The Emporia State football team is 4-1 for the first time since 2002 after defeating conference opponent Fort Hays State last Saturday 19-6. With a 9-6 game, the Hornets used 10 unanswered points and a 1:20 rain delay to get the win.
“No doubt we had many things that worked out in our favor,” defensive end Daniel Webb said. “Our offense controlled the clock which gave us time to breathe. When the defense was out there, the defensive backs did a nice job with coverage that allowed us extra time to apply pressure.”
The Tigers came into the game second in the conference in total yardage, and averaging over 40 points per game. However, the defense of the Hornets held the Tigers to 200 yards of total offense and a mere six points.
Perhaps the biggest group contributor on defense for the Hornets was the ESU offense. Controlling the line of scrimmage on Saturday helped the offense keep possession for well over half the game. Quarterback Tyler Eckenrode was 15-24 for 184 yards and had one touchdown for the game. ESU had three scoring drives over 70 yards the contest.
Late in the first quarter, Emporia State put together a 12 play, 80-yard drive with Kevin Smart scoring a touchdown. On the next drive, ESU ate up more clock with another long drive, but would have to settle for a field goal to take the lead 9-0.
After two field goals by Fort Hays and a 1:20 rain delay, the Hornets added a field goal right before the half to take a 12-6 lead at the break.
“It was very difficult for them to gain momentum, especially after having such a long, weather delay,” Webb said.
The score held until wide receiver Shjuan Richardson scored a touchdown on a 67-yard pass play from Eckenrode in the fourth quarter. The Hornets would hold up the 19-6 lead thanks to an interception by safety Derek Lohmann with five minutes left in the ballgame. His five interceptions on the year (three in the last two games) lead all MIAA players.
“For the first time all year, we put a complete game together against a very good Fort Hays team,” said Head Coach Garrin Higgins. “I am really proud of the way our kids played today.”
The Hornets travel to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for a tough, conference showdown this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Caniglia Field.
Chris Hopkins