#11 Hornet Football travels to Missouri Western

Football | 9/28/2023 6:02:00 PM

Game #5
#11 Emporia State Hornets (4-0, 3-0 MIAA)
at Missouri Western Griffons (3-1, 2-1 MIAA)
September 30, 2023 • 4:00 p.m. • Spratt Stadium • St. Joseph, Mo.
Series Record: MWSU Leads 27-17 Current Streak: ESU 1 win
Last Meeting: at ESU 36, MWSU 12 (September 17, 2022)
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 3:00 p.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): themiaanetwork.com/esuhornets
Live Stats • Ticket Info • Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: at #3 Pittsburg State
October 7, 2023 • 2:00 p.m. • Carney Smith Stadium • Pittsburg, Kan.

FAMILY TIME
The 11th ranked Hornets begin a two game road trip at Missouri Western on Saturday. The Griffons received votes in last week's AFCA poll and have won three straight games.

LAST TIME OUT
The #11 Hornets improved to 4-0 on the season with a 38-27 victory over Central Oklahoma in Welch Stadium. Emporia State led 17-7 after the first quarter. After Central Oklahoma closed to within 17-14, the Hornets would score the next 21 points to take a 38-14 lead with 8:00 left in the game.  The Bronchos would score two touchdowns in the final six minutes but never got the deficit to single digits in the second half. Once they got to within 11 points, Chris Pope recovered and on side kick attempt with 3:22 left and after a Hornet punt Rod Farmer sealed the win with an interception with 1:11 remaining.
Braden Gleason went 19 of 29 for 289 yards with four touchdowns. Jaylen Varner caught six passes for a career high 147 yards and three touchdowns.  Billy Ross Jr. added a career high 157 yards on 16 rushes with a touchdown.  Montrell Wilson had a career high 11 tackles while Bo Odum and Rod Farmer each recorded their first career interceptions.

THE COACH
Garin Higgins has a career record of 152-86 in his 21st season as a head coach. He is 101-77 in his 16th season at his alma mater and is 82-40 since the start of the 2012 season. He is the seventh winningest coach in MIAA history and ranks second among active coaches. He has led the Hornets to the post season in seven of the last ten seasons with three NCAA Playoffs and a national semifinal appearance in 2015. He had a 51-9 career record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma, including two trips to the national championship game. Higgins was a quarterback for Emporia State from 1987-90 and was on the 1989 national runners-up team. He is 6-9 against Missouri Western.
Tyler Fenwick is 3-1 in his first season at Missouri Western and is 56-49 in ten seasons as a head coach. He went 1-a against Emporia State while at Southeastern Oklahoma.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State is 4-0, 3-0 in the MIAA and ranked #11 in the AFCA National Poll. The Hornets are leading the nation in interceptions and red zone offense, having scored every time they have entered it. ESU is ranked seventh in total offense and scoring offense while ranking eighth in scoring defense. Braden Gleason is leading the nation in completion percentage, is second in passing touchdowns, third in passing efficiency and sixth in passing yards.  Jaylen Varner is third in the nation in touchdown catches and fourth in receiving yards.
 
SCOUTING THE GRIFFONS
Missouri Western is 3-1, 2-1 in the MIAA and receiving votes in the AFCA National Poll. They are leading the MIAA in sacks, tackles for loss and defensive touchdowns. Dakari Streeter is leading the nation in sacks.

THE SERIES
This is the 45th meeting with Missouri Western holding a 27-17 edge. It has been a series of streaks with the shortest winning streak by either team at three games.

LAST TIME VS. MISSOURI WESTERN
Emporia State held Missouri Western to half their season rushing average in a 36-12 win. The Hornets jumped out to a 16-0 lead thanks to safety, a 30 yard touchdown run by Braden Gleason and a seven yard pass from Gleason to Jaylen Varner. ESU scored right before half on a three yard pass from Gleason to Cole Schumacher to go up 22-6. The break would last 2:42 as lightning moved in. After the delay Derrick Maxwell forced a fumble that Rafe Goucher jumped on. Two plays later Gleason scored from four yards out giving ESU a 29-6 lead 53 seconds into the half. Gleason connected with Corey Thomas for 54 yards to go up 36-12 with 14:50 remaining in the game. Gleason was 27 for 42 for 261 yards with three touchdowns and added 62 yards and two touchdowns. Billy Ross Jr. had 26 carries for 99 yards. Maxwell recorded six tackles and 28 yard interception return.
 
UP NEXT
The #11 Hornets travel to #3 Pittsburg State. Kick-off is set for 2:00 p.m. at Carney Smith Stadium.

KNOW THE FOE
This will be the 45th meeting between Emporia State and Missouri Western. The series has been one of streaks. Before 2018's loss the Hornets had won five contests after the Griffons had posted an eight game winning streak from 2005-12. Both schools had a pair of three game winning streaks from 1993-2004. Emporia State won five straight meetings between 1986 and 1992 after Missouri Western had captured the first ten contests from 1977-85.
Head coach Tyler Fenwick was the coach at Southeastern Oklahoma during the last two Live United Bowls against Emporia State.
Former Hornet defensive backs coach Eriq Moore is now in the same role at Missouri Western.

