Despite racking up more first downs and passing yards than opponent Nebraska Kearney, the Hornets were unable to come away with a win against the Lopers on Saturday. The Hornets suffered a 34-20 loss and saw the most yards ran by an opponent since 2014.
The Lopers scored first with a 30-yard touchdown at 5 minutes left in the first quarter. The Hornets responded with a 55-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ben Harris to junior wide receiver Ethan Schultze. Schultze completed the run to tie the game 7-7.
In the second quarter, ESU advanced on a touchdown by senior wide receiver Kingsley Bennett off of a 45-yard pass from Harris. Senior punter/kicker Caden Dodson missed the kick following the touchdown, making the score 13-7 with ESU leading.
The Lopers responded with a touchdown and successful kick which put them ahead 14-13. The ball to the Lopers after a three and out and UNK capped off a 61-yard run on three plays with a touchdown. After failing a point after touchdown, UNK went into the half leading 20-13.
UNK started the second half driving to the ESU four yard line that eventually gave ESU the ball at the five. The Hornets scored a touchdown off of a play by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Mason Ford with a pass from Harris. Dodson completed a kick to tie the game at 20 before UNK scored again on a four yard touchdown to bring them ahead 27-20.
The Hornets ended the quarter on a drive to the Loper three yard line, but ESU failed to get any further than snapping the ball.
At the beginning of the fourth, UNK scored another touchdown, advancing them 34-20 with 12:33 remaining. ESU failed to convert a fourth and six at the Loper 16 yard line and the ball went back to UNK.
UNK went on to fumble the ball and ESU’s redshirt freshman defensive back Jordyn Harris recovered. The Hornets were unable to score and fumbled the ball themselves in the last play.
ESU will take to the field on Saturday, Sept. 27 to face off against the Pittsburg State Gorillas on Family and Friends Day. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. at Welch stadium.
