broken Arrow HS.

DALTON GANG
Tackle Dalton Owen (Fr.-RS/Concordia, Kan.) was a First-Team All-NCKL, Sports in Kansas Class 3A All-State and KFBCA Class 3A All-State performer for Concordia HS. He was also a 2022 Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection.

TEXAS RANGER
Tackle Shahid Pinkston (Fr.-RS/Arlington, Texas) was a First-Team All District as a senior. He helped lead Mansfield Summit HS to back to back state semifinal appearances and 19-9 record over the last two seasons. He paved the way for two running backs to rush for over 1,200 yards

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

DEFENSE
Emporia State is ranked eighth in the nation in interceptions, 33rd in passing efficiency defense, 37th in turnovers gained, and 40th in scoring defense. ESU posted their first shutout since 2018, a period of 40 games, with their 38-0 win at Northeastern State. The Hornets held Northwest Missouri to their lowest scoring output in a regular season home game since 2017. After giving up an 85 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, ESU held Lincoln to just 285 yards on 70 offensive plays.  

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Hornets are second in the MIAA in interceptions and pass efficiency defense. A third of the top 18 players in the MIAA in passes defended are Hornets with five of the six being defensive backs.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Sr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) leads the MIAA in fumbles forced, is second fumble recoveries, third in passes defended and eighth in interceptions.
AS A SENIOR: He had seven tackles and three pass break ups, including one in the end zone, against Washburn. He had four tackles while forcing and recovering a fumble at Pittsburg State. He had a tackle and a pass break up at Missouri Western. He had a career high 11 tackles against Central Oklahoma. He had four tackles and a forced fumble at Northeastern State. He had an interception, two pass break ups and four tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had an interception to end a Lincoln scoring threat at the end of the half and finished with four tackles and a tackle for loss.
AS A JUNIOR: He was tied for the league lead with three interceptions on his way to an honorable mention All-MIAA selection. He picked off a pass against Southeastern Oklahoma and returned it 41 yards in the Live United Bowl. 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.

JJ JUMPER
Safety Jaaron Joseph (Jr./Nyack, N.Y.) is tied for eighth in the MIAA in interceptions and ninth in passes defended. He comes to Emporia State from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had a pass break up and five tackles at Pittsburg State. He had six tackles and a pass break up at Missouri Western. He was credited with eight tackles, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had a career high two interceptions including a 76 yard pick six at Northwest Missouri. He also had three tackles and a pass break up against the Bearcats. He recorded seven tackles, five of them solo, against Lincoln in his Hornet debut.
AT SCSU: He played in all 11 games for Southern Connecticut State last year and had 21 tackles, four pass break ups and a forced fumble as a sophomore.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Section pick for Albertus Magnus HS.

SAFETY FIRST
Defensive back Khalil Rasheed (Jr./Coppell, Texas) is tied for 13th in the MIAA in passes defended and 15th in interceptions. He has moved between corner and safety this year.
AS A JUNIOR: He had six tackles and a pass break up against Washburn. He recorded four tackles at Pittsburg State. He had four tackles and a pass break up at Missouri Western. He had six tackles against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with six tackles and half a tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He had an interception, pass break up and a career high seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with five tackles, a pass break up and half a tackle for loss against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had an interception, two pass break ups and a forced fumble as a red-shirt sophomore to go with 17 tackles in ten games. 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.

