It was a cold and windy afternoon at Welch Stadium as the Emporia State Hornets defended their territory from the Washburn Ichabods. The Turnpike Tussle is the second oldest NCAA Division II rivalry in history, and the tradition continued for the 119th time on Oct. 14th.
The game began with a four-yard rush from running back Kingsley Bennett, eventually giving Emporia a 7-0 lead on Washburn. That lead soon doubled after a punt from Washburn, thanks to quarterback Braden Gleason’s touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyler Kahmann. This left Emporia holding solid with a score of 14-0 before the first quarter ended.
The second quarter brought another score increase for the Hornets with another pass from Gleason, this time to stinger back Tommy Zimmerman. Washburn eventually managed a three-yard touchdown halfway through the quarter. This followed with Gleason making another touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaylen Varner, bringing the Hornets to a 28-7 lead. The second quarter wrapped up with Washburn scoring another touchdown, bringing the score at halftime to 28-10.
Rolling into the second half of the game, Washburn pulled up with a 40-yard field goal, which cut down the lead to 28-13. Another 69-yard pass from Washburn would then bring the points to 28-20. The fourth quarter proved better for the Hornets, with kicker Caden Dodson hitting a 30-yard field goal just moments after the quarter began. This gave Emporia a 31-20 advantage.
Later, Gleason connected with Kahmann to execute a 15-yard touchdown, giving Emporia a 38-20 lead. Washburn later scored a 26-yard field goal, but the ESU Hornets took the victory with a score of 38-23.
The Hornets will face-off with Central Missouri on Oct. 21 in Warrensburg. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.
