Hornets shut out Mountaineers at season opener

Mallory Livingston and Sheena LeMay (Thursday, September 4)
Jordan Leigh Haiduk / The Bulletin
Quarterback Andre Sloan runs the ball Saturday against Western Sate. The Hornets defeated Western State 42-0 at Welch Stadium.

Emporia State beat Western State 42-0 August 30 at Welch Stadium, making this the Hornets’ first shut-out since 2000.

“It felt good playing tonight,” said Seville Ko, senior running back. “The coaches prepared us well. We are young and talented but we are experienced.”

Ko ran a 33 yard touchdown to give ESU’s offense its final score of the game in the fourth quarter.

Brian Murphy, freshman running back, broke the school punt return record with an 82 yard touchdown. The previous record of 75 yards was set by Jason Kennedy Truman in 2001.

“It feels good (breaking a school record),” Murphy said. “I didn’t even know I broke it until I came off the field.”

Andre Sloan El, junior quarterback, returned this season from a knee injury sustained at the end of last season. Sloan El had a game high 62 yards rushing on ten carries for ESU in Saturday’s game. Sloan El was pleased with the performance of his freshman teammates.

“The freshmen are stepping up,” Sloan El said. “The kept their composure… The defense played outstanding.”

The outcome of Saturday’s game made it clear that the Hornets have spent a lot of time preparing for this season.

“Once the lights go on, it’s show time,” Murphy said.

Xavier Smith, freshman running back, looks to his older teammates for help and support.

“It’s hard work,” Smith said. “I’ve been looking up to the older guys. Sean Partridge (senior, wide receiver) is like a mentor to me.”

ESU will face off against Augustana (S.D.) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Welch Stadium. The Hornets look forward to the prospect of another win.

“As we come together as a team,” Smith said, “there is no limit to how high we will go.”

4 Responses to "Hornets shut out Mountaineers at season opener"


Obvious
September 5, 2008 1:44 pm
You know what is obvious? The author didn't even attend the game. A five-year old at the game could have written a better game story.
thats sad
September 5, 2008 2:59 pm
It was a killer game. Who would not want to go.
?
September 5, 2008 4:38 pm
The authors.
1 reader
September 6, 2008 12:51 pm
...and most students.

I love sports.
I like ESU student-athletes.
I exercise my rights to stay away from our football players on campus.

Beating up a weak program like western state by only 42 points is not that big of a deal and not worth 4 hours of my Saturday. I think this was a wise choice IF Bulletin reporters chose to spend their time last week by either being a student, relaxing, or concentrating on more newsworthy events on campus.

I've seen this story before. ESU beats up a couple tiny schools who don't spend much $ on athletics. Then real fall weather, real homework, and real teams come to town and ESU students stay away from the football stands. And ESU adminstration and FB program wonders why?

I have a ton of respect for the student athletes from tiny Augustanna who ESU plays this week. They are great, smart, hard working SD and Iowan students/people who play collegiate sports to stay healthy and have fun for a few years before starting successful adult jobs. They treat their fellow students and vistiors to their campus with respect. I have been on their campus many times. ESU football players could learn so much from them. I am surprised that the ESU athletic department found this tiny school. Go Go Google Maps???

1 reader