Football | 8/27/2024 9:26:00 PM
Game #1
Emporia State Hornets (9-3, 7-3 MIAA)
vs. Washburn Ichabods (2-9, 1-9 MIAA)
Hornet Football Game Day Info
August 29, 2024 • 7:00 p.m.
Jones Field at Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.
Series Record: ESU Leads 60-53-6 Last Meeting: at ESU 38, WU 23
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 6:00 p.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): The MIAA Network
Television: None
Live Stats | Ticket Info | Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: vs. Angelo State
Sept 7, 2024 • 1:00 p.m. • Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.
LET'S GET THINGS STARTED
Emporia State opens their 126th season of football against Washburn on Thursday, August 29. It will be the 120th Turnpike Tussle but is the first time since 1966 that the two have opened the season against each other and the only time they have met in August.
SEASON OPENERS
Emporia State is 72-48-5 all-time in season openers and have started the season 1-0 in 19 of the last 22 years. Coach Garin Higgins is 13-3 with the Hornets and 18-3 in his career in season openers. Two of the three losses were to teams ranked in #1 in the nation at the time. Emporia State has won their last five season openers by an average score of 44-11. The Hornets are 2-1 against the Ichabods all-time in season openers
THE COACHES
Garin Higgins has a career record of 157-89 in his 22nd season as a head coach. He is 106-80 in his 17th season at his alma mater and is 87-43 since the start of the 2012 season. He is the fifth winningest coach in MIAA history and ranks second among active coaches. He has led the Hornets to the post season in eight of the last 11 seasons with three NCAA Playoffs and a national semifinal appearance in 2015. He had a 51-9 career record at Northwestern Oklahoma, including two trips to the national championship game. Higgins was a quarterback for Emporia State from 1987-90 and was on the 1989 national runners-up team. He is 9-7 against Washburn.
Craig Schurig is 139-100 in his 23rd year at Washburn. He is 11-10 against Emporia State.
SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State went 9-3 last season and won the Heritage Bowl. They open the season receiving votes in the AFCA National Poll and were picked fourth in the MIAA Preseason Poll. With eight postseason appearances over the last 11 seasons the Hornets have established themselves as a major player in the MIAA and on the regional stage. Emporia State returns ten starters on offense, seven on defense and their kicker from last year's Heritage Bowl Championship team. Emporia State has only lost two games by more than eight points since the COVID pandemic.
SCOUTING THE ICHABODS
Washburn went 2-9 last season with a 1-9 record in the MIAA. The Ichabods were slated for ninth in the preseaosn MIAA polls by both the coaches and media this season. WU is set to return 14 starters, six on offense and eight on defense. Quarterback Sam Van Dyne was seventh in the MIAA in passing last season. Josh Grant had two interceptions to rank 12th in the MIAA last year.
THE SERIES
The Turnpike Tussle is the second most played active rivalry in NCAA Division II. This is the 120th meeting in a series that began in 1899. The Hornets lead the series 60-53-6. Emporia State has won nine of the last 11 meetings.
LAST TIME VS. WASHBURN
Braden Gleason was 42 of 49 for 421 yards with four touchdowns and the Hornet defense had five sacks as #25 Emporia State defeated Washburn 38-23 in the 119th edition of the Turnpike Tussle in Welch Stadium.
The Hornets jumped out to a 21-0 lead before the Ichabods got on the board with 6:47 left in the first half. Emporia State answered one minute later to go up 28-7 and led 28-10 at the break. Washburn scored the only points of the third quarter to cut the deficit to 28-20 with 7:35 left in the period. The Hornets scored on their first two drives of the fourth quarter to take a 38-20 lead with 10:43 left in the game. Washburn would score on the next possession but it took 14 plays and over five minutes before Brehm hit a 26 yard field goal to being WU within 38-23 with 5:27 left in the game. Tyler Kahmann finished with 11 catches for a career high 175 yards with two touchdowns. Defensively Rylan Miller had career highs of ten tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
UP NEXT
The Hornets play host to #24 Angelo State on Saturday, September 7 on Jones Field at Welch Stadium. It will be the first non-conference game at Welch Stadium against a team not affiliated with the MIAA since a 59-26 win over then #13 Minnesota-Duluth in the 2016 NCAA Playoffs.
KNOW THE FOE
The Turnpike Tussle between Emporia State and Washburn is the second most played active rivalry in NCAA Division II history now that Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines have joined D2. The Hornets have won 60 games while the Ichabods have picked up 53 wins and there have been six ties. Emporia State has scored a total of 2,099 points while Washburn has scored 2,063 points, a difference of just 0.30 points per game over 119 contests. In MIAA only games, Emporia State leads the series 21-11. The Hornets have averaged 30.28 points and the Ichabods 27.16 points per game in the 32 MIAA meetings, however the average margin of victory in each game has been 17.66 points. Only ten of the 32 MIAA contests between the two have been decided by eight points or less with the Hornets holding a 9-1 advantage in close games. Emporia State won a series best 11 straight games from 1991-2001 before Washburn won eight straight from 2004-11. The Hornets have now won nine of the last 11 meetings.
When competitions in football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and women's soccer are added together Emporia State has a 593-444-8 (.571) all-time advantage over Washburn heading into the 2024-25 school year.
MIAA IN THE POSTSEASON
Since the MIAA first expanded in 1989 and the new teams became eligible for post season play in 1990, the league has eight national championships and a representative in 15 national championship games, including ten of the last 18 title games. In that time the MIAA is 53-28 in the NCAA Playoffs and 23-9 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 76-37 against non-conference opponents. The Hornets join Northwest Missouri (1996-99, 2002, 2004-11, 2013, 2015-16, 2021), Pittsburg State (1989-92, 1995, 2001, 2004-05, 2011), Missouri Western (2012), and Central Missouri (2010) as MIAA teams that have reached the national quarterfinals. Emporia State's game at Northwest Missouri in 2015 was the fifth all-MIAA regional final. Eight different MIAA schools have advanced to the NCAA Playoffs and won a game since 2010 while nine current member institutions have represented the league in the NCAA Playoffs in the time. Counting their time in other conferences all ten of the current MIAA football playing schools have been NCAA Division II Playoff participants, with Central Oklahoma being the only school not to make the playoffs as an MIAA member.
All MIAA NCAA Divison II Quarterfinals
2015 at Northwest Mo. 38, Emporia State 17
2011 at Pittsburg State 41, Northwest Mo. 16
2010 at Northwest Mo. 37, Central Mo. 20
2005 Northwest Mo. 21, at Pittsburg State 10
2004 at Pittsburg State 50, Northwest Mo. 36
PLAYOFF HISTORY
The Hornets are 3-4 in their seven NCAA playoff games over four trips to the Division II playoffs and have won three of their last five playoff games. Emporia State, Northwest Missouri, and Pittsburg State are the only MIAA teams to have won playoff games in back to back years.