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 86-43 since then. Of the 43 losses, 20 have been to teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 at the time. In Emporia State's first 49 games under Coach Higgins, the Hornets averaged 19.86 points per game while giving up 30.06 points per game. In the 124 games since then Emporia State is averaging 33.33 points while giving up 26.31 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

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.  

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

BOWL HISTORY
The Hornets are 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.

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 82-17 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with a 77-12 record in their last 89 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 46 games under Coach Higgins with a 44-2 record in those games. The Hornets have won 22 games when allowing their opponents 28 or more points under coach Higgins, but Emporia State has only won 19 games when the Hornets have scored less than 28 points, most recently the 24-21 victory at Missouri Southern last season. The 53-52 loss at Central Oklahoma in 2017 was the first time in school history the Hornets have scored 50 points in regulation and lost a game.

NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State leads the MIAA and is eighth nationally in points allowed this year at 12.5 points per game. They allowed an average of 21.7 points per game last season. That was the lowest defensive scoring average for the Hornets since allowing 18.1 points per game during their MIAA Championship season of 2003. Emporia State is 57-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins

MIAA IN THE POSTSEASON
Since the MIAA first expanded in 1989 and the new teams became eligible for post season play in 1990, the league has eight national championships and a representative in 15 of 30 national championship games, including ten of the last 17 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 51-26 in the NCAA Playoffs and 22-8 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 73-34 against non-conference opponents. The Hornets join Northwest Missouri (1996-99, 2002, 2004-11, 2013, 2015-16, 2021), Pittsburg State (1989-92, 1995, 2001, 2004-05, 2011), Missouri Western (2012), and Central Missouri (2010) as MIAA teams that have reached the national quarterfinals.  Emporia State's game at Northwest Missouri in 2015 was the fifth all-MIAA regional final all-time.  Seven different MIAA schools have advanced to the NCAA Playoffs and won a game since 2010 while eight current member institutions have represented the league in the NCAA Playoffs. Counting their time in other conferences ten of the current 12 MIAA football playing schools have been NCAA Division II Playoff participants. The only two schools to have never made the NCAA Playoffs are Lincoln and Northeastern State. The RiverHawks made the NAIA National Championship game four times and won the title in 1994. Northeastern State also participated in the 2011 Mineral Water Bowl, meaning 11 of the 12 member schools have participated in an NCAA sanctioned post season game.   
All MIAA NCAA Divison II Quarterfinals
2015    at Northwest Mo. 38, Emporia State 17    
2011    at Pittsburg State 41, Northwest Mo. 16
2010    at Northwest Mo. 37, Central Mo. 20    
2005    Northwest Mo. 21, at Pittsburg State 10
2004    at Pittsburg State 50, Northwest Mo. 36

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets are leading the nation in completion percentage tied for first in red zone offense. ESU is fourth in the nation in passing yards, seventh in total offense, ninth in passing efficiency and 13th in scoring.

QUARTERBACKS
To say Coach Garin Higgins has had a knack for developing quarterback is putting it mildly.  Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 51 times, with 15 games of at least 400 yards and an MIAA record 522 yard game by Brent Wilson while eight different QBs have thrown at least two touchdown passes in a season. Braden Gleason is one of five Hornet quarterback to start a postseason game since 2012 and four that have won a postseason game. Four of the top seven individual passing games in MIAA history have come from three different Emporia State quarterbacks.

TO THE MOON
Quarterback Braden Gleason (Sr./Muldrow, Okla.) has scored or thrown a touchdown pass in 30 straight games dating back to 2019. He has only lost one game by more than a single score since taking over as the regular starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2021 season. He has three fourth quarter comebacks in his career.
AS A SENIOR: He is leading the nation in completion percentage, is second in touchdown passes, third in passing efficiency, fourth in completions, sixth in points responsible for, and 12th in total offense. 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 despite leading the league in passing yards, total offense, and touchdown passes. He was 22 of 33 for 253 yards with five touchdowns 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 was 27 of 41 for 276 yards and a touchdown at Neb.-Kearney. He had his best completion percentage of the season when he went 32 of 44 for 317 yards with three touchdowns against Central Missouri. He became the first Hornet to throw for 300 yards, rush for 20 and catch a pass when he went 27 of 39 for 300 yards and four touchdowns with 22 rushing yards and a nine yard reception at Washburn 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 named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more against Missouri Western, finishing with 261 yards on 27 of 42 passing along with 62 yards on seven rushes.  He went 28 of 44 for 411 yards and a touchdown passing and had a rushing touchdown at Central Oklahoma. He was 23 of 37 for 312 yards with three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown against Northeastern State.   
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection. 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: He 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. He was ten of 18 for 122 yards and added 45 yards on 12 rushes at Missouri Western.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Honorable Mention All-State for Muldrow (Okla.) HS. He threw for 6,317 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career along with 1,483 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing.
RECORD WATCH: He is ranked third all-time at Emporia State with 83 touchdown passes, 8,547 passing yards and 9,361 yards of total offense for the Hornets. He needs one touchdown pass, 74 passing yards and 155 yards of total offense to tie Brent Wilson in all three categories.
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 finished with 546 yards of total offense against Central Missouri in 2021 to set the MIAA record for completions and the ESU record for pass attempts. That ranks second in ESU history to Brent Wilson's 571 yards of total offense and 522 passing yards set against UCO in 2013.

IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Jr./Tulsa, Okla.) is in his fourth year at Emporia State
AS A JUNIOR: He played the entire second half at Northeastern State and went 14 of 20 for 76 yards and a touchdown. He was seven of eight for 99 yards with two touchdowns and added a 25 yard rush against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He completed his first seven passes of the year. He played most of the third quarter and all of the fourth at Lincoln, completing three of four passes for 14 yards. He went two for two for 13 yards against Fort Hays State. He was two for two for 18 yards against Central Missouri. He saw his first action of the season in the fourth quarter against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He saw his first action as a Hornet against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors as he led Lincoln Christian HS to an undefeated state championship in Oklahoma Class 3A.

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

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

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Jr./Marshall, Mo.) is third in the nation in touchdown catches, fourth in receiving yards and 15th in total touchdowns, while leading the MIAA in those categories. He is third in the MIAA and 20th in the nation in receptions. He has two touchdown catches of at least 75 yards 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 112 catches for 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns in 26 games.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a reception of at least 40 yards in every game this season. He had a career high 147 yards and three touchdowns on just six receptions against Central Oklahoma including a 78 yard touchdown. He became the first Hornet since Shjuan Richardson in 2012 to have back to back games with at least 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He had three catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter at Northeastern State highlighted by an 80 yard touchdown. It was the longest touchdown reception by a Hornet since Mo Williams III had an 80 yarder against Northeastern State in 2015. He finished with 117 yards on four receptions against the RiverHawks. He caught five passes for 61 yards including a 40 yarder at Northwest Missouri. He had a team high ten receptions for 106 yards against Lincoln.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He earned Third-Team All-MIAA honors with 48 receptions for 541 yards and nine touchdowns. He was tied for second in the MIAA in touchdown receptions while ranking eighth in receptions per game and 13th in receiving yards. He had seven touchdowns in his last five games. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two scores against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had a 58 yard touchdown among his four catches for 76 yards at Lincoln. He had seven catches for 96 yards with two touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He caught six passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns at Mo. Southern. He had six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown at Washburn. He had a six yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had three receptions for 47 yards including a 37 yarder and a seven yard touchdown against Mo. Western. He caught four passes for 48 yards at Central Okla.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 12th in the MIAA in receptions per game. He had 39 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns. He had five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had a 30 yard touchdown reception against Lincoln. He had a 72 yard reception at Missouri Western and finished with two catches for 80 yards against the Griffons. He caught five passes for 53 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns at Northeastern State.
AT MISSOURI: He was a defensive back as a red-shirt in 2019 for the Tigers.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a four-time All-Conference selection at Marshall HS and was the district MVP his senior season.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Jr./Haysville, Kan.) is eighth in the nation and third in the MIAA in receiving touchdowns while ranking fourth in the Association in receptions and ninth in receiving yards. He has 105 receptions for 1,194 yards and 19 touchdowns in 28 career games for Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught six passes for 39 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had two catches for 20 yards at Northeastern State. He had eight catches for 77 yards and a a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and five touchdowns against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: His nine touchdown catches ranked second in the MIAA and he finished the season with 47 catches for 536 yards. He was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick. He had three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had a touchdown catch against Fort Hays State. He had career highs of ten catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Central Missouri. He had a 16 yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He had three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburg State. He caught six passes for 45 yards against Missouri Western. He had four catches for 21 yards at Central Okla. He had a team high six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He led Emporia State with five touchdown receptions and finished the season with 34 catches for 428 yards. He had three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Okla. He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Mo. Southern. He had 42 yards on two receptions against Neb.-Kearney. He had four catches for 65 yards at Central Missouri. He had a four yard touchdown grab against Washburn. He erupted for nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown at Pitt State. He had a 69 yard catch against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 35 receptions for 694 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn All-State honors. He was a Class 6A honorable mention All-State selection in basketball and baseball for Campus.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Receiver Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is 13th in the MIAA in all-purpose yards and receptions. He is leading the MIAA in average kick return yards this season and would be leading the nation if he had enough returns to qualify for the national leaders.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 85 all-purpose yards on two touches against Central Oklahoma with a 35 yard reception and a 50 yard kick return. He collected 107 all-purpose yards at Northeastern State with 32 yards on six catches and a 75 yard kick return to start the game. He had a pair of catches for 13 yards at Northwest Missouri. He had six catches for 70 yards and added 62 yards on two kick returns for a total of 132 all-purpose yards against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a ten yard catch at Neb.-Kearney. He had 83 all-purpose yards with a five yard reception and 78 yards on kick returns, including a career best 64 yarder to open the game. He had 78 all-purpose yards against Northeastern State, finishing with one catch for 11 yards and two kick returns for 67 yards.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a 17 yard reception against Lincoln.  He caught a nine yard pass against Fort Hays State. He had two receptions for 12 yards at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-City League and two-time All-State selection at Wichita Northwest HS.

