Season Opening Win for Emporia State Football

August 28, 2025-Emporia State rolled to a 27-0 lead early in the third quarter on their way to a 27-7 season opening win over Minot State in Welch Stadium.

HOW THEY SCORED
The Hornets won the toss and took the ball to start the game.  They proceeded to go on a 13 play, 75 yard drive capped by a 12 yard touchdown pass from Ben Harris to Kingsley Bennett.  The Beavers were held to 14 yards on their drive and Emporia STaet responded with a 16 play, 71 yard drive before Caden Dodson connected on a 26 yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 45 seconds left in the first quarter.
The teams traded punts until the Diego Cearns scored from 23 yards out to give the Hornets a 17 point lead with 4:55 left in the half.  On the next series Clem McCullough picked off the Beavers Carson Chrisman to give the Hornets the ball at the 42 yard line. Six plays later Malik O'Atis hauled in a 25 yard touchdown pass to make it 24-0 with 3:27 left in the half.
Emporia State started the second half with Landon Boss forcing a fumble and Carlos Strong jumping on it at the ESU 31 yard line.  The Hornets used another 13 play drive, covering 52 yards to go up 27-0 on a 35 yard field goal by Dodson with 7:11 left in the third quarter.
Minot State would get on the board in the fourth quarter with a nine play, 51 yard drive that culminated with a two yard rushing touchdown by Blake Espino with 12:00 left in the game.

A LOOK AT THE STATS
In his first start for the Hornets Ben Harris went 37 of 52 for 292 yards and connected with 11 different receivers on the night. 
Malik O'Atis was the top receiver with a career high 12 catches and 90 yards with a touchdown.  Kinglsey Bennett had five catches for 68 yards and a score.
Diego Cearns was the top rusher for Emporia State with 71 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.
Caden Dodson hit two field goals, from 26 and 35 yards on the night.

NOTABLE
The win was coach Garin Higgins 114th as head coach at Emporia State. He is now two wins away from tying stadium namesake Fran Welch for the Emporia State school record for wins.
The Hornets are now 74-48-5 all-time in season openers.
Garin Higgins is now 15-3 in season openers at Emporia State

UP NEXT
Emporia State takes to the air to play at #13 Angelo State on September 6 in San Angelo, Texas. Kick off from LeGrand Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m.