FLIP A SWITCH
Emporia State was 15-34 under head coach Garin Higgins and trailing Missouri Southern 17-0 at the midway point of the 2011 season. Emporia State came back to win 31-24 and have gone 91-46 since then. Of the 46 losses, 22 have been to teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 at the time. In Emporia State's first 49 games under Coach Higgins, the Hornets averaged 19.86 points per game while giving up 30.06 points per game. In the 135 games since then Emporia State is averaging 33.3 points while giving up 26.1 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.
YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 87-18 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with an 82-13 record in their last 95 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 49 games under Coach Higgins with a 47-2 record in those games. The Hornets have won 24 games when allowing their opponents 28 or more points under coach Higgins, but Emporia State has only won 19 games when the Hornets have scored less than 28 points.
NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State is 58-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins. They have held teams to under 30 points in eight of the 12 games last season. They allowed an average of 21.7 points per game in the 2022 season. That was the lowest defensive scoring average for the Hornets since allowing 18.1 points per game during their MIAA Championship season of 2003.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets return ten starters from an offense that scored 55 points in the Heritage Bowl Championship and led the nation in completion percentage and fewest turnovers, ranked second in passing offense, third in total offense, fifth in passing efficiency, sixth in first downs, eighth in red zone offense and 11th in scoring offense. Emporia State set school records with 795 yards of total offense and 45 first downs against Missouri Southern.
QUARTERBACKS
The quarterback position has been strong for Emporia State since 2012. Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 58 times, with 18 games of at least 400 yards and a 522 yard game by Brent Wilson while eight different quarterbacks have thrown at least two touchdown passes in a season. Five different Hornet quarterbacks have started a postseason game since 2012 and four of them have won a postseason game. Five of the top ten individual passing games in MIAA history have come from three different Emporia State quarterbacks.
IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Sr./Tulsa, Okla.) is in his fifth year at Emporia State and has seen action in ten games for the Hornets. He is 32 of 46 for 256 yards with three touchdowns in his career
AS A JUNIOR: He was three of nine for 18 yards at Central Missouri. He played the entire second half at Northeastern State and went 14 of 20 for 76 yards and a touchdown. He was seven of eight for 99 yards with two touchdowns and added a 25 yard rush against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He completed his first seven passes of the year. He played most of the third quarter and all of the fourth at Lincoln, completing three of four passes for 14 yards. He went two for two for 13 yards against Fort Hays State. He was two for two for 18 yards against Central Missouri. AS A FRESHMAN: He saw his first action as a Hornet against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors as he led Lincoln Christian HS to an undefeated state championship in Oklahoma Class 3A.
GOING FOR GUNDY
Quarterback Gunnar Gundy (Jr./Stillwater, Okla.) joined the Hornets over the summer after playing for three seasons at Oklahoma State. He threw for 569 total yards and five total touchdowns across three seasons with the Cowboys.
AT OKLAHOMA STATE: He scored a rushing touchdown against Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl in the 2023 season. He passed for career-high 128 yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 2022 season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He led Stillwater HS to back-to-back state runner-up finishes in junior and senior seasons. He was named District MVP and All-State in his senior season after passing for 3,481 yards and 47 touchdowns.
DENNIS THE MENACE
Quarterback Mason Dennis (Fr.-RS/Tuttle, Okla.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: Redshirted.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named District Offensive Player of the Year for Tuttle HS while having over 3,300 yards and 50 touchdowns.
HOWARD'S END
Quarterback Colton Howard (Fr./Sapulpa, Okla.) is in his first season at Emporia State and will likely redshirt.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named All-State Class 5A and District Quarterback of the Year after throwing for 2,100 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Sapulpa HS Chieftains.
RECEIVERS
The passing game has been an important part of the Emporia State offense over the years and depth at the receiver position has been a big part of that success. A total of 11 different wide receivers caught at least two passes last season with nine of them having a catch of over ten yards. Six wide receivers had at least one touchdown reception last season. Three different receivers had a touchdown catch of at least 70 yards this year and four had a reception of at least 60 yards.
UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Sr./Haysville, Kan.) led the nation in touchdown catches with an Emporia State record 20 last season. He was ranked second in the nation in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and sixth in scoring, points scored and total touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-MIAA and All-Super Region-3 honors.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 101 catches for 1,234 yards on the season. He was the only player in the NCAA at any level to have 100 catches, 1,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches last season. He had at least 100 yards receiving in seven of his last eight games. He caught 11 balls for 118 yards and two scores in the Heritage Bowl win over Southern Nazarene. He had nine catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns at Fort Hays State. He had nine receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri Southern. He had six catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns against Neb.-Kearney. He had his fourth straight game with at least 100 receiving yards when he went for ten catches and 117 yards with a touchdown at Central Missouri. He was the first Hornet with four consecutive 100 yard receiving games since the 2013 season. His three straight games with at least ten catches was the longest string of double digit catch games by a Hornet since J.J. Richard had four straight in 2004. He had 11 receptions for a career high 175 yards and two touchdowns against Washburn. He had a career high 12 catches for 140 yards at Pittsburg State with two touchdowns. He had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown at Missouri Western. He had eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and four touchdowns against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: His nine touchdown catches ranked second in the MIAA and he finished the season with 47 catches for 536 yards. He was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick. He had three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had a touchdown catch against Fort Hays State. He had ten catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Central Missouri. He had three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburg State. He had a team high six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He led Emporia State with five touchdown receptions and had 34 catches for 428 yards. He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Mo. Southern. He had nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown at Pitt State. He had a 69 yard catch against Central Okla.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a three-sport All-State selection at Haysville Campus HS. He had 35 receptions for 694 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn All-State honors. He was a Class 6A honorable mention All-State selection in basketball and baseball for Campus HS.
CAREER WATCH:He has 182 receptions for 2,198 yards and 34 touchdowns in 36 career games for Emporia State. He holds Emporia State single season records with 101 receptions and 20 receiving touchdowns and the career record with 34 touchdown catches. He is ninth on the Hornet career list with 182 receptions for 2,198 yards.
THE KINGSMAN
Receiver Kingsley Bennett (Jr./Garland, Texas) is in his first full season at receiver for the Hornets. He started at running back for three games after moving between running back and receiver last season. He was fourth in the MIAA in kick returns. He had 25 catches for 2219 yards and a touchdown to go with 151 yards and a touchdown on the ground last season. He is a member of the Hornet track & field team and ranked fourth all-time at Emporia State in the 100m after running 10.37 last year to rank 30th in NCAA Division II in the event.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had 69 yards on just four touches against Southern Nazarene including a 38 yard rush. He had 126 all purpose yards against Missouri Southern with 69 kick return yards, 32 receiving and 25 rushing. He had 137 all-purpose yards at Central Missouri with 112 coming on five kick returns, 16 on three catches and nine of four rushes. He had 15 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown against Washburn and added three receptions for 20 yards. He had three catches for 47 yards at Pittsburg State. He had three receptions for 25 yards at Missouri Western. He had two catches for four yards and added a 40 yard kick return against Central Oklahoma. In his first action at receiver he had two catches for 18 yards at Northeastern State. He three receptions for 34 yards including a 28 yard go ahead touchdown at Northwest Missouri.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 41 carries for 146 yards as a true freshman and finished with 264 all purpose yards. He had ten carries for 36 yards at Lincoln. He had a career high 65 yards on nine carries with a 38 yarder against Fort Hays State. He had 62 yards on nine touches at Central Oklahoma including a 35 yard long reception.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: In eight games as a senior at Naaman Forest HS he rushed for 1,336 yards on 157 carries with 18 touchdowns and had 16 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-District running back and First-Team kick/punt returner honors.
