August 27, 2026 – Emporia State football took down Minot State 36-30 in a season-opening win on the road Thursday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both the Hornets and Beavers opened the game with defensive stops, and on the second possession for the hosts, Minot State went 65 yards in four plays, capped by a 23-yard touchdown by Matthew Shinn to give the Beavers a 6-0 advantage. Emporia State answered on the ensuing drive, going 76 yards on 14 plays over roughly four minutes to take a 7-6 lead on a quarterback draw by Ben Harris from nine yards out.
After the first quarter ended with the Hornets holding a narrow lead, the Beavers retook the lead midway through the second quarter, capitalizing on a short field to take a 12-7 lead. Emporia State would again answer on their next opportunity, going 75 yards on nine plays with a pass from Harris to Trenden Collins followed by a two-point conversion to put the Hornets ahead 15-12, and they would take that lead into the halftime break.
Following the intermission, Emporia State started with the ball and marched 61 yards on ten plays, with a two-yard touchdown by Victor Chionuma capping the drive to make the score 22-12. Late in the quarter, Emporia State would take their largest lead of the game, 29-12, after an 11-play, 82-yard drive capped off by Charles Morgan from two yards out.
Emporia State took their 17-point lead to the fourth, but the Beaver would fight back within five points after a 92-yard drive to open the quarter, followed by an onside kick that Minot State recovered before driving for another touchdown to cut the Hornet lead to 29-24.
The Hornets then responded again, this time on a one-play drive with Ethan Schultze and Ben Harris hooking up for a 75-yard score to make the score 36-24. Late in the game, Minot State scored to trim the gap to 36-30 with 1:25 remaining, but the Hornets held on to seal the win.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State tallied 428 total yards of offense, with 237 through the air and 191 on the ground. Ben Harris threw for 237 on 25-41 passing with two touchdowns and one interception. On the ground, Camden Crooks surpassed 100 yards, totaling 103 on 18 carries. Victor Chionuma, Charles Morgan and Ben Harris all found the endzone on the ground in the game.
Ethan Schultze had 81 yards and a touchdown on four receptions, while Trenden Collins had eight receptions for 71 yards and a score. Malik O'Atis added five receptions for 45 yards and eight players tallied a catch in the game.
Defensively, Landon Boss led the way with 17 tackles, two tackles for loss and forced fumble. Aidan Hicks also had 11 tackles of his own.
UP NEXT
Emporia State travels to #4 Pittsburg State on Saturday, September 5. Kick-off from Carnie Smith Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.
NOTABLE
The Hornets are now 75-48-5 all-time in season openers.
Garin Higgins is now 16-3 in season openers at Emporia State.
Camden Crooks is the first Hornet to gain 100 yards rushing in the season opener since Kai Callins against Missouri Southern to open the 2014 season.