PAPAL AUTHORITY
Safety Chris Pope (Sr./Edmond, Okla.) is fourth in the MIAA in passes defended per game. He is in his second year at Emporia State as a graduate transfer from NCAA FCS Northern Colorado.
AS A SENIOR: He has six pass break ups but is yet to record an interception. He did not play the last two games with an injury. He had two tackles at Missouri Western. He had seven tackles and three pass break ups against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles at Northeastern State. He had eight tackles, six of them solo, at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with three pass breakups and a tackle against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded 37 tackles and two pass break ups from his safety position 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.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Jr./Oklahoma City HS) is tied for 15th in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He picked off a pass and had four solo tackles at Missouri Western. He recorded four total tackles with three unassisted against Central Oklahoma. He had a pair of solo tackles at Northeastern State. He recorded seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had two tackles against Lincoln.
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.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Defensive back Rod Farmer (Soph./Memphis, Tenn.) has seen action at both corner and safety after recording 22 tackles with four pass break ups last year. He is tied for 13th in the MIAA in passes defended.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two pass break ups and a tackle in the first half against Washburn. He recorded two tackles and a pass break up in a start at Pittsburg State. He had four tackles with a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had an interception with 1:11 left to ice the game against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two solo tackles at Northeastern State. He had four tackles and a blocked field goal against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He recorded four solo tackles against Southeastern Oklahoma. 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 a season at Coffeyville CC after originally signing with Delta State after graduating from White Station HS in Memphis.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Cornerback Danarius Hollywood (Jr./Cincinnati, Ohio) is a transfer from the College of DuPage.
AS A JUNIOR: He had two pass break ups and a tackle against Washburn. He had a solo tackle at Pittsburg State. He had a tackle at Missouri Western. He had a pair of solo tackles and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles at Northeastern State. He had a pass break up at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with a solo tackle against Lincoln in his first game as a Hornet.
AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE: He was a Second-team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore for NJCAA Division III national champions. He played in ten games for NJCAA D3 national champs as a freshman and led special teams in tackles.
HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-team All-City pick in Cincinnati for Mt. Healthy HS and was team's defensive player of the year.

BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Jr./Ada, Okla.) is tied for 15th in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a pass break up against Washburn. He recorded an unassisted tackle at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles at Missouri Western. He grabbed his first career interception to end a Central Oklahoma scoring threat at the end of the first half. He had an assisted tackle at Northeastern State. He was credited with three tackles including an assisted TFL against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He 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.

STEAK
Safety Kobe Holley (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Lincoln.
AT BUTLER CC: He spent two seasons with the Grizzlies. He redshirted his first year and was injured his second.

SCHULTZY ON D
Safety Tyler Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He was credited with two tackles at Northeastern State. He had two tackles and blocked a punt against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference pick at quarterback for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Ethan is a receiver for Emporia State.

PEYTON PLACE
Defensive back Peyton Taylor (Fr./Aurora, Colo.) is seeing action as a true freshman for the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two solo tackles and one assisted tackle at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference pick at quarterback for De Soto HS.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Defensive back Andrew Kayhill (Jr./Greenwood, Mo.) had 11 tackles in 11 games last season.
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 Had 38 tackles, four Interceptions, and six touchdowns as a senior…was named the Defensive and Special Teams "Mr. Clutch" for Eaglecrest HS.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Emporia State is ranked fourth in the MIAA in team tackles for loss. The Hornets had five sacks and seven tackles for loss against Washburn. The defensive line recorded four tackles for loss at Missouri Western. They had six tackles for loss at Northeastern State. The defensive line was credited with 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack against Lincoln.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Sr./St Louis, Mo.) is ninth in the MIAA in tackles for loss. He earned First-Team All-MIAA and honorable mention All-American last year.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with five tackles against Washburn. He had a team high eight tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry at Pittsburg State. He had eight tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss at Missouri Western. He was credited with six tackles including two assisted TFL and half a sack against Central Oklahoma. He had six tackles with a tackle for loss at Northwest Missouri. He did not play against Lincoln with an injury.
AS A JUNIOR: He finished fifth in the MIAA with 7.5 sacks and was sixth with 13.5 tackles for loss. He had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks against Northwest Missouri. 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 was credited with three tackles, against Pittsburg State. He was credited with six tackles at Central Okla. 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 against Southeastern Okla. 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 TFL against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles for loss and a strip sack at Central Missouri. He had a sack and two tackles against Washburn. He had eight tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass break up at Pittsburg State. 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 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.
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.

ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) is fifth in the MIAA in tackles for loss. He was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a monster game with career highs of ten tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks along with a quarterback hurry against Washburn.  All of his tackles for loss came on either third or fourth down against the Ichabods. He recorded three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles with a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had two tackles and was credited with two quarterback hurries at Northeastaern State. He had a solo stop at Northwest Missouri. He had three tackles including a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Lincoln.
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 had a solo tackle for loss against Lincoln. He had two solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had two assisted tackles at Mo. Western. He had a sack at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.