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Receiver Zion Jones (Sr./Wichita, Kan.) had 32 catches for 346 yards last season before missing the final two games with an injury. He was 24th in the MIAA in all-purpose yards and would have led the MIAA and nation if he had enough kick returns to qualify for the national leaders..
AS A JUNIOR: He did not play against the final two games with an injury. He had a ten yard reception against Neb.-Kearney and returned two kicks for 31 total yards. He had five catches for 66 yards at Central Missouri. He caught four passes for 30 yards against Washburn. He had two receptions for ten yards at Pittsburg State and the Gorillas never kicked to him on kick-offs. He had 148 all-purpose yards at Missouri Western with 73 receiving yards on four catches and two kick returns for 75 yards. He also had a two point conversion against the Griffons. He had 85 all-purpose yards on two touches against Central Oklahoma with a 35 yard reception and a 50 yard kick return. He collected 107 all-purpose yards at Northeastern State with 32 yards on six catches and a 75 yard kick return to start the game. He had a pair of catches for 13 yards at Northwest Missouri. He had six catches for 70 yards and added 62 yards on two kick returns for a total of 132 all-purpose yards against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had a ten yard catch at Neb.-Kearney. He had 83 all-purpose yards with a five yard reception and 78 yards on kick returns, including a career best 64 yarder to open the game. He had 78 all-purpose yards against Northeastern State, finishing with one catch for 11 yards and two kick returns for 67 yards.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a 17 yard reception against Lincoln. He caught a nine yard pass against Fort Hays State. He had two receptions for 12 yards at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-City League and All-State pick at Wichita Northwest HS.
TRENDING
Receiver Trenden Collins (Soph./Muldrow, Okla.) was the first true freshman receiver to score a touchdown for Emporia State since Justin Brown in 2014. His six touchdown receptions are the most by a Hornet true freshman since they joined the MIAA. A member of the Hornet track & field team, he is ranked second all-time at Emporia State in the outdoor high jump after clearing 7-00.25 last year to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had eight receptions for 75 yards at the Heritage Bowl. He had two catches for 32 yards and a touchdown at Fort Hays State. He had three receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown against Missouri Southern. He had two catches for 38 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two receptions for eight yards at Central Missouri. He caught four passes for 20 yards and had a 15 yard punt return against Washburn. He had two catches for 18 yards at Pittsburg State. He had a nine yard reception at Missouri Western. He had two receptions for seven yards against Central Oklahoma. He had nine catches for 54 yards and a touchdown at Northeastern State. He caught two passes for ten yards at Northwest Missouri. He had five catches for 99 yards including a 74 yard touchdown in his Hornet debut against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-District MVP in 2021 and 2022 for Muldrow HS. He had 2,100 rushing yards and 805 receiving yards as a senior with over 25 touchdowns
SCHULTZY ON O
Receiver Ethan Schultze (Soph./De Soto,Kan.) is in his third year at Emporia State. He had a team best 13.1 yards per catch last season with 21 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high 103 yards on four catches including one reception of 62 yards at Fort Hays State. He had four catches for 30 yards against Missouri Southern. He had two receptions for 18 yards at Central Missouri and returned a kick-off 25 yards. He had two catches for 15 yards against Washburn. He had a 13 yard catch at Missouri Western. He had 32 yards on five catches against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference selection as a receiver for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Tyler is a defensive back for Emporia State.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
Receiver Malik O'Atis (Fr.-RS/Shawnee, Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
AS A TRUE FRESHMAN: He had a 29 yard kick return against Washburn as he took advantage of the rule allowing freshmen to play in a limited number of games while still retaining their redshirt.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-team All-State Class 6A selection and the Sunflower League player of the year. He totaled 2,929 all-purpose yards and 25 total touchdowns as a senior for Shawnee Mission Northwest HS including 411 yards in a single game
DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY
Receiver Chris McGee (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a nine yard reception at Northeastern State. He scored his first career touchdown and finished with two receptions for 15 yards against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Sunflower League and honorable mention Class 6A All-State selection for Lawrence HS.
IT'S NOT BRAGGING
Receiver Deontei Braggs (Sr./Spiro, Okla.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He caught a pass for four yards at Northeastern State. He had two catches for 13 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He took a shovel pass 62 yards for a touchdown at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Oklahoma District 2A-5 Offensive/Defensive MVP and Player of the Year. He was a first-team OCA All-State selection with 1,469 passing yards with 15 touchdowns while adding 751 yards with 14 touchdowns on the ground. He had 32 total tackles with four interceptions.
BUILT FORD TOUGH
Receiver Mason Ford (Fr./Coweta, Okla.) saw action as a true freshman in three games last year.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two catches for 13 yards at Central Missouri. He saw his first action as a Hornet at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-team All-District performer and offensive player of the year for Coweta HS. He helped lead the Tigers to an undefeated regular season and state quarterfinal appearance
TY-RRIFIC
Receiver Tyreek Robinson (Sr./Kissimmee, Fla.) missed the entire football season with a lower leg injury. He appeared in 21 games for the Hornets on the basketball court last year. This will be his third full year with the Emporia State football team after playing four years on the Hornet basketball team.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He hauled in his first career reception for 13 yards against Central Missouri.
ON THE BASKETBALL COURT: He played in 76 games with four career starts on the hardwood. He had a career high 11 points against Northwest Missouri in the 2021 MIAA Tournament. He scored six points and matched his career high with eight rebounds in his first career start at Central Oklahoma as a freshman in 2019-20.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He averaged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game at Gateway HS. He only played football as a senior but had several NCAA Division I offers.
S-BACK
The Stinger Back is a hybrid position between a tight end, receiver and full back for the Hornets. Two of Emporia State's S-backs had touchdown receptions last season.
THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Sr./Overland Park, Kan.) is a two-time All-MIAA selection at tight end/fullback for the Hornets. He enters 2024 with 86 career receptions, 1,030 career yards and 12 career touchdowns. He was 12th in the MIAA in touchdown receptions, 16th in total receptions and 22nd in receiving yards.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown against Southern Nazrene. He had three catches for 28 yards against Missouri Southern. He had four receptions for 45 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had three catches for 27 yards at Central Missouri. He caught five passes for 52 yards including a 32 yard touchdown against Washburn. He had four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown at Pittsburg State. He finished with 58 yards on two catches at Missouri Western. He had 57 yards on two catches including a 57 yard touchdown against Central Oklahoma. He had three catches for 51 yards including a 28 yard touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had three receptions for 34 yards against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had 24 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He had five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had 28 yards on three receptions at Missouri Southern. He had four catches for 45 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had a seven yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He had a 27 yard catch against Missouri Western. He had three catches for 46 yards at Central Oklahoma. He caught two passes for 28 yards against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 24 catches for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He had two catches including a 31 yard touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had three catches for 62 yards against Lincoln. He had a career high nine receptions for 99 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two catches, both for touchdowns, for 23 yards at Missouri Western. He caught two passes for 31 yards including his first career touchdown against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned all-league honors at both tight end and defensive line for Blue Valley Southwest HS. He was a KFBCA All-State pick on the defensive line and was named a Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association MoKan All Star.
SIR LANCE A LOT
S-Back Lance Hoffsommer (Soph./Sedgwick, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets. He transitioned from quarterback to S-Back last season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the 2021 Sports in Kansas 1A Offensive Player of the Year and earned Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State Class 1A and Sports in Kansas Top 33 honors. He led the state of Kansas in passing yardage in All-classes, throwing for 3,027 yards and 37 touchdowns with 851 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground as a senior.
RUNNING BACKS
Emporia State's is experienced at the top of the depth chart but will rely on newcomers to produce depth in the running back room. Last year the top three running backs averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the season.
SPEEDSTER
Running back Billy Ross Jr. (Sr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is a three-time All-MIAA selection for the Hornets. He was fourth in the MIAA and named Second-Team All-MIAA at all purpose back last season after ranking 11th in the league in total rushing touchdowns and eighth in total rushing despite missing two games.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 57 yards on 11 carries and added seven catches for 32 yards through the air against Southern Nazarene. He ran for 46 yards on 14 carries at Fort Hays State. He had 101 yards on 23 carries and three catches for 46 yards against Missouri Southern. He returned to the line up in the second half against Neb.-Kearney and had 72 yards on eight carries. He did not play against Washburn or Central Missouri with an injury. He had 17 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns at Missouri Western. He had a career high 157 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown against Central Oklahoma with a career long 58 yard touchdown run. He netted 97 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown at Northeastern State. He had 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries at Northwest Missouri. He was the first opponent with over 100 yards and a touchdown in Bearcat Stadium since ACU's Bernard Scott in 2008.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He was named third-team All-MIAA after finishing fourth in the MIAA with 713 rushing yards and ninth eight rushing touchdowns. He had a career high 200 all-purpose yards including 147 rushing yards at Lincoln. He ran for two touchdowns and finished with 13 carries for 46 yards against Fort Hays State while adding 49 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. He had 150 yards rushing on 16 carries at Neb.-Kearney. He had 54 rushing, 13 receiving and 11 return yards at Washburn with a rushing touchdown. He had 99 yards on 26 carries against Missouri Western. At Central Okla. he caught seven passes for 96 yards and added 23 yards on eight carries. He had a 35 yard touchdown run against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner. He had 292 yards on 95 carries while catching 28 passes for 285 yards. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average. He had 123 all-purpose yards on 13 touches against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 63 yard touchdown reception against Washburn. He gained 73 yards on 22 carries at Pittsburg State. He had 169 all-purpose yards at Missouri Western with 66 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards and 54 yards on two punt returns.
ON THE TRACK: He has competed in two outdoor and three indoor seasons for the ESU track team. He ran a personal best 10.67 to place tenth in the 100m at the MIAA Outdoor Championships.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 860 receiving yards, 660 rushing yards, 1,800 all purpose yards, and 22 total touchdowns for Heritage Hall HS He was a five-time State Champion in track in the 100m, 200m, and 4x200m.
HE'S DEVINE
Running back Devin Johnson (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets and his second season at running back after playing defensive back his first two years.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had two carries for eight yards at Central Missouri. He gained 14 yards on two carries at Northeastern State. He had two yards on one carry against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played defensive back for the Hornets and had two tackles in six games.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the All-City Athletic Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-District for John Marshall HS. He had over 1,000 all purpose yards and 11 touch-downs as a senior.
MAX IN THE MIDDLE
Running back Max Middleton (Soph./Andover, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had career highs of 22 yards on five carries at Central Missouri. He had one rush for two yards in his Hornet debut at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He rushed for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior year at Andover HS, giving him back to back 1,000 yard seasons. He was a two-time First-Team All-League and two-time All-State Honorable Mention Class 5A selection. Sports in Kansas Top 100 Seniors class 5A Honorable Mention.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Running back Diego Cearns (Fr.-RS./Aurora, Colo.) is in his second year at Emporia State. He had a three yard carry against Fort Hays State in his only action as a true freshman for Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named Co-MVP of the Centennial League and rushed for1,548 yards and 14 touchdowns for Eaglecrest HS in Aurora, Colo.
UNLIMITED POWER
Running back Keveon Robbins (Jr./Sparta, Ga.) is in his first season with the Hornets after transferring from Southeast Missouri.
AT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI: He gained 227 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Redhawks during his three years. He rushed for a career-high 51 yards and scored a touchdown against Tennessee State during the 2022 season.
HIGH SCHOOL: He earned All-Region honors while rushing for 940 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior for Hanco*ck Central HS in Sparta, Ga.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Emporia State is set to return all five starters on the offensive line from their Heritage Bowl championship team. Three of them earned All-MIAA honors last season. The Hornets gave up just eight sacks in 564 drop backs last season or one every 70.5 drop backs to lead the MIAA. Emporia State was fifth in the nation in sacks allowed and eighth in the nation in tackles for loss allowed.
SHERMAN'S MARCH
Guard Sherman Deaton (Sr./Fountain, Colo.) has started 29 games in his career. He was named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List this year and was a First-Team All-MIAA selection on the offensive line last season He moved to a guard position after playing tackle last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a 51 knockdowns this season. He earned three straight Squarehead Awards to end the season after recording six knocodnws against Southern Nazarene, 4.5 against Fort Hays State and seven knockdowns against Missouri Southern. He had eight knockdowns against Washburn. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Missouri Western and finished with six knockdowns against the Griffons. He had 5.5 knockdowns at Northwest Missouri. He was named the Squarehead Award winner against Lincoln with 5.5 knockdowns.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He has 20.5 knockdowns on the year. He came off the bench to have five knockdowns against Central Missouri.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 2.2 knockdowns per game as a red-shirt freshman. He started all 12 games for Emporia State since he earned his first career start at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All Conference selection and earned First-Team Colorado All State honors at Fountain HS.
A GOOD MAN
Guard Carlos Guzman (Sr./Denver, Colo.) was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick. He moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri last season at tackle and moved to guard last year. He has started 19 games in his career.
