Time to Bowl Emporia State Football Takes on Southern Nazarene

Football | 12/1/2023 9:37:00 AM

Game #12
Emporia State Hornets (8-3, 7-3 MIAA)
vs. Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm (6-5, 6-5 GAC)
Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl
December 2, 2023 • 12:00 p.m.
Community National Bank & Trust Stadium at Tiger Field • Corsicana, Texas
Series Record: First Meeting Last Meeting: First Meeting
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 11:00 a.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): www.youtube.com/@heritagebowl
Television: 38 The Spot KMCI (in Kansas City)
Live Stats | Ticket Info | Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: 2024 Opener vs Washburn
Sept 5, 2024 • 7:00 p.m. • Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.

GOING BOWLING
Emporia State will make their third straight postseason appearance when they take on Southern Nazarene in the Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl.

LAST TIME OUT
Behind record setting performances from Braden Gleason and Tyler Kahmann Emporia State punched their ticket to the post season with a 45-42 win at Fort Hays State. The Tigers led 13-10 with 2:38 left in the first quarter.  Gleason then threw three straight touchdown passes to three different players to give the Hornets a 31-13 lead with 5:25 left in the half. Fort Hays State would close to within 38-35 with 17 seconds left in the third quarter.  After Ross Brungardt forced a muff on a 54 yard punt, the Hornets took over at the Tiger 12 yard line with 13:55 left in the game. Gleason connected with Kahmann 13 seconds later to again make it a two possession game. FHSU scored with 43 seconds left to make it 45-42 but ESU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.Gleason went 30 of 40 for 369 yards and tossed six touchdowns.  Kahmann finished with nine catches for 119 yards and three scores while Ethan Schultze had four receptions for 56 yards.  Sage Sieperda was credited with a career high 12 tackles while Lavon Jones added ten stops. Chance Rodriguez had seven tackles and two sacks.

THE COACH
Garin Higgins has a career record of 156-89 in his 21st season as a head coach. He is 105-80 in his 16th season at his alma mater and is 86-43 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 eight of the last 11 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 was 1-0 against Southern Nazarene while at Northwestern Oklahoma.
Dustin Hada is 11-22 in his third season at Southern Nazarene This is his first meeting with Emporia State.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 8-3, 7-3 in the MIAA. The Hornets are leading the nation in completion percentage, are second in passing offense and third in total offense. Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Braden Gleason is leading the nation in completion percentage, is second in touchdown passes, total offense and points responsible for, and fifth in passing efficiency. Tyler Kahmann is leading the nation in touchdown catches, is fourth in receptions per game and seventh in receiving yards. Jaylen Varner is ranked fourth nationally in catches per game, eighth in touchdown receptions and 11th in receiving yards. Ross Brungardt is eighth in the nation in punting.
 
SCOUTING THE CRIMSON STORM
Southern Nazarene is 6-5 overall and in the GAC. The Crimson Storm is second in the nation in rushing offense, seventh in time of possession and eighth in total offense. Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Gage Porter is leading the nation in rushing with 1,739 yards and 25 touchdowns.

THE SERIES
This will be the first meeting between Emporia State and Southern Nazarene.

LAST TIME IN CORSICANA
Emporia State got five touchdown passes from game MVP Braxton Marstall on the way to a 30-22 win over Ark.-Monticello in the Corsicana Bowl. Marstall finished the game 22 of 30 for 315 yards and five touchdowns while adding 21 yards on 14 carries on the ground.  Jordan Reed was his favorite target, getting seven catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns.  Tyler Harris had 67 yards and two touchdowns on four catches while Justin Brown added a touchdown and 56 yards on two receptions.  Landon Nault had 77 yards on four catches and added a team high 59 yards on 14 carries. Logan Thompson had a career high 15 tackles with a sack, forced fumble and 2.5 tackles for loss. Jace McDown had nine tackles and two pass break ups while Brent Davenport added four pass break ups.

UP NEXT
The Hornets are scheduled to open the 2024 season on Thursday, September 5 against Washburn in Welch Stadium.
KNOW THE FOE
This will be the first meeting betwee Emporia State and Southern Nazarene. The Crimson Storm is a young program with their first season of competition the 2000 season.

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 national championship games, including ten of the last 18 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 53-28 in the NCAA Playoffs and 22-8 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 75-36 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 90-46 since then. Of the 46 losses, 22 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 135 games since then Emporia State is averaging 33.1 points while giving up 26.1 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 86-18 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with an 81-13 record in their last 94 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 48 games under Coach Higgins with a 46-2 record in those games. The Hornets have won 24 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.

NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State is 58-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins. They have held teams to under 30 points in seven of the 11 games this season. 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.

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets are leading the nation in completion percentage, rank second in passing offense, third in total offense, seventh in first downs, eighth in passing efficiency, 12th in red zone offense and 16th in scoring offense. Emporia State set school records with 795 yards of total offense and 45 first downs against Missouri Southern.

QUARTERBACKS
Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 57 times, with 17 games of at least 400 yards and a 522 yard game by Brent Wilson while eight different quarterbacks 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. Five of the top ten individual passing games in MIAA history have come from three different Emporia State quarterbacks.

TO THE MOON
Quarterback Braden Gleason (Sr./Muldrow, Okla.) is one of nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy and was a unanimous First-Team All-MIAA selection. He is the Emporia State career record holder in passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense. He has scored or thrown a touchdown pass in 37 straight games dating back to 2019. He has only lost two games 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.
AS A SENIOR: He is leading the nation in completion percentage, is second in touchdown passes, points responsible for and total offense, third in passing yards and completions per game, and fifth in passing efficiency. He was 30 of 40 for 369 yards a career high six touchdowns at Fort Hays State to earn his fourth MIAA Player of the Week Award. He connected on his first 17 passes and 27 of his first 28 passes against Missouri Southern with the one incompletion a throw away. He finished 42 of 46 for 482 yards and four touchdowns while adding 30 rushing yards. The 482 passing yards rank ninth in MIAA history while the 512 yards of total offense ranks eighth in MIAA history, He is a three-time MIAA Offensive Player of the Week recipient. He recorded his third game with five touchdown passes against Neb.-Kearney and finished 27 pf 42 for 250 yards to earn MIAA Offensive Player of the Week Honors. He was 35 of 60 for 349 yards with two touchdowns and added 36 rushing yards on eight carries in just under three quarters at Central Missouri. 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: Gleason is the MIAA record holder with 109 career touchdowns and holds ESU all-time records with 11,113 passing yards and 12,123 yards of total offense for the Hornets. He is second in the MIAA in career total offense He is third in the MIAA in career passing and needs 159 yards to pass Dane Simoneau (11,291 from 2008-11) of Washburn to move into second.
He has the Emporia State single season record with 41 touchdown passes this season and is second on the ESU single season passing yards list with 3,773 yards this year. He needs 472 yards to break Brent Wilson's single season record 4,244 passing yards set in 2015. With 136 yards he can move past Braxton Marstall (4,120 yards in 2016) for second on the Emporia State single season list.
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 was three of nine for 18 yards at Central Missouri. 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. 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
A total of 11 different wide receivers have caught a pass this season with seven of them having a catch of over ten yards. Five wide receivers have at least one touchdown reception this season. Three different receivers have a touchdown catch of at least 70 yards this year and four have a reception of at least 60 yards.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Jr./Haysville, Kan.) is leading the nation with a school record 18 touchdown receptions, is fourth in receptions and seventh in receiving yards. He earned First-Team All-MIAA and All-Super Region-3 honors. He has 171 receptions for 2,080 yards and 32 touchdowns in 35 career games for Emporia State. He needs one touchdown catch to tie Lester McCoy's school record of 33 career touchdown receptions from 1997-2000
AS A JUNIOR: He has at least 100 yards receiving in six of his last seven games. He had nine catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns at Fort Hays State. He had nine receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri Southern. He had six catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns against Neb.-Kearney. He had his fourth straight game with at least 100 receiving yards when he went for ten catches and 117 yards with a touchdown at Central Missouri. He was the first Hornet with four consecutive 100 yard receiving games since the 2013 season. His three straight games with at least ten catches was the longest string of double digit catch games by a Hornet since J.J. Richard had four straight in 2004. He had 11 receptions for a career high 175 yards and two touchdowns against Washburn. He had a career high 12 catches for 140 yards at Pittsburg State with two touchdowns. He had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown at Missouri Western. He had eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and four 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 three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburg State. 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 had 34 catches for 428 yards. He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Mo. Southern. He had nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown at Pitt State. He had a 69 yard catch against Central Okla.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a three-sport All-State selection at Haysville Campus HS. 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 HS.

