
Emporia State Football took the win against Nebraska-Kearney during the Homecoming Game on Oct. 29, with a final score of 39-17.
The afternoon was cold, but the Hornets did not freeze in the spotlight as they took the win against the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers.
Saturday’s game began dark and gloomy, with both teams in a struggle to obtain the first points. Nebraska-Kearney eventually took a 3-0 lead, making 3-0 the final score for the first quarter. During the Lopers’ opening drive in the second quarter, the score bumped up 10-0. The Hornets then took action, scoring 12 points, thanks to a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Braden Gleason to wide receiver Trenden Collins.
Following suit, defensive back Jaaron Joseph intercepted, putting the Hornets at the Lopers’ 10-yard line. Braden Gleason then hit wide receiver Jalen Varner for a touchdown, giving Emporia State a 12-10 lead. To wrap up the half, Emporia State got the ball back at Nebraska’s 34-yard line, leading to Gleason connecting with wide receiver Tyler Kahmann for a 12-yard touchdown. The Hornets wrapped up the first half of the game with an 18-10 lead.
The second half of the icy match began with Nebraska-Kearney receiving the second-half kick-off. After a recovery of the ball in the end zone by defensive back Tyler Schultze, ESU took a 25-10 lead just moments into the second half.
After a pass from Jaaron Joseph put the Hornets at midfield, running back Billy Ross Jr. gained 34 yards on the drive that ended with a 19-yard pass from Gleason to Kahmann, giving the Hornets a touchdown. Kicker Cayden Dodson’s PAT gave the Hornets a score of 32-10.
After Nebraska-Kearney managed to pull the score up to 32–17, Braden Gleason gave stinger back Tommy Zimmerman a 15-yard touchdown pass, leaving Emporia State with a 39–17 lead. The clock ran out as both teams struggled for power.
The ESU Hornets exceeded expectations during Saturday’s game, with Braden Gleason making his 99th pass of his career. Additionally, Braden Gleason is now the second all-time in total offense in the MIAA, along with multiple other records smashed.
ESU Football will wrap up their season against Fort Hays on November 11th, in Hays, Kansas. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m.