AS A JUNIOR: He started all 12 games at guard last year and had 46 knockdowns through the regular season He had five knockdowns against Missouri Southern. He had a team high 11.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He recorded 4.5 knockdowns at Missouri Western. He had nine knockdowns against Central Oklahoma and was named the Squarehead Award winner. He had 5.5 knockdowns at Northwest Missouri.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He has 33 knockdowns on the year. He recorded a career high 13 knockdowns to rank second in the team against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-Conference and Offensive MVP for Bear Creek HS.
TOP GUN
Tackle Trevion Mitchell (Soph./Mesquite, Texas) was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA. He is in his third year at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He started all 12 games and totaled over 30 knockdowns last year. He led all offensive linemen with over 800 snaps on the season. He recorded three knockdowns at Fort Hays State. He had 6.5 knockdowns against Missouri Southern. He earned his first Squarehead Award against Neb.-Kearney. He had five knockdowns against Washburn. He had a pair of knockdowns at Missouri Western. He had 4.5 knockdowns against Central Oklahoma. He had six knockdowns at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a 7-5A Division I All-District second team selection on offense for West Mesquite HS.
AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Sr./Enid, Okla.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A JUNIOR: He has 29.5 knockdowns in ten games with eight starts at center. He had a career high 9.5 knockdowns against Washburn. He had 2.5 knockdowns at Pittsburg State. He had three knockdowns in a start against Central Oklahoma. He was named Squarehead Award winner after recording five knockdowns at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Conference and All-District performer for Enid HS. He earned the Offensive Line MVP Award at Emporia State's O-Line Camp his senior year.
FREE STATE
Tackle Jalan Robinson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his second year at ESU after transferring from Kansas. He was injured against Pittsburg State and missed the last seven games.
AS A JUNIOR: He averaged 1.3 knockdowns per game before his injury at Pittsburg State.
AT KANSAS: He transferred to Emporia State after three years at the University of Kansas.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors and First-Team All-Sunflower League honors as a senior at Free State HS.
TALON OF POWER
Guard Talon Wheeler (Jr./Broken Arrow, Okla.) is in his fourth year at Emporia State.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He started the final three games of the season. He recorded a career high 8.5 knockdowns in his first start against Missouri Southern. He had a knockdown in his first significant amount of playing time against Neb.-Kearney.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First team All-District Offensive Line honoree and the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at Broken Arrow HS.
GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT
Offensive lineman Brody Lietz (Soph./Topeka, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named Class 2A First-Team All-State by KFBA on offense and KSHSAA Covered First-Team All-Class-2A on defense for Rossville HS.
BOND, BRADLEY BOND
Offensive lineman Bradley Bond (Fr.-RS/Goddard, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named First Team All-State Class 5A by both the Kansas Football Coaches Association and Sports in Kansas and First Team All-AVCTL. He was selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
DALTON GANG
Tackle Dalton Owen (Soph./Concordia, Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-NCKL, Sports in Kansas Class 3A All-State and KFBCA Class 3A All-State performer for Concordia HS. He was also a 2022 Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection.
TEXAS RANGER
Tackle Shahid Pinkston (Soph./Arlington, Texas) is in his third year at Emporai Staet.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All District as a senior. He helped lead Mansfield Summit HS to back to back state semifinal appearances and 19-9 record over the last two seasons. He paved the way for two running backs to rush for over 1,200 yards
DEFENSE
The Hornets were seventh in the MIAA and 101st in the nation at 27.3 points per game. Emporia State was third in the MIAA and 40th nationally in points allowed at 20.0 points per game prior to the Central Missouri Game. They allowed just 22.8 points per game in their other 11 games. ESU posted their first shutout since 2018, a period of 40 games, with their 38-0 win at Northeastern State. The Hornets held Northwest Missouri to their lowest scoring output in a regular season home game since 2017.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Emporia State returns two of three defensive line starters from a unit that was ranked second in the MIAA in team tackles for loss and fourth in sacks. Both of them have earned All-MIAA honors each of the last two years. However the rest of the unit is fairly young with only four juniors and seniors listed among the 17 defensive linemen on the roster
WISE WOLF
Defensive lineman Rafe Goucher (Sr./El Reno, Okla.) is a three-time All-MIAA honorable mention selection and has been a mainstay of the center of the Hornets defensive line as a three year starter.
AS A JUNIOR: He had four tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss against Southern Nazarene. He broke up a pass at Fort Hays State. He had two tackles against Missouri Southern. He had six assisted tackles with one for a loss against Neb.-Kearney. He recorded four tackles, a QB hurry and a pass break up at the line against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles with a sack at Missouri Western. He had one tackle at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with one tackle against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA pick. He recorded a career high ten tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had four tackles and 1.5 sacks against Fort Hays State. He was credited with two tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded two tackles, one for a loss at Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles against Central Missouri including an assisted tackle for loss. He had three tackles, one for a loss at Washburn. He recorded three tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss against Pittsburg State. He had a fumble recovery against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was named honorable mention All-MIAA. He started the last seven games of the year. He had two solo tackles against Lincoln. He had three tackles including a sack at Fort Hays State. He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high six tackles, two for a loss, and a sack at Pittsburg State. He had an assisted tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Class 5A District 1 Defensive Player of the Year for El Reno HS. He earned Oklahoma All-State honors as a defensive lineman.
ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection last season after being named Honorable Mention All-MIAA as a sophom*ore. He was third in the MIAA in tackles for loss and 15th in sacks.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a tackle for loss against Southern Nazarene. He recorded seven tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a fumble recovery against Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles, a pass break up and half a tackle for loss at Central Missorui. He had career highs of ten tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks along with a quarterback hurry against Washburn. All of his tackles for loss came on either third or fourth down against the Ichabods. He recorded three tackles at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles with a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had two tackles and was credited with two quarterback hurries at Northeastaern State. He had a solo stop at Northwest Missouri. He had three tackles including a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He recorded five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles, 1.5 TFL and a key sack late at Missouri Southern. He was credited with five tackles and two quarterback hurries at Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo tackle for loss against Central Missouri. He had two tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He was credited with three tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles and a sack against Missouri Western. He had an assisted tackle at Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had two assisted tackles at Mo. Western. He had a sack at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.
ADAMS FAMILY
Defensive lineman C.J. Adams (Jr./Enid, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He is expected to move into the starting lineup after playing in 20 games over his first two seasons.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had a tackle for loss in the Heritage Bowl. He was in on three tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He was in on one tackle at Central Missouri. He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He had an assisted tackle at Missouri Western. He was credited with one tackle against Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles and one tackle for loss at Northeastern State. He had two solo tackles at Northwest Missouri. He got his first career start against Lincoln and was credited with two tackles.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had half a TFL at Neb.-Kearney. He blocked at PAT against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-District selection. He was the co-defensive tackle of the year and earned VYPE Oklahoma Athlete of the Month honors for Enid HS.