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Jr./Marshall, Mo.) is fourth in the nation in receptions, eighth in touchdown catches and 11th in receiving yards. He is tied for the MIAA lead in receptions, and is third in receiving yards and touchdown catches. He is a First-Team All-MIAA seletion. 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 177 catches for 1,977 yards and 25 touchdowns in 33 games.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a reception of at least 15 yards in every game this season. He had eight catches for 74 yards and a touchdown at Fort Hays State. He grabbed 11 catches for 105 yards and a score against Missouri Southern. He had ten catches for 79 yards and a touchdown against Neb.-Kearney. He had eight catches for 76 yards with a 30 yard touchdown at Central Missouri. 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 catches while ranking eighth in receptions and 13th in receiving yards. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two scores against Southeastern Okla. He had a 58 yard touchdown at Lincoln. He had seven catches for 96 yards with two touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He had six catches for 78 yards and a TD at Washburn.  
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 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 24th in the MIAA in all-purpose yards and would lead the MIAA and the nation if he had enough kick returns to qualify for the national leaders.
AS A JUNIOR: He did not play against Fort Hays State with an injury. He had a ten yard reception against Neb.-Kearney and returned two kicks for 31 total yards. He had five catches for 66 yards at Central Missouri. 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 All-State pick 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. His five touchdown receptions are the most by a Hornet  true freshman since they joined the MIAA.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown at Fort Hays State. He had three receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown against Missouri Southern. He had two catches for 38 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two receptions for eight yards at Central Missouri. 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

THE KINGSMAN
Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) started at running back for three games after moving between running back and receiver and is now back at receiver. He is fourth in the MIAA in kick returns. 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 126 all purpose yards against Missouri Southern with 69 kick return yards, 32 receiving and 25 rushing. He had 137 all-purpose yards at Central Missouri with 112 coming on five kick returns, 16 on three catches and nine of four rushes. 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.
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.

SCHULTZY ON O
Receiver Ethan Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high 103 yards on four catches including one reception of 62 yards at Fort Hays State.  He had four catches for 30 yards against Missouri Southern. He had two receptions for 18 yards at Central Missouri and returned a kick-off 25 yards. 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.

BUILT FORD TOUGH
Receiver Mason Ford (Fr./Coweta, Okla.) has seen action as a true freshman in two games this year.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two catches for 13 yards at Central Missouri. He saw his first action as a Hornet at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-team All-District performer and offensive player of the year for Coweta HS. He helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated regular season and state quarterfinal appearance

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.

TY-RRIFIC
Receiver Tyreek Robinson (Jr./Kissimmee, Fla.) has missed the entire season with a lower leg injury. This is his second full year with the Emporia State football team after playing four years on the Hornet basketball team.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He hauled in his first career reception for 13 yards against Central Missouri.
ON THE BASKETBALL COURT: He had a career high 11 points against Northwest Missouri in the 2021 MIAA Tournament. He scored six points and matched his career high with eight rebounds in his first career start at Central Oklahoma as a freshman in 2019-20.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He averaged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game at Gateway HS. He only played football as a senior but had several NCAA Division I offers.

MAKE IT HAPPEN
Receiver Malik O'Atis (Fr./Shawnee, Kan.) had a 29 yard kick return against Washburn as he took advantage of the new rule allowing freshmen to play in a limited number of games while still retaining their redshirt.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-team All-State Class 6A selection and the Sunflower League player of the year. He totaled 2,929 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns as a senior for Shawnee Mission Northwest HS including 411 yards in a single game

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.) is 12th in the MIAA in touchdown receptions, 16th in total receptions and 22nd in receiving yards. He has been an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at tight end/fullback the last two seasons. He needs 32 yards to go over 1,000 receiving yards in his career.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a pair of receptions for a total of 18 yards at Fort Hays State. He had three catches for 28 yards against Missouri Southern. He had four receptions for 45 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had three catches for 27 yards at Central Missouri. 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 Oklahoma. 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 caught two passes for 14 yards against Missouri Southern. 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.

SIR LANCE A LOT
S-Back Lance Hoffsommer (Fr.-RS/Sedgwick, Kan.) has transitioned from quarterback to S-Back this season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the 2021 Sports in Kansas 1A Offensive Player of the Year and earned Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State Class 1A and Sports in Kansas Top 33 honors. He led the state of Kansas in passing yardage in All-classes, throwing for 3,027 yards  and 37 touchdowns with 851 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground as a senior.