WISE WOLF
Defensive lineman Rafe Goucher (Jr./El Reno, Okla.) is a two-time All-MIAA selection and is a three-year starter.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded four tackles, a QB hurry and a pass break up at the line against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles with a sack at Missouri Western. He had one tackle at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with one tackle against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA pick. 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.

BEAR DOWN
Defensive lineman Maquay Shaw (Sr./Haskell, Okla.) is tied for fourth in the MIAA in sacks and sixth in forced fumbles.
AS A SENIOR: He recorded three tackles with two of them being sacks against Washburn. He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He was in on two tackles at Missouri Western with one for a loss. He had three tackles with half a sack against Central Oklahoma. He forced a fumble, had two solo tackles and a quarterback hurry at Northeastern State. He had two solo stops from his interior lineman spot at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with half a sack and two total tackles against Lincoln.
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 Okla. He recorded 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.

ADAMS FAMILY
Defensive lineman C.J. Adams (Soph./Enid, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He had an assisted tackle at Missouri Western. He was credited with one tackle against Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles and one tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He had two solo tackles at Northwest Missouri. He got his first career start against Lincoln and was credited with two tackles.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had half a TFL 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.

BECKER ADDITION
Defensive lineman Daniel Becker (Jr./Conway Springs, Kan.) has steadily progressed through his five years with Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against Central Oklahoma. His tackle for loss came on a fourth down stop the Bronchos first drive of the second quarter. He assisted on a tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He recorded two tackles against Lincoln.
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.

TEE IT UP
Defensive lineman Tee Preisner (Jr./Allen, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo sack and a quarterback hurry at Northeastern State. He had two solo tackles including a sack and added a quarterback hurry against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State Class 3A as senior after earning honorable mention All-State as a junior at Northern Heights HS.

FIELD OF DREAMS
Defensive lineman Kaden Fields (Fr.-RS/Osawatomie, Kan.) is in his second season at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had an assisted tackle at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team Sport in Kansas selection on offense and earned First-Team All-Tri-County on defense line for Osawatomie HS.

BLUE COMET
Defensive lineman Kolten Lacrone (Fr.-RS/Chanute, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All State on the defensive line as he led Chanute HS to 8-2 record. He was a Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior honors and a 2022 Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection. He placed fourth at State in the discus.

LINEBACKERS
When Declan Haub sat out the Lincoln game it meant that all three linebackers would be making their first start for the Hornets.  It was the first time all three starting linebackers were new to start a season since the Hornets went to the 3-3-5 defense.

LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Jr./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He has moved into the starting lineup in the last two games.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four tackles against Washburn. He had a career high eight tackles with an assisted tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Pittsburg State. The tackle for loss was on a key third down play with 1:08 left in the game. He had seven tackles at Missouri Western with a tackle for loss. He recorded three tackles including an assist on a tackle for loss against Central Oklahoma. He had two tackles at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was credited with an assisted tackle for loss against Washburn.
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.

TAKE A CHANCE
Linebacker Chance Rodriguez (Sr./Holcomb, Kan.) is 12th in the MIAA in tackles, is tied for fifth in interceptions and 13th in passes defended. He is in his sixth year with the Hornets.
AS A SENIOR: He had three tackles against Washburn. He had eight tackles at Pittsburg State. He was credited with five tackles at Missouri Western. He had eight tackles and two pass break ups against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with seven tackles at Northeastern State. He was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions, nine tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with four tackles against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 29 tackles with a sack and a pass break up 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.

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Jr./Kingfisher, Okla.) fully returned to the lineup against Central Oklahoma after missing most of the first three games. He led the MIAA and was seventh in the nation in fumble recoveries last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had five tackles and a quarterback hurry against Washburn. He was credited with four tackles and two quarterback hurries at Pittsburg State. He had six tackles at Missouri Western. He had five tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He started and had a solo tackle at Northwest Missouri but left the game early with an injury. He missed the Northeastern and Lincoln games with an injury.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a 43 yard return for a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. 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.