FIELD OF DREAMS
Defensive lineman Kaden Fields (So./Osawatomie, Kan.) is in his third season at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had an assisted tackle at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team Sport in Kansas selection on offense and earned First-Team All-Tri-County on defense line for Osawatomie HS.
TO THE NORTH
Defensive lineman Elon McKenzie (Jr./Phenix, Ala.) is in his first season at Emporia State after spending the previous three seasons at Austin Peay
AT AUSTIN PEAY: He played in five career games, including four during the 2023 season. He recorded two tackles against Lindenwood last year.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a member of the Class 7A State Championship teams a sophom*ore Central HS in Phenix City, Ala. He also played goalie on the soccer team.
OUTER BANKS
Defensive lineman Jaylen Banks (Soph./O'Fallon, Mo.) is in his first season at Emporia State after transferring from Southern Illinois
AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ( 2022-23): He redshirted in his first year with the Salukis. He totaled three tackles during the 2023 season, with two coming against Western Illinois and one against Illinois State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named All-District in 2020 with 34 tackles and totaled 77 tackles and six sacks in his career for Lutheran North HS.
STRONG ARM
Defensive lineman Carlos Strong Jr. (Fr.-RS/Oklahoma City, Okla.) is in his second season at Emporia State.
AS A FRESHMAN: Redshirted.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named District Defensive Player of the Year. He led Millwood HS in both tackles for loss and sacks as the Falcons finished as state runners-up.
TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW
Defensive lineman Dakota Doyle-Robinson (Soph./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his first year with the Hornets after transferring from Garden City CC.
AT GARDEN CITY CC: He had five sacks and 12 tackles for loss for the Bronc Busters last season.
AT BAYLOR: He went to Baylor out of high school.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He helped DeSmet HS to 6-1 record and the Missouri Class 6A State championship game in 2020. He posted 32 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss as a senior along with 4.0 sacks and one fumble recovery. He was rated three stars by 247 Sports and an ESPN three-star prospect.
LINEBACKERS
After starting last season with three completely new starting linebackers for the first time since moving to the 3-3-5 defense, Emporia State will be welcoming back a more experienced group this season. Four players return with starting experience, three of whom with at least 40 tackles in a season.
LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Sr./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets. He has moved into the starting lineup in the last seven games and was the leading tackler for ESU in three games.
AS A JUNIOR: He played in all 12 games and made 62 tackles with 1.5 sacks and recorded multiple tackles in ten games. He had five tackles with three going for a loss against Southern Nazarene. He tied his career high with ten tackles at Fort Hays State. He had nine tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry against Neb.-Kearney. He recorded a career high ten tackles at Central Missouri. He had four tackles against Washburn. He had eight tackles with an assisted tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Pittsburg State. The tackle for loss was on a key third down play with 1:08 left in the game. He had seven tackles at Missouri Western with a tackle for loss. He recorded three tackles including an assist on a tackle for loss against Central Oklahoma. He had two tackles at Northeastern State.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He was credited with an assisted tackle for loss against Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two tackles against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-League and First-Team All-District at Desmet Jesuit HS.
SAGE ADVICE
Linebacker Sage Sieperda (Sr./Shawnee, Kan.) is in his sixth year at Emporia State. He started the final three games and four on the season last year. He played in all 12 games and had 41 tackles.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a career high 12 tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a tackle and a pass break up against Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles with a sack against Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles at Central Missouri. He had an assisted tackle against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He was credited with three tackles at Missouri Western. He had four tackles and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had two tackles including an assisted tackle for loss in his first career start at Northeastern State. He was credited with two tackles at Northwest Missouri. He recorded four solo tackles, 2.5 TFL, including half a sack, and broke up a pass against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had two solo tackles including one for a loss in three games.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a second-team All-EKL selection as a senior for Mill Valley HS.
EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Sr./Kingfisher, Okla.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets. He has played in 28 career games and has 119 total tackles. Last year he played in nine games with seven starts while battling injuries, yet managed 39 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He has returned to action after injuring a knee during spring practice.
AS A JUNIOR: He had five tackles against Southern Nazarene. He had six tackles, 2.0 TFL and two hurries against Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles and a sack at Central Missouri. He had five tackles and a quarterback hurry against Washburn. He was credited with four tackles and two quarterback hurries at Pittsburg State. He had six tackles at Missouri Western. He had five tackles, half a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Central Okla.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He led the MIAA and was seventh in the nation in fumble recoveries. He had a 43 yard return for a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had nine tackles against Northwest Missouri. He recorded nine tackles and half a sack at Lincoln. He had eight tackles, a career high two sacks and a pass break up against Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Missouri Southern. He had six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery at Neb.-Kearney. He had four tackles against Pittsburg State. He had eight tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He recorded a career high 11 tackles at Central Oklahoma with a pass break up. He had six tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high five tackles against Lincoln as a red-shirt freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned first-team All-State honors as a senior with 98 tackles, 15 TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He was a part of Kingfisher HS state championship basketball team.
MONDO SIZE
Linebacker Caleb Mondi (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets. He has been a mainstay on special teams throughout his career and started two games at linebacker last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a solo tackle at Pittsburg State. He recorded a solo tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had two solo tackles at Northeastern State. He was credited with seven tackles and a sack in his first start against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He played in nine games for Emporia State with four tackles.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned Lawrence Journal World First-Team All-Area, Second-Team All-Sunflower League and Honorable Mention All-State honors at Lawrence HS.
SALUKI SLIDE
Linebacker Cade Stephenson (Soph./Kingfisher, Okla.) is in his first season at Emporia State after spending two seasons at Southern Illinois
AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: He played in five games during the 2023 season after redshirting in 2022. He tallied four tackles on the season with two each against both Western Illinois and Nicholls State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He gained over 1,800 total yards and scored 29 total touchdowns in his senior season at Kingfisher HS.
HODGE PODGE
Linebacker Rashion Hodge (Sr./Phoenix, Ariz.) is his first season at Emporia State after spending last season at Western Kentucky after three seasons at Iowa Western CC
AT WESTERN KENTUCKY: He played in 11 games during the 2023 season and totaled 22 tackles with one pass breakup. He had a season-high five tackles in the season opener against South Florida.
AT IOWA WESTERN CC: He spent three seasons with the Reivers and played in 31 games. He totaled 132 tackles and had four interceptions and three forced fumbles.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He attended Mountain Pointe HS in Phoenix, Ariz.
LEGACY
Linebacker Reid Cowan (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his fourth season with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-City, All State Honorable Mention, Second-Team All-Centennial League on offense and defense. He is the brother of former Hornet football player Dalton Cowan and soccer player Riley Cowan, and the son of Hornet football alum Jeff and Lady Hornet Basketball alum Cassie Cowan.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Emporia State returns five defensive backs that started at least one game last season including three who started in the Heritage Bowl. The Hornets were third in the MIAA and 22nd in the nation in interceptions while ranking fifth in the league in pass efficiency defense. Five of the top 20 players in the MIAA in passes defended this season were Hornet defensive backs.