THE KINGSMAN
Receiver Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) has moved outside from running back this season. 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 two catches for four yards and added a 40 yard kick return against Central Oklahoma. In his first action at receiver he had two catches for 18 yards at Northeastern State. He three receptions for 34 yards including a 28 yard go ahead touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He carried the ball six times for 27 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 41 carries for 146 yards as a true freshman and finished with 264 all purpose yards. He had ten carries for 36 yards at Lincoln. He had a career high 65 yards on nine carries with a 38 yarder against Fort Hays State. He gained 21 yards on eight carries against Missouri Western. He had 62 yards on nine touches at Central Oklahoma including a 35 yard long reception. He had 47 all-purpose yards on seven touches against Northeastern State. He rushed four times for six yards, had two catches for 16 yards and a kick return for 25 yards.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: In eight games as a senior at Naaman Forest HS he rushed for 1,336 yards on 157 carries with 18 touchdowns and had 16 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-District running back and First-Team kick/punt returner honors.

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

SCHULTZY ON O
Receiver Ethan Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 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 is freshman year.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an honorable mention All-Sunflower League selection. His father Jay played baseball for the Hornets.

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

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

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

THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at tight end/fullback last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 57 yards on two catches including a 57 yard touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He caught three passes for 28 yards at Northeastern State. 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 last season. 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 scored his first career touchdown on a 21 yard reception against Lincoln and finished with two catches for 24 yards.
AS A FRESHMAN: He made the travel squad as a true freshman last season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a KFBCA All-State tight end, a 2020 Grasslands All-Star Team First-Team tight end, a Sports In Kansas Class 1A All Senior State Team tight end, a Topeka Capital First-Team All-State tight end and a Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State wide receiver.

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

RUNNING BACKS
Emporia State's top three running backs are averaging 5.4 yards per carry on the season. They had 177 yards on 20 carries for an average of 8.9 yards per rush against Central Oklahoma. The Hornet running backs averaged 4.9 yards per carry at Northeastern State. 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 third in the MIAA and 21st in the nation in rushing yards while ranking sixth in the league in rushing touchdowns.  
AS A JUNIOR: 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 and became the first opposing running back 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 in rushing yards and ninth in rushing touchdowns. He gained 713 yards on 148 carries and eight 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 a career high 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 a 30 yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had 99 yards on 26 carries against Missouri Western. At Central Oklahoma 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.  He returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week.
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.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four carries for 20 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had 75 yards on 13 rushes at Northeastern State. He had four carries for 18 yards against Lincoln.
AT KANSAS: He had a five yard rush against Texas.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Conference and All-District selection for Blue Springs HS.

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

LIFE OF PETZ
Running back Jack Petz (Sr./Lenexa, Kan.) has returned to running back after splitting time at the S-Back position earlier in his career. He has been extremely effective on special teams.
AS A SENIOR: He had three special teams tackles against Central Oklahoma, two of them inside the Broncho 15 yard line. He got one carry at Northeastern State
AS A JUNIOR: He had three carries for six yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had 17 yards on three carries against Central Missouri. He gained 15 yards on eight carries at Central Oklahoma.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had nine carries for 63 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He got the start against Washburn and had one receptions. He had one catch for five yards against Central Missouri. He had a three yard catch at Pittsburg State. He had seven carries for 28 yards as a running back against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State and First-Team All-EKL pick for St. James Academy. He was a 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl pick and a three time state medalist in diving.

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

OFFENSIVE LINE
The Hornets have given up just two sacks in 165 drop backs this season. Emporia State is fourth in the nation in total sacks allowed however the three teams in front of them average 98.3 attempts each. ESU is sixth in the nation in tackles for loss allowed.

THE INFERNO
Center Dante Smith-Posey (Jr./Lenexa, Kan.) has also played tackle after being named honorable mention All-MIAA as a guard last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 2.75 knockdowns per game. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Northwest Missouri after recording eight knockdowns against the Bearcats.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He is third on the team with 53 knockdowns this season. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 1.6 knockdowns per game. He made his first career start at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-Sunflower League pick. He was a Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal All-State selection as well a 2019 Shrine Bowl selection.

A GOOD MAN
Guard Carlos Guzman (Jr./Denver, Colo.) moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri last season at tackle and has moved to guard this year.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 4.9 knockdowns per game on the season. He had nine knockdowns against Central Oklahoma and was named the Squarehad 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.

SHERMAN'S MARCH
Guard Sherman Deaton (Jr./Fountain, Colo.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He has started 19 games in his career. He moved to a guard position after playing tackle last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He has a 16.5 knockdowns this season. He had 5.5 knockdowns at Northwest Missouri. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Lincoln with 5.5 knockdowns.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has 20.5 knockdowns this year. He came off the bench to have five knockdowns against Central Missouri.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 2.2 knockdowns per game as a red-shirt freshman. He started all 12 games for Emporia State since he earned his first career start at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All Conference selection and earned First-Team Colorado All State honors at Fountain HS.

TOP GUN
Tackle Trevion Mitchell (Fr.-RS/Mesquite, Texas) has moved into the starting lineup as a red-shirt freshman.
AS A FRESHMAN: He is averaging 3.625 knockdowns per game. He had 4.5 knockdowns against Central Oklahoma. He had six knockdowns at Northeastern State. He is tied for the team lead, playing 279 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.

FREE STATE
Tackle Jalan Robinson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his first year at ESU after transferring from Kansas.
AS A JUNIOR: He is averaging 1.5 knockdowns per game.
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.

AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Jr./Enid, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: 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.

HULL CITY
Guard Josh Hull (Jr./Humboldt, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Horents.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time First-Team Kansas All State Offensive Lineman and a KFBCA First-Team All-State performer. His mother Mona (Scantlin) Hull played basketball for the Lady Hornets.

TALON OF POWER
Guard Talon Wheeler (Soph./Broken Arrow, Okla.) is in his third year at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First team All-District Offensive Line honoree and the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at Broken Arrow HS.

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

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

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

DEFENSE
Emporia State is leading the nation in interceptions, is seventh in team passing efficiency defense eighth in the nation in scoring defense. ESU posted their first shutout since 2018, a period of 40 games, with their 38-0 win at Northeastern State. The Hornets held Northwest Missouri to their lowest scoring output in a regular season home game since 2017. After giving up an 85 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, ESU held Lincoln to just 285 yards on 70 offensive plays. The Blue Tigers were limited to just five of 17 on third down.

LINEBACKERS
Emporia State has three different linebackers ranked in the top 16 of the MIAA in either tackles, sacks or tackles for loss. 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.) is tied for third in the MIAA in interceptions while ranking fifth in passes defended. He is in his sixth year with the Hornets.
AS A SENIOR: He had eight tackles and two pass break ups against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with seven tackles at Northeastern State. He was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions, nine tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with four tackles against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 29 tackles with a sack and a pass break up as a junior. He had a sack among his three tackles at Lincoln. He had two tackles against Fort Hays State. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri. He had two tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had a career high six tackles against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles, two of them solo, against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles with a tackle for loss against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first-team All-State selection at tight end as Holcomb won the Class 4A-II state championship. He was a first-team All-Area performer at tight end and linebacker.

THE SUITE LIFE
Linebacker Zach Dortch Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) leads the MIAA and is ranked 23rd in the nation in fumble recoveries and is ranked tenth in the MIAA in interceptions and 14th in the Association in total tackles.
AS A JUNIOR: 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

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Jr./Kingfisher, Okla.) played his most snaps of the season against Central Oklahoma. He led the MIAA and was seventh in the nation in fumble recoveries last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had five tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He started and had a solo tackle at Northwest Missouri but left the game early with an injury. He missed the Northeastern and Lincoln games with an injury.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a 43 yard return for a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had nine tackles against Northwest Missouri. He recorded nine tackles and half a sack at Lincoln. He had eight tackles, a career high two sacks and a pass break up against Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Missouri Southern. He had six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with one tackle against Central Missouri and at Washburn. He had four tackles against Pittsburg State.  He had eight tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He recorded a career high 11 tackles at Central Oklahoma with a pass break up. He had six tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high five tackles against Lincoln as a red-shirt freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned first-team All-State honors as a senior with 98 tackles, 15 TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles.  He was a part of Kingfisher HS state championship basketball team.

SAGE ADVICE
Linebacker Sage Sieperda (Jr./Shawnee, Kan.) is tied for 13th in the MIAA in tackles for loss. He is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: 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 tackles for loss, 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.

LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Jr./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: 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.

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

JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Linebacker David Johnson (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is 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.

MAKING IT BETTER
Linebacker Camden Barta (Fr.-RS/Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia STate.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 50 tackles, 2.0 TFL, an interception, two pass break ups, and a forced fumble on defense and went 138 of 222 for 2,224 yards with 23 touchdowns as a quarterback for Seaman HS. He earned All-League, All-State and Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior Honors.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Emporia State is ranked second in the MIAA in team tackles for loss. The defensive line had 3.5 tackles for loss against Central Oklahoma. They had a total of six tackles for loss at Northeastern State. The defensive line was credited with 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack against Lincoln. They combined for 14.5 sacks and 27.0 tackles for loss last season and return all three starters.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Sr./St Louis, Mo.) earned First-Team All-MIAA and honorable mention All-American last year.
AS A SENIOR: He was credited with six tackles including two assisted TFL and half a sack against Central Oklahoma. He had six tackles with a tackle for loss at Northwest Missouri. He did not play against Lincoln with an injury.
AS A JUNIOR: He finished fifth in the MIAA with 7.5 sacks and was sixth with 13.5 tackles for loss. He had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks against Northwest Missouri. He recorded five tackles and two sacks against Fort Hays State. He had five tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles and a quarterback hurry at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with three tackles, against Pittsburg State. He was credited with six tackles at Central Okla. He had a team and career high ten tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was Second-Team All-MIAA. He finished seventh in the MIAA in total tackles for loss and eighth in total sacks. He averaged 5.5 tackles per game over the final six games. He had six tackles and a hurry 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 tackle for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles for loss and a strip sack at Central Missouri. He had a sack, a quarterback hurry and two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high eight tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass break up at Pittsburg State. He had four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack against Central Oklahoma.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had three tackles with half a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He recorded a career high five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had a sack at Lincoln. He had two unassisted tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo stop at Pittsburg State. He was credited with a solo tackle against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Conference Defensive Lineman as a senior. He also participated on the track & field team for Hazelwood East HS where he threw shot put.