THE SUITE LIFE
Linebacker Zach Dortch Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is second in the MIAA in fumble recoveries.
AS A JUNIOR: He had two tackles with half a sack against Washburn. He had an assisted tackle at Pittsburg State. He was credited with eight tackles at Missouri Western. He had five tackles against Central Oklahoma. He had an interception and a fumble recovery at Northeastern State. He had ten tackles at Northwest Missouri. He led Emporia State with eight tackles against Lincoln and added a pass break up.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He 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

SAGE ADVICE
Linebacker Sage Sieperda (Jr./Shawnee, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had an assisted tackle against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He was credited with three tackles at Missouri Western. He had four tackles and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had two tackles including an assisted tackle for loss in his first career start at Northeastern State. He was credited with two tackles at Northwest Missouri. He recorded four solo tackles, 2.5 TFL, including half a sack, and broke up a pass against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two solo tackles including one for a loss in three games.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a second-team All-EKL selection as a senior for Mill Valley HS.

MONDO SIZE
Linebacker Caleb Mondi (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo tackle at Pittsburg State. He recorded a solo tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had two solo tackles at Northeastern State. He was credited with seven tackles and a sack in his first start against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in nine games for Emporia State with four tackles.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned Lawrence Journal World First-Team All-Area, Second-Team All-Sunflower League and Honorable Mention All-State honors at Lawrence HS.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Linebacker David Johnson (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is tied for 15th in the MIAA in interceptions. He is in his sixth year at Emporia State.
AS A SENIOR: He was in on a tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He picked off a pass against Lincoln and had a solo tackle for loss.
AS A JUNIOR: He 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.

LEGACY
Linebacker Reid Cowan (Soph./Topeka, Kan.) is in his third season with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-City, All State Honorable Mention, Second-Team All-Centennial League on offense and defense. He is the brother of former Hornet football player Dalton Cowan and soccer player Riley Cowan, and the son of Hornet football alum Jeff and Lady Hornet Basketball alum Cassie Cowan.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Hornets lead the nation in kick off return yards, are ninth in punt return defense and 32nd in the nation in net punting. Both of Emporia State's kickers earned All-MIAA status last season while as a team the Hornets ranked tenth in the nation in net punting.

WAY/NO WAY
Punter Ross Brungardt (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is a two-time First-Team All-MIAA and All-Region  punter while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors. He is second in the MIAA in punting average and is ranked 22nd in the nation.  
AS A SENIOR: He averaged 32.2 yards per punts against Washburn, including a punt that he placed out of bounds at the Ichabod two yard line i the fourth quarter. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt at Pittsburg State with three of his six punts going over 50 yards and two over 60 yards. He averaged 43.7 yards per punt at Missouri Western. He averaged 43.0 yards per punt on six punts with two inside the 20 yard line against Central Oklahoma. He placed two of his four punts at Northeastern State inside the RiverHawks 20 yard line. He averaged 44.0 yards on five punts at Northwest Missouri and placed a 38 yarder out of bounds at the two yard line. He averaged 40.0 yards per punt and put two of his three punts inside the 20 yard line against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He was second in the MIAA and ranked sixth in the nation in average punt. He averaged 43.0 yards per punt with ten punts going over 50 yards and a league high 22 getting placed inside the 20 yard line.. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in six games last season and one of at least 60 yards in four games. He is a two-time MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. 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: Brungardt averaged 43.2 yards per punt last 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 41.72 yards per punt. Moorman holds the MIAA career record at 43.97 yards per punt.

DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Soph./Argyle, Texas) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was five for five on PATs and hit a season's best 30 yard field goal against Washburn. He connected on a 28 yard field goal at Pittsburg State. He hit a 24 yard field goal to tie the game with 46 seconds left at Missouri Western. He went five for five on PATs and added a 21 yard field goal against Central Oklahoma. He was five for five on PATs and connected on his first field goal of the year at Northeastern State. He had his first blocked PAT at Northwest Missouri. He went eight for eight on PATs against Lincoln while averaging 62.1 yards per kickoff. He had five touchbacks on nine kickoffs against the Blue Tigers.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 37 of 38 on PATs and hit nine of ten field goals over the final six games. His 1.3 field goals per game would have ranked tenth in the nation and his .900 field goal percentage would have been fourth in the nation had he played in enough games to qualify for the national leaders. 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 an NCAA Playoff record five against Henderson State during the 2015 playoffs. 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 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.