RUNNING BACKS
Emporia State's top three running backs are averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the season. They combined for 276 yards on 51 carries with five touchdowns against Missouri Southern. The Hornets had two players rush for at least 100 yards in a game for the first time since 2011. They had 91 yards on 18 carries against Neb.-Kearney. 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 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 55th in the nation in rushing yards per game. He was named Second-Team All-MIAA at all purpose back. He is ranked 11th in the league in total rushing touchdowns and eighth in total rushing despite missing two games.  
AS A JUNIOR: He ran for 46 yards on 14 carries at Fort Hays State. He had 101 yards on 23 carries and three catches for 46 yards against Missouri Southern. He returned to the line up in the second half against Neb.-Kearney and had 72 yards on eight carries. He did not play against Washburn or Central Missouri with an injury. 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.

THOMAS TRUCKING
Running back DeAndre Thomas (Jr./Blue Springs, Mo.) is a transfer from the University of Kansas. He is ranked 11th in the MIAA in rushing touchdowns and 14th in rushing yards per game.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 45 yards on ten carries at Fort Hays State. He exploded for career highs of 23 carries for 150 yards and five touchdown against Missouri Southern. He is the first Hornet to rush for five touchdowns in a game since Brian Shay had a school record seven against Missouri Rolla in 1997. He had five rushes for 21 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had 31 yards on nine carries and added 26 yards on three catches at Central Missouri. 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 had two carries for eight yards at Central Missouri. 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.

MAX IN THE MIDDLE
Running back Max Middleton (Fr.-RS/Andover, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had career highs of 22 yards on five carries at Central Missouri. He had 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 eight sacks in 514 drop backs this season or one every 64.25 drop backs to lead the MIAA. Emporia State is sixth in the nation in sacks allowed and is ninth 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. He has started at four the five offensive line positions in his career and has played all five.
AS A JUNIOR: He has 22 knockdowns on the season. He was injured early against Neb.-Kearney and missed the next three games.  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 was third on the team with 53 knockdowns. 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 26 games in his career. He was a First-Team All-MIAA selection. He moved to a guard position after playing tackle last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a 45 knockdowns this season. He earned back to back Squarehead Awards after recording 4.5 knockdowns against Fort Hays State and seven knockdowns against Missouri Southern. 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 on the 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.) was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick. He moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri last season at tackle and has moved to guard this year.
AS A JUNIOR: He has 46 knockdowns on the season. He had five knockdowns against Missouri Southern. 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) was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA.
AS A FRESHMAN: He has 32 knockdowns on the season. He recorded three knockdowns at Fort Hays State. He had 6.5 knockdowns against Missouri Southern. He earned his first Squarehead Award against Neb.-Kearney. 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 has a team high 776 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 has 29.5 knockdowns in eight games at center. 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.

TALON OF POWER
Guard Talon Wheeler (Soph./Broken Arrow, Okla.) is in his third year at Emporia State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded a career high 8.5 knockdowns in his first start against Missouri Southern. He had a knockdown in his first significant amount of playing time against Neb.-Kearney.
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.

FREE STATE
Tackle Jalan Robinson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his first year at ESU after transferring from Kansas. He was injured against Pittsburg State and has not played since.
AS A JUNIOR: He averaged 1.3 knockdowns per game before his injury at Pittsburg State.
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.

GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT
Offensive lineman Brody Lietz (Fr.-RS/Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named Class 2A First-Team All-State by KFBA on offense and KSHSAA Covered First-Team All-Class-2A on defense for Rossville HS.

SHEARED
Offensive lineman Kobie Breshears (So./Slater, Mo.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State and three-time All-District performer for Slater HS. He was named to the All-Missouri senior offensive team and the KMZU Dream Team.

DEFENSE
The Hornets are now eighth in the MIAA and 102nd in the nation at 27.6 points per game. Emporia State was third in the MIAA and 40th nationally in points allowed at 20.0 points per game prior to the Central Missouri Game. They are allowing just 22.7 points per game in their other ten games. 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 third in the MIAA and 24th in the nation in interceptions while ranking seventh in the league in pass efficiency defense. Five of the top 20 players in the MIAA in passes defended this season were Hornet defensive backs.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Sr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) was named Second-Team All-MIAA. He is second in the MIAA in fumbles forced and passes defended while tied for 11th in interceptions. He is 17th in the nation in passes defended.
AS A SENIOR: He had a pass break up and two tackles at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles and a pas break up against Missouri Southern. He was credited with three tackles and a pass break up against Neb.-Kearney. He had five tackles and broke up three passes at Central Missouri. 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.) was a Second-Team All-MIAA selection. He is tied for third in the MIAA in interceptions and is seventh in passes defended. He comes to Emporia State from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three tackles at Fort Hays State. He had six tackles, a pass break up an a tackle for loss against Missouri Southern. He had his second two interception game of the year against Neb.-Kearney. He had ten tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break up at Central Missouri. 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.
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.

BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Jr./Ada, Okla.) has moved into the starting line up at rover over the last three games. He is tied for 11th in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded seven tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a career high eight tackles with a pass break up against Missouri Southern. He had seven tackles and an interception against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with four tackles at Central Missouri. 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.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Defensive back Rod Farmer (Soph./Memphis, Tenn.) has seen action at both corner and safety. He is tied for 16th in the MIAA in passes defended.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had four tackles, a pass break up and a tackle for loss against Missouri Southern. He recorded three tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a career high six tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass break up at Central Missouri. 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.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Jr./Oklahoma City HS) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a pair of solo tackles at Fort Hays State. He had three tackles, an assisted tackle for loss and a pass break up at Central Missouri. 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.

PAPAL AUTHORITY
Safety Chris Pope (Sr./Edmond, Okla.) is 16th 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 recorded two unassisted tackles at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles and was credited with a forced fumble against Missouri Southern. He has six pass break ups but is yet to record an interception. He had four tackles against Neb.-Kearney.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. 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 ten games for the Bears.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Edmond Memorial HS. He lettered in football, basketball and track.

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.

SCHULTZY ON D
Safety Tyler Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had his second fumble recovery on special teams when he hopped on a muffed punt at Fort Hays State. He was named MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week after he recovered a fumble in the endzone on a kick off and rushed two punts against Neb.-Kearney. 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.

STEAK
Safety Kobe Holley (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with two tackles at Central Missouri. 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.

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.

OSCAR FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY
Defensive Back Yanci Spiller (Fr./St. George, Kan.) is in his first season at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-State selection and four year starter for Rock Creek HS and a two time team captain.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Emporia State is ranked third in the MIAA in team tackles for loss and fourth in sacks. The defensive line had six of Emporia State's 14.0 tackles for loss against Neb.-Kearney. 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.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Sr./St Louis, Mo.) is fourth in the MIAA in tackles for loss. He is a two-time First-Team All-MIAA selection and was named honorable mention All-American last year.
AS A SENIOR: He had three tackles with 1.5 sacks at Fort Hays State. He had six tackles, 2.5 TFL and a sack against Neb.-Kearney. He had an assisted tackle for loss at Central Missouri. 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.
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 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 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 third in the MIAA in tackles for loss and 15th in sacks. He was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded seven tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a fumble recovery against Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles, a pass break up and half a tackle for loss at Central Missorui. He had 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 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 three-time All-MIAA honorable mention selection and is a three-year starter.
AS A JUNIOR: He broke up a pass at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles against Missouri Southern. He had six assisted tackles with one for a loss against Neb.-Kearney. 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 eighth in the MIAA in sacks.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with four tackles and a sack at Fort Hays State. He had three tackles and a quarterback hurry against Neb.-Kearney. He had three assisted tackles at Central Missouri. 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 was in on three tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He was in on one tackle at Central Missouri. 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.) is in his fifth year with Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three tackles, half a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry against Neb.-Kearney. He had three assisted tackles at Central Missouri. 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.

TAKE A CHANCE
Linebacker Chance Rodriguez (Sr./Holcomb, Kan.) was named Third-Team All-MIAA. He is tenth in the MIAA in tackles and is tied for 11th in interceptions. He is in his sixth year with the Hornets.
AS A SENIOR: He had seven tackles and two sacks at Fort Hays State. He was credited with five tackles against Missouri Southern. He had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks with a pass break up against Neb.-Kearney. He had five tackles at Central Missouri. 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. He had a sack among his three tackles at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri. He had three tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had six tackles against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Okla. 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.

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 six games and has been the leading tackler for ESU in three games.
AS A JUNIOR: He tied his career high with ten tackles at Fort Hays State. He had nine tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry against Neb.-Kearney. He recorded a career high ten tackles at Central Missouri. He had four tackles against Washburn. He had 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.

SAGE ADVICE
Linebacker Sage Sieperda (Jr./Shawnee, Kan.) has moved into the starting lineup the last three games and is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a career high 12 tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a tackle and a pass break up against Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles with a sack against Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles at Central Missouri. 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.

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Jr./Kingfisher, Okla.) missed most of the first three games  and the last three with an injury. He led the MIAA and was seventh in the nation in fumble recoveries last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had six tackles, 2.0 TFL and two hurries against UNK. He had four tackles and a sack at Central Missouri. 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 Okla.
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 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 tied for second in the MIAA in fumble recoveries.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four tackles and an assisted tackle for loss at Central Missouri. 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

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.