WISE WOLF
Defensive lineman Rafe Goucher (Jr./El Reno, Okla.) is a two-time All-MIAA selection and is a three-year starter.
AS A JUNIOR: He controlled the middle of the line of scrimmage against Central Oklahoma. He had one tackle at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with one tackle while controlling the interior of the line of scrimmage for the Hornets 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.

ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He had one tackle against Central Oklahoma. 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 missed four games with an injury. He had a solo tackle for loss against Lincoln. He had two solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had a pair of assisted tackles at Missouri Western. He had a sack and two tackles at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.

BEAR DOWN
Defensive lineman Maquay Shaw (Sr./Haskell, Okla.) is tied for fourth in the MIAA in sacks and third in forced fumbles.
AS A SENIOR: 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.

BECKER ADDITION
Defensive lineman Daniel Becker (Jr./Conway Springs, Kan.) has steadily progressed through his five years with Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against Central Oklahoma. His tackle for loss came on a fourth down stop the Bronchos first drive of the second quarter. He assisted on a tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He recorded two tackles against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high 2.5 sacks at Lincoln. He recorded two assisted tackles against Pittsburg State. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a KFBCA First-Team All-State selection and a Topeka Capital Journal Top 33 player in the state of Kansas. He was the Central Plains Defensive Player of the Year.

ADAMS FAMILY
Defensive lineman C.J. Adams (Soph./Enid, Okla.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: 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 tackle for loss at Neb.-Kearney. He blocked at PAT against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-District selection. He was the co-defensive tackle of the year and earned VYPE Oklahoma Athlete of the Month honors for Enid HS.

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 in his first road action of his career at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team Sport in Kansas seletion on the offensive line and earned First-Team All-Tri-County at defensive line for Osawatomie HS. He was First-Team All League on both offense and defense.

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.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Hornets are leading the nation in interceptions and rank seventh in pass efficiency defense. Five of the top 16 players in the MIAA in passes defended are Hornets with four of them Emporia State defensive backs.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Sr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is tied for third in the MIAA in interceptions. He is tied for third in the Association in forced fumbles while ranking 11th in the MIAA in passes defended.
AS A SENIOR: 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 first half and ended the game 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.

SAFETY FIRST
Cornerback Khalil Rasheed (Jr./Coppell, Texas) is tied for ninth in the MIAA in interceptions.
AS A JUNIOR: He had six tackles against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with six tackles and half a tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He had an interception, pass break up and a career high seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with five tackles, a pass break up and half a tackle for loss against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had an interception, two pass break ups and a forced fumble as a red-shirt sophomore to go with 17 tackles in ten games. He had four tackles and forced a fumble against Northwest Missouri. He had two pass break ups at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Fort Hays State. He had two tackles at Missouri Southern in his return to action after missing three games with an injury. He recorded one tackle at Central Okla. He had four tackles, an assisted TFL and an interception against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in all 12 games last year as a red-shirt freshman, getting a start in the Live United Bowl. He had four tackles at Central Missouri. He was credited with six tackles and two pass breakups against Washburn. He had three tackles and an assisted tackle for loss at Pittsburg State. He had a solo tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 70 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss,  two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown as a senior at Coppell HS.

JJ JUMPER
Safety Jaaron Joseph (Jr./Nyack, N.Y.) is tied for third in the MIAA and 33rd in the nation in interceptions. He comes to Emporia State from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State.
AS A JUNIOR: He was credited with eight tackles, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had a career high two interceptions including a 76 yard pick six at Northwest Missouri. He also had three tackles and a pass break up against the Bearcats. He recorded seven tackles, five of them solo, against Lincoln in his Hornet debut.
AT SCSU: He played in all 11 games for Southern Connecticut State last year and had 21 tackles, four pass break ups and a forced fumble as a sophomore.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Section pick for Albertus Magnus HS.

PAPAL AUTHORITY
Safety Chris Pope (Sr./Edmond, Okla.) is in his second year at Emporia State after coming to the Hornets as a graduate transfer from NCAA FCS Northern Colorado.
AS A SENIOR: He had seven tackles and three pass break ups against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles at Northeastern State. He had eight tackles, six of them solo, at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with three pass breakups and a tackle against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded 37 tackles and two pass break ups from his safety position He had a pass break up and two tackles against Fort Hays State. He had three tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded six tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five tackles against Central Missouri. He had four tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He had a career high nine tackles against Pittsburg State. He had five solo tackles, two of them for a loss at Central Okla. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AT NORTHERN COLORADO: He played in seven games last season. He saw action in three games as a redshirt-freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Edmond Memorial HS. He lettered in football,basketball and track.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Jr./Oklahoma City HS) was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions as a freshman.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded four total tackles with three unassisted against Central Oklahoma. He had a pair of solo tackles at Northeastern State. He recorded seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had two tackles against Lincoln.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five tackles and a fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass break ups at Lincoln. He had five solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with four tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions. He had four tackles against Lincoln and at Fort Hays State. He had an interception, a pass break up and four solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had four solo tackles and forced two fumbles against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles and an interception at Central Missouri. He had a fumble recovery against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was Honorable Mention OCA All-State and All-City for Putnam City HS.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Cornerback Rod Farmer (Soph./Memphis, Tenn.) could see action at both corner and safety after recording 22 tackles with four pass break ups last year.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He effectively ended the game with an interception with 1:11 left in 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 last season at Coffeyville CC after originally signing with Delta State after graduating from White Station HS in Memphis.