RETURN SPECIALISTS
The Hornets are leading the nation in kick return average at 33.75 yards per return. Three different players have a kick return of at least 25 yards.
Kick returner Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is leading the MIAA in kick returns at 43.7 yards per return. No one has kicked to him in the last two games. He would be second in the nation if he had the minimum of nine returns to qualify for the national leaders and even if he had three more returns of zero yards to qualify he would be eighth nationally,  He had a 60 yard kick-off return that led to a fourth quarter touchdown at Missouri Western. He opened the game at Northeastern State with a 75 yard kick return to set up the Hornets first score. He had 62 yards on two kick off returns against Lincoln.
Last season he 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.
Returner Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) is averaging 35.3 yards on three kick returns this season. He two returns for 66 yards including a 38 yard return at Pittsburg State. He had a 40 yard kick off return against Central Oklahoma.
Returner Malik O'Atis (Fr./Shawnee, Kan.) had a kick return of 29 yards against Washburn as the Hornets are taking advantage of the new rule allowing true freshmen to play in up to three games without losing a year of eligibility.
Returner Billy Ross Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had a six yard punt return at Northeastern State.
Last year he 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 as a freshman. 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.

CAPTAINS
This year's captains are defensive lineman Jordan Williams and Rafe Goucher, linebacker Declan Haub, punter Ross Brungardt, receiver Tyler Kahmann and quarterback Braden Gleason.

BOWL HISTORY
The Hornets are 5-3 all-time in bowl games and have won four of their last five bowl games - the 2022 Live United Bowl, the 2018 Corsicana Bowl, the 2012 Kanza Bowl, and the 2002 Mineral Water Bowl.

OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
The Hornets have gone 16-3 in non-conference games under Garin Higgins and are 27-8 outside the MIAA in the 21st century. Since joining the MIAA, ESU is 36-13 in non-conference games and has lost only four games to unranked non-conference D-II opponents since 1996.  

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.

HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 16th season as the Hornets head coach in 2023. He is fifth 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 153-89 record in his 21st season as a head coach with a 102-79 record in his 16th season at his alma mater.  
He built the Hornets the right way during his 16 years and orchestrated one of the great turnarounds in Emporia State history. The Hornets have gone 83-43 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 multiple 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 in this week's AFCA National Poll and #23 in the D2Football.com Poll. The MIAA has three teams ranked in the top 25 with one more receiving votes in the AFCA poll and three teams 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 ten straight years. Emporia State is 10-17 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 #5 in the Massey Ratings.

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.

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 new Voice of the Horents Blake Cripps and former Hornet Dan Courtwright in the booth along with Tagan Trahoon on the sidelines. KFFX is in their 36th straight year as the radio home of Hornet Athletics, the longest active streak between a commercial station and an MIAA school.

LEADING THE WAY
The Hornets have led for 222:43 of the 420 minutes (66.1%) they have played this year and trailed for 114:20 (27.2%) of the 420 minutes played.
Emporia State led for 469:59 of the 720 minutes (65.3%) played last year and trailed for just 146:57 (20.4%) of the 720 minutes played.

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 6-2 overall, 5-2 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 22-42-4all-time against Central Missouri;
•be the Hornets second straight win against the Mules;
•be the Hornets first win over the Mules in Warrensburg since 2018;
•make Coach Higgins 103-79 at Emporia State and 154-88 overall.

A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 5-3 overall, 4-3 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 21-43-4 all-time against Central Missouri;
•be the Hornets first loss against the Mules since 2021;
•be the Hornets second straight loss in Warrensburg to the Mules;
•make Coach Higgins 102-80 at Emporia State and 153-89 overall.

WORKING OVERTIME
• The Hornets are 6-8 in overtime games with wins in six of their last eight after dropping their first four extra period contests.
• Emporia State is 4-1 in overtime games under Garin Higgins with wins in the last four games.
• The quadruple overtime game in 2006 between Emporia State and Pittsburg State was the first MIAA regular season game to go to four overtimes and the first involving an MIAA team since Northwest Missouri's 4 OT win against Carson Newman in the 1999 National Championship Game.
• The 18 point deficit (28-10) in the second quarter at Minnesota State in the 2015 NCAA Division II playoffs 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.