Emporia State football defeated Washburn University 45-17 in the Nov. 8 Turnpike Tussle game held in Topeka.
ESU started the game with a 14-0 lead. After a block from redshirt sophomore defensive back Erik McCarty, senior wide receiver Kingsley Bennett returned the ball 13 yards to start ESU’s lead 7-0. After forcing a three and out, freshman quarterback Jamison Sarver connected with redshirt sophomore running back Diego Cearns for a 35 yard touchdown pass to increase their lead 14-0 in the first quarter.
With a minute left, Washburn was able to get on the board with a 36 yard field goal.
The Ichabods responded to the Hornets in the second quarter as they scored 14 points in the period. ESU continued to advance, as senior kicker Caden Dodson made a 24 yard field goal to increase their score 17-10. After a touchdown run from Washburn, the first half ended in a tie at 17-17.
The Hornets took advantage of a missed 34 yard field goal by the Ichabods as Sarver threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Bennett with only 4:42 left in the third quarter. Sarver’s two yard touchdown run that later followed in the fourth helped increase the Hornet’s score 31-17.
Junior linebacker Landon Boss followed Sarver’s touchdown run with an interception and returned it 43 yards to score again, 38-17. Despite Washburn stopping an ESU fourth and seven, redshirt sophomore defensive back Kaliel Boyd led the Hornets to a 45-17 victory on a touchdown and 29 yard return.
The Hornets will return to Welch Stadium on Nov. 15 to play Fort Hays State in their final game of the season. Kickoff for the Salute to Service and Senior Day game is set for 1 p.m.