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

BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Jr./Ada, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: 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 tackle for loss 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.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Defensive back Andrew Kayhill (Jr./Greenwood, Mo.) had 11 tackles in 11 games last season after seeing action in one game as a freshman.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a fumble recovery against Fort Hays State. He was credited with a solo tackle at Neb.-Kearney. He had an assisted tackle against Central Missouri. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He as a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Lee's Summit West HS.

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

SCHULTZY ON D
Safety Tyler Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He 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.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Hornets lead the nation in kick off return yards, are third in punt return defense and 13th in the nation in net punting. Both of Emporia State's kickers earned All-MIAA status last season while as a team the Hornets ranked tenth in the nation in net punting.

RETURN SPECIALISTS
The Hornets are leading the nation in kick return average.
Kick returner Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) is leading the MIAA in kick returns at 46.8 yards per return and would lead the nation if he had enough returns to qualify for the national leaders. He is one kick return short of qualifying for the leaders and would be ranked sixth in the nation if he had no yards on that return. He opened the game at Northeastern State with a 75 yard kick return to set up the Hornets first score. He had 62 yards on two kick off returns against Lincoln.
Last season he had a 19 yard kick return against Northwest Missouri. He returned the opening kickoff against Central Missouri 64 yards. He is averaging 32.8 yards per return on four kick returns.
Returner Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) had a 40 yard kick off return against Central Oklahoma
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.

DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Soph./Argyle, Texas) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: 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.) is a two-time First-Team All-MIAA and All-Region  punter while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors. He is third in the MIAA in punting while ESU is ranked 13th in the nation in net punting.  
AS A SENIOR: He is ranked 28th in the nation in punting average. He averaged 43.0 yards per punt on six punts with two inside the 20 yard line against Central Oklahoma. He placed two of his four punts at Northeastern State inside the RiverHawks 20 yard line. He averaged 44.0 yards on five punts at Northwest Missouri and placed a 38 yarder out of bounds at the two yard line. He averaged 40.0 yards per punt and put two of his three punts inside the 20 yard line against Lincoln.
AS A JUNIOR: He was second in the MIAA and ranked sixth in the nation in average punt. He averaged 43.0 yards per punt with ten punts going over 50 yards and a league high 22 getting placed inside the 20 yard line.. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in six games last season and one of at least 60 yards in four games. He is a two-time MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. He averaged 48.8 yards on six punts against Northwest Missouri with five of the six placed inside the Bearcat 20 yard line. He was named MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week after he punted six times for an average of 40.8 yards per punt against Fort Hays State.  He placed two punts inside the FHSU 20 yard line, including a 41 yarder that was downed at the Tiger one yard line.  He also booted one that deflected off a Tiger player at the FHSU 26 yard line and was recovered by the Hornets. He had two key fourth quarter punts that were inside the 20 yard line at Mo. Southern including a career best 69 yarder with 12 seconds left. Two of his four punts at Neb.-Kearney were inside the Loper 20 yard line.  He averaged 38.0 yards per punt against Central Missouri and the Mules averaging starting field position was inside their own 30 yard when he punted. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt at Washburn and forced two fair catches while placing two inside the 20 yard line at Washburn. He averaged 40.3 yards on three punts against Pittsburg State with two of them going inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 46.3 yards on seven punts against Missouri Western.  His first punt went 64 yards against the wind and was downed at the four yard line. Two plays later Western was called for holding in the end zone for a safety to give ESU a 2-0 lead. He also had a 55 yard punt that was nearly downed at the one yard line. He averaged 46.0 yards on eight punts with a long of 65 yards at Central Oklahoma. He averaged 43.2 yards per punt on five punts against Northeastern State. Four of his five punts went at least 42 yards and the only punt under 40 yards was fair caught at the RiverHawk eight yard line.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a First-Team All-MIAA pick, a Football Gazette honorable mention All-American and a first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District performer.  He led the MIAA and ranked fifth in the nation in average punt and has a league high 20 punts of at least 50 yards - twice as many as the next punter -  and placed 17 punts inside the 20 yard line. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in every game last season and one of at least 60 yards in five games. He had two punts of over 50 yards against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He averaged 39.8 yards on a season high nine punts at Northwest Missouri with a long of 60 yards. He averaged 46.7 yards on three punts against Lincoln. He averaged 45.6 yards per punt with half of them inside the 20 yard line at Fort Hays State. He averaged 39.5 yards per punt against Missouri Southern, the only game he has averaged less than 40 yards this year. He averaged 49.0 yards on four punts with two of them inside the 20 yard line against UNK. He was not called on to punt at Central Missouri. He averaged 48.8 yards on nine punts against Washburn and the only punt that did not go 40 yards went out of bounds at the WU 15 yard line. He averaged 45.6 yards on five punts with a long of 64 yards at Pittsburg State. He averaged 42.8 yards on eight punts with a long of 61 at Mo. Western. He averaged 42.6 yards on nine punts including a long of 64 yards against UCO. He averaged 46.0 yards on six punts, placing two inside the 20 yard line with three of at least 50 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was second in the MIAA in fair catches forced, third with nine punts of at least 50 yards and punts inside the 20 yard line. His 67 yarder against Neb.-Kearney was tied for the fourth longest in the league in 2019. He averaged 39.4 yards on eight punts at Missouri Southern. He was credited with six punts for an average of 40.3 yards against Central Missouri. He averaged 40.8 yards per punt on eight punts at Fort Hays State. He averaged 41.2 yards on eight punts a long of 58 yards and three inside the 20 against Northwest Missouri. He averaged 36.5 yards on two punts at Lincoln with one of them inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 40.7 yards per punt with a 35.4 yard net against Neb.-Kearney. He averaged 38.0 yards per punt at Pittsburg State. He had four punts for 33.0 yard average with two of them placed inside the 20 yard line against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had six punts of at least 50 yards for Lawrence HS.
RECORD BOOK: Brungardt averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season.  The single season record for Emporia State is 44.98 yards per punt set by Justin Marcha in 2017 while the MIAA record is 45.95 yards per punt by Pittsburg State's Brian Moorman in 1997. For his career Brungardt is averaging an ESU best 41.72 yards per punt. Moorman holds the MIAA career record at 43.97 yards per punt.

HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 16th season as the Hornets head coach in 2023. He is fifth on the MIAA's all-time wins list and is the second winningest active coach in the league. He has taken his alma mater to the postseason seven times, including a national quarterfinal appearance in 2015.
He ranks second in career wins at Emporia State behind stadium namesake Fran Welch's 115 wins from 1928-54. He has a 152-86 record in his 21st season as a head coach with a 101-77 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 82-41 after going 19-36 in his first five seasons.
He is the 21st head football coach at Emporia State, was the first to lead the Hornets to ten wins in multiple seasons and has done it in three seasons with three different quarterbacks. He has coached in more post season games than any one in Emporia State history. He took his alma mater deeper into the NCAA Division II playoffs than ever before in 2015 while winning seven more games than in 2014. In 2013 he became just the second coach to take the Hornets to the NCAA Playoffs and is one of just six Emporia State coaches to take the Hornets to a post season game of any type.
He had led the Hornets to within just one game of a post season berth in 2010 and 2011 before winning the Kanza Bowl in 2012 and was one win away in 2017. He joins Larry Kramer, Fran Welch and Bill Hargis as the only Emporia State coaches to have a span of four straight winning seasons.
He compiled a 51-9 record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University before becoming the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State in 2005. He was the offensive coordinator at Northeastern State in 2006.  While at Northwestern Oklahoma State, he was named the Central State Football League Coach of the Year five straight years from 2000 through 2004. The Rangers won 31 consecutive games from 1998 through 2000.
A native of Blackwell, Okla., Higgins graduated from Emporia State in 1992. He was a four-year letterman for the Hornets and helped lead the team to a national runner-up finish in 1989. He has been involved with four teams that have played for or won national championships as a player, coordinator or head coach. Higgins and his wife Heather, a 1995 graduate of ESU, are the parents of three children - son Halen and daughters Harlee and Gracyn.

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.

THE POLLS SAY
Emporia State is ranked #11 in this week's AFCA National Poll and #10 in the D2Football.com Poll. The MIAA has three teams ranked in the top 25 with two more receiving votes in the AFCA poll and three teams in the D2Football.com national polls. The Hornets have been ranked or received votes in the AFCA Poll at some point during the regular season for ten straight years. Emporia State is 10-17 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with a 9-6 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri. The Hornets are ranked #3 in the Massey Ratings.

BEST IN THE STATE  
Emporia State's three NCAA playoff appearances and seven total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state since 2012.

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.

DID YOU CATCH IT
The 2021 Pittsburg State game was the 22nd time the Hornets have played a game on live television since 1997. The Emporia State football game at Northwest Missouri on Saturday, November 7, 2015 was selected for the DII Football Showcase on the American Sports Network, giving the Hornets three televised games that season. For the entire six year run of the MIAA Television Network the Hornets had a home game featured, capped by their 45-34 win over Central Missouri in the 2015 home opener. The Hornets are third behind Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri for the most appearances on live television over the last ten years. The Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 game against Missouri Western was the first televised match-up of nationally ranked teams from Jones Field at Welch Stadium.

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

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 5-0 overall, 4-0 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 18-27 all-time against Missouri Western;
•be the Hornets second straight win over the Griffons;
•be the Hornets first win in St. Joseph since 2016;
•be the first time Emporia State started the season 5-0 since 2015;
•make Coach Higgins 102-77 at Emporia State and 153-86 overall.

A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 4-1 overall, 3-1 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 17-28 all-time against Missouri Western;
•be the first time the teams have alternated wins in three years in series history;
•be Emporia State's third straight loss in St. Joseph;
•make Coach Higgins 101-78 at Emporia State and 152-87 overall.

LEADING THE WAY
The Hornets have led for 214:21 of the 240 minutes (89.3%) they have played this year and trailed for 10:28 (4.4%) of the 240 minutes played.
Emporia State led for 469:59 of the 720 minutes (65.3%) played last year and trailed for just 146:57 (20.4%) of the 720 minutes played.

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.