JJ JUMPER
Cornerback Jaaron Joseph (Sr./Nyack, N.Y.) was a Second-Team All-MIAA selection. He was tied for third in the MIAA in interceptions and seventh in passes defended. He came to Emporia State from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State.
AS A JUNIOR: He led Emporia State with eight tackles in the Heritage Bowl. He had three tackles at Fort Hays State. He had six tackles, a pass break up an a tackle for loss against Missouri Southern. He had his second two interception game of the year against Neb.-Kearney. He had ten tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He had a pass break up and five tackles at Pittsburg State. He had six tackles and a pass break up at Missouri Western. He was credited with eight tackles, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry against Central Oklahoma. He had a career high two interceptions including a 76 yard pick six at Northwest Missouri. He also had three tackles and a pass break up against the Bearcats. He recorded seven tackles, five of them solo, against Lincoln.
AT SCSU: He played in all 11 games for Southern Connecticut State last year and had 21 tackles, four pass break ups and a forced fumble as a sophom*ore.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Section pick for Albertus Magnus HS.
BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Sr./Ada, Okla.) is in his sixth year at Emporia State. He was sixth in the MIAA in interceptions last season..
AS A JUNIOR: He had a 44 yard interception return against Southern Nazarene in the Heritage Bowl. He recorded seven tackles at Fort Hays State. He had a career high eight tackles with a pass break up against Missouri Southern. He had seven tackles and an interception against Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with four tackles at Central Missouri. He had a pass break up against Washburn. He recorded an unassisted tackle at Pittsburg State. He had three tackles at Missouri Western. He grabbed his first career interception to end a Central Oklahoma scoring threat at the end of the first half. He had an assisted tackle at Northeastern State. He was credited with three tackles including an assisted TFL against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had a solo tackle against Northwest Missouri. He had assisted tackles against both Pittsburg State and Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the District Defensive Player of the Year and a Class 5A Oklahoma All-Star for Ada HS.
SCHULTZY ON D
Safety Tyler Schultze (Soph./De Soto,Kan.) is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had his second fumble recovery on special teams when he hopped on a muffed punt at Fort Hays State. He was named MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week after he recovered a fumble in the endzone on a kick off and rushed two punts against Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles at Pittsburg State. He was credited with two tackles at Northeastern State. He had two tackles and blocked a punt against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference pick at quarterback for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Ethan is a receiver for Emporia State.
STEAK
Safety Kobe Holley (Sr./Stillwater, Kan.) is in his fifth year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He played in six games and tallied two pass breakups and nine tackles. He opened the season with three tackles against Lincoln. He recorded two tackles against both Pittsburg State and Central Missouri.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He played in six games and had seven tackles and a pass breakup He had a career-high four tackles against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named All-State 6A-II and Conference Defensive Player of the Year for Stillwater HS.
PEYTON'S PLACE
Defensive back Peyton Taylor (Fr.-RS/Aurora, Colo.) is in his second season with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in two games taking advantage of the rule allowing true freshman to play in up to four games without losing their redshirt. He had three tackles against Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He recorded 38 tackles, four interceptions and six touchdowns as a senior for Eaglecrest HS in Aurora, Colo.
COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Defensive back Rod Farmer (Jr./Memphis, Tenn.) is in his third year at Emporia State. He has seen action at both corner and safety. He was tied for 16th in the MIAA in passes defended.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had four tackles, a pass break up and a tackle for loss against Missouri Southern. He recorded three tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a career high six tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He had two pass break ups and a tackle in the first half against Washburn. He recorded two tackles and a pass break up in a start at Pittsburg State. He had four tackles with a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He had an interception with 1:11 left to ice the game against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two solo tackles at Northeastern State. He had four tackles and a blocked field goal against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He recorded four solo tackles against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had five tackles against Central Missouri. He recorded two solo tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He recorded on solo tackle in his first start for the Hornets against Missouri Western. He had three tackles and two pass break ups at Central Oklahoma. He had one tackle against Northeastern State but was featured on ESPN's College Game Day TikTok account for his post game dance moves.
PREVIOUSLY: He spent a season at Coffeyville CC after originally signing with Delta State after graduating from White Station HS in Memphis.
ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Sr./Oklahoma City HS) is in his sixth season with the Hornets. He had a career high 31 tackles last season.
AS A JUNIOR: He had a pair of solo tackles at Fort Hays State. He had three tackles, an assisted tackle for loss and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had three tackles at Pittsburg State. He picked off a pass and had four solo tackles at Missouri Western. He recorded four total tackles with three unassisted against Central Oklahoma. He had a pair of solo tackles at Northeastern State. He recorded seven tackles at Northwest Missouri. He had two tackles against Lincoln.
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He had five tackles and a fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass break ups at Lincoln. He had five solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with four tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions. He had four tackles against Lincoln and at Fort Hays State. He had an interception, a pass break up and four solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had four solo tackles and forced two fumbles against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles and an interception at Central Missouri. He had a fumble recovery against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Honorable Mention OCA All-State and All-City for Putnam City HS.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Cornerback Danarius Hollywood (Sr./Cincinnati, Ohio) in his second year at Emporia State after winning back to back NJCAA Division III national championships at College of Dupage. He had five pass break ups for the Hornets last season..
AS A JUNIOR: He had two pass break ups and a tackle against Washburn. He had a solo tackle at Pittsburg State. He had a tackle at Missouri Western. He had a pair of solo tackles and a pass break up against Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles at Northeastern State. He had a pass break up at Northwest Missouri. He was credited with a solo tackle against Lincoln in his first game as a Hornet.
AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE: He was a Second-team NJCAA All-American as a sophom*ore for NJCAA Division III national champions. He played in ten games for NJCAA D3 national champs as a freshman and led special teams in tackles.
HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-team All-City pick in Cincinnati for Mt. Healthy HS and was team's defensive player of the year.
SAFETY FIRST
Safety Clem McCullough (So./Elgin, Ill.) is in his first season with the Hornets after transferring from Iowa Western CC.
AT IOWA WESTERN CC: He played in ten games for the Reivers and made 16 tackles during the 2023 season. He recorded a career-high five tackles against East Mississippi as Iowa Western took home the 2023 NJCAA National Championship.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned All-State recognition in his senior season for Elgin HS.
SOME THINGS DON'T COME EASY
Defensive Back Bryce Coley (Soph./O'Fallon, Mo.) is in his first season at Emporia State
AT INDEPENDENCE CC: He played in eight games for the Pirates and had 23 total tackles, seven pass breakups and one interception. He had a career-high nine tackles and five pass breakups against Dodge City CC.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named All-Conference in 2021 at defensive back for O'Fallon Township HS.
LEAVING ON A JETT PLANE
Defensive back Jett Copeland (Fr.-RS/Argyle, Texas) is in his first year with the Hornets after transferring from Tyler Junior College.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was named All-State as a defensive back as helped lead Argyle HS to the state title.