LIFE OF PETZ
Linebacker Jack Petz (Sr./Lenexa, Kan.) has moved to linebacker after starting the season at running back and 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.

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.

CAMDEN YARDS
Linebacker Cam Barta (Soph./Topeka, Kan.) is in his third year at Emporia State
IN HIGH SCHOOL: Defensively he had 50 tackles, 2.0 TFL, an interception, two pass break ups, and a forced fumble. At quarterback he was 138 of 222 for 2,224 yards with 23 touchdowns..and .added 197 yards and four touchdowns on the ground

LIKE A ROLLING STONE
Linebacker Dylan Roach (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two- time All-EKL Honorable Mention selection and was the career leading tackler at Blue Valley West HS

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Hornets are 12th the nation in kick off return yards, seventh in punt return defense and 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.

DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Soph./Argyle, Texas) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was six of six on PATs and hit a 23 yard field goal that proved to be the difference at Fort Hays State. He went nine for nine on PATs against Missouri Southern. He was three for three on PAT's after a bad snap on his first attempt against Neb.-Kearney led to him getting tackled on the scrambled two point attempt. He also had a touchdown saving tackle on a kick-off in the third quarter against the Lopers. He was three of four on PATs with three touchbacks on his five kickoffs. 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.

WAY/NO WAY
Punter Ross Brungardt (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) was the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year this season and is a three-time First-Team All-MIAA punter. He is a three-time All-Region selection while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors. He is leading the MIAA in punting average and is ranked eighth in the nation.  
AS A SENIOR: After not punting in six quarters thanks to the Hornet offense, Brungardt launched four punts all over 50 yards n teh second half at Fort Hays State. He did not punt against Missouri Southern but did hold for all PATs and actually lined up at receiver on the last kneel down of the game. Neb.-Kearney started inside their own 30 on four of his six punts against the Lopers. He averaged 48.7 yards per punt and did not allow a return on a career high nine punts at Central Missouri. He had five punts of over 50 yards including a 61 yarder.  He had three punts downed inside the 15 yard line and forced two fair catches inside the 20. He averaged 32.2 yards per punts against Washburn, including a punt that he placed out of bounds at the Ichabod two yard line in 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. 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 42.1 yards per punt. He has 55 punts of at least 50 yards in his career with 61 inside the 20 and 72 fair catches on 243 career punts.

RETURN SPECIALISTS
The Hornets are 12th the nation in kick return average at 24.25 yards per return. Four different players have a kick return of at least 25 yards.
Kick returner Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is averaging 36.6 yards per kick return and would lead the MIAA and nation if he had enough returns to qualify for the national leaders. He had 31 yards on two returns against Neb.-Kearney. 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 returned the opening kickoff against Central Missouri 64 yards.
Returner Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) is averaging 22.8 yards on 13 kick returns this season to officially rank third in the MIAA. He had a 50 yard return at Central Missouri and 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 Ethan Schultz (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan) had a 25 yard kick return at Central Missouri.
Although not a returner Tyler Schultz (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan) recovered a kick-off in the endzone after it glanced off a Neb.-Kearney defender for a touchdown.
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.  

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 eight 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 156-89 record in his 21st season as a head coach with a 105-80 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 86-44 with eight post season appearances 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. 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 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.

BEST IN THE STATE  
Emporia State's three NCAA playoff appearances and eight total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state since 2012. The Hornets are the only MIAA team that has made the post season in each of the last three years.

THE POLLS SAY
The MIAA has two teams ranked in the top 25 with two more receiving votes in the AFCA poll and two 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 10-18 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with a 9-7 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri. The Hornets are ranked #7 in the Massey Ratings.

DID YOU CATCH IT
The Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl  will be the 23rd time the Hornets have played a game on live television since 1997. The Emporia State football game at Northwest Missouri on 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. 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.

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 361:31 of the 660 minutes (54.8%) they have played this year and trailed for 195:22 (29.6%) of the 600 minutes played.

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 9-3 overall, 7-3 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 1-0 all-time against Southern Nazarene;
•be the Hornets second straight bowl win;
•make the Hornets 2-0 in Corsicana;
•give ESU nine wins in a season for just the tenth time in school history;
•make Coach Higgins 106-80 at Emporia State and 157-89 overall.
A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 8-4 overall, 7-3 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 0-1 all-time against Southern Nazarene;
•make Coach Higgins 105-81 at Emporia State and 156-90 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.