Football | 10/12/2026 3:00:00 PM

October 12, 2026-The MIAA Football Player of the Week Award had something old and something new for Emporia State this week. For the fifth time in six games Landon Boss was named the MIAA Football Defensive Player of the Week presented by FieldTurf, while Jamison Sarver earned his first Offensive Player of the Week award from the Association this season.
 
Boss had his nation's leading second fumble recovery for a touchdown in Emporia State's 35-21 victory at Missouri Southern that kept the Hornets undefeated and alone in first place in the MIAA.  With the Hornets leading 14-7 in the second quarter but having just turned the ball over on downs at the Lions 39 yard line, Boss shot through on the left side and stripped Missouri Southern quarterback Tillman Martin of the ball, picked it up and went 31 yards into the end zone for his second defensive score and third touchdown overall this season.  He did not play the fourth quarter and finished with four tackles, the strip sack scoop and score.  
 
The Osage City, Kan. native leads the nation in tackles for loss and defensive fumble recoveries for a touchdown, is second in forced fumbles, fifth in fumble recoveries and 19th in total tackles. This is his eighth MIAA Defensive Player of the Week award in 17 career games with the Hornets, all of them coming in his last 12 games.
 
Sarver became the first Hornet quarterback to complete over 85% of his passes for over 300 yards with at least four touchdowns since 2023 in a 35-21 win at Missouri Southern.  The Olathe, Kan. native went 38 of 44 for 312 yards and four touchdowns as the Hornets remained undefeated and assumed sole possession of first place in the MIAA. It was his second straight 300 yard plus game.  He connected with ten different receivers, none of whom went over 90 yards individually.  
 
Despite playing in just four of ESU's six games, Sarver is ranked fourth in the MIAA in total touchdown passes with eight and fifth in points responsible for with 54 points. This is his second career MIAA Offensive Player of the Week Award after earning the honor following his first career start last year in a win over Central Missouri.
 
The now #8 Hornets return to Blackcreek Diesel Field inside Welch Stadium this Saturday to take on Central Oklahoma.  Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m.