OSCAR FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY
Defensive Back Yanci Spiller (Fr.-RS/St. George, Kan.) is in his second season at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-State selection and four year starter for Rock Creek HS and a two time team captain.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Over the last ten years Emporia State has had solid special teams with three different players earning All-American honors. Last season the Hornets were ranked third in the nation in punt return defense, seventh in net punting, eighth in kickoff return defense and 24th in kick returns.
DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Soph./Argyle, Texas) was named honorable mention All-MIAA as a true freshman in 2022 and is fourth in Emporia State history with 91 career extra points. Last season he was 54 of 58 on extra points and hit eight of nine field goals..
AS A SOPhom*oRE: He went seven of seven on PATs and two for two on field goals against Southern Nazarene. He was six of six on PATs and hit a 23 yard field goal that proved to be the difference at Fort Hays State. He went nine for nine on PATs against Missouri Southern. He was three for three on PAT's after a bad snap on his first attempt against Neb.-Kearney led to him getting tackled on the scrambled two point attempt. He also had a touchdown saving tackle on a kick-off in the third quarter against the Lopers. He was three of four on PATs with three touchbacks on his five kickoffs. He was five for five on PATs and hit a season's best 30 yard field goal against Washburn. He connected on a 28 yard field goal at Pittsburg State. He hit a 24 yard field goal to tie the game with 46 seconds left at Missouri Western. He went five for five on PATs and added a 21 yard field goal against Central Oklahoma. He was five for five on PATs and connected on his first field goal of the year at Northeastern State. He had his first blocked PAT at Northwest Missouri. He went eight for eight on PATs against Lincoln while averaging 62.1 yards per kickoff. He had five touchbacks on nine kickoffs against the Blue Tigers.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 37 of 38 on PATs and hit nine of ten field goals over the final six games. His 1.3 field goals per game would have ranked tenth in the nation and his .900 field goal percentage would have been fourth in the nation had he played in enough games to qualify for the national leaders. He is the first Hornet to make at least three field goals in back to back games since Austin Morton hit three against Minnesota State and an NCAA Playoff record five against Henderson State during the 2015 playoffs. He missed his first PAT at Lincoln after hitting 26 straight to start his career. He went six for six on PATs against Fort Hays State and averaged 56.9 yards per kick off. He was three for three on PATs and had a 22 yard field goal that proved to be the difference in the game at Missouri Southern. He hit three field goals at Neb.-Kearney including a career best 42 yarder. He was five of five on PATs and hit field goals of 34, 31 and 34 yards against Central Missouri. He hit all six PATs in his first career action at Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an ambidextrous punter that averaged 44.5 yards per punt with his left foot and 39 yards with his right foot. He scored 113 points and hit 96% of his PATs as a junior when Argyle HS went 16-0. He was also a two-time District Utility Player of the Year on the soccer pitch.
RETURN SPECIALISTS
The Hornets are 12th the nation in kick return average at 24.25 yards per return. Four different players have a kick return of at least 25 yards.
Kick returner Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) averaged 36.6 yards per kick return and would have led the MIAA and nation if he had enough returns to qualify for the national leaders. He had 31 yards on two returns against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 60 yard kick-off return that led to a fourth quarter touchdown at Missouri Western. He opened the game at Northeastern State with a 75 yard kick return to set up the Hornets first score. He had 62 yards on two kick off returns against Lincoln. Last season he returned the opening kickoff against Central Missouri 64 yards.
Returner Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) averaged 21.8 yards on 14 kick returns last season to rank fifth in the MIAA. He had a 50 yard return at Central Missouri and two returns for 66 yards including a 38 yard return at Pittsburg State. He had a 40 yard kick off return against Central Oklahoma.
Returner Trenden Collins (Soph./Muldrow, Okla.) was the top punt returner for Emporia State last season as a true freshman, averaging 7.4 yards on seven punt returns.
Returner Ethan Schultz (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan) had a 25 yard kick return at Central Missouri.
Although not a returner Tyler Schultz (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan) recovered a kick-off in the endzone after it glanced off a Neb.-Kearney defender for a touchdown.
Returner Malik O'Atis (Fr./Shawnee, Kan.) had a kick return of 29 yards against Washburn as the Hornets are taking advantage of the new rule allowing true freshmen to play in up to three games without losing a year of eligibility.
Returner Billy Ross Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had a six yard punt return at Northeastern State. Last year he had a 21 yard punt return at Lincoln. He had an 24 yard punt return against Fort Hays State. He had a 16 yard punt return against Northeastern State in addition to his 59 rushing and 13 receiving yards. He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner as a freshman. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average.
CAPTAINS
This year's captains are defensive lineman Rafe Goucher and Rylan Miller, defensive back Jaaron Joseph, receiver Tyler Kahmann and offensive lineman Sherman Deaton.
BOWL HISTORY
The Hornets are 6-3 all-time in bowl games and have won five of their last six bowl games - the 2023 Heritage Bowl, the 2022 Live United Bowl, the 2018 Corsicana Bowl, the 2012 Kanza Bowl, and the 2002 Mineral Water Bowl.
OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
The Hornets have gone 17-3 in non-conference games under Garin Higgins and are 28-8 outside the MIAA in the 21st century. Since joining the MIAA, ESU is 37-13 in non-conference games and has lost only four games to unranked non-conference D-II opponents since 1996.
HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 17th season as the Hornets head coach. He is fifth on the MIAA's all-time wins list and is the second winningest active coach in the league. He has taken his alma mater to the postseason eight times, including a national quarterfinal appearance in 2015.
He ranks second in career wins at Emporia State behind stadium namesake Fran Welch's 115 wins from 1928-54. He has a 157-89 record in his 22nd season as a head coach with a 106-80 record in his 17th season at his alma mater. He built the Hornets the right way during his 17 years and orchestrated one of the great turnarounds in Emporia State history. The Hornets have gone 87-44 with eight post season appearances after going 19-36 in his first five seasons.
He is the 21st head football coach at Emporia State, was the first to lead the Hornets to ten wins in multiple seasons and has done it in three seasons with three different quarterbacks. He has coached in more post season games than any one in Emporia State history. In 2013 he became just the second coach to take the Hornets to the NCAA Playoffs and is one of just six Emporia State coaches to take the Hornets to a post season game of any type. He joins Larry Kramer, Fran Welch and Bill Hargis as the only Emporia State coaches to have a span of four straight winning seasons.
He compiled a 51-9 record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University before becoming the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State in 2005. He was the offensive coordinator at Northeastern State in 2006. While at Northwestern Oklahoma State, he was named the Central State Football League Coach of the Year five straight years from 2000 through 2004. The Rangers won 31 consecutive games from 1998 through 2000.
A native of Blackwell, Okla., Higgins graduated from Emporia State in 1992. He was a four-year letterman for the Hornets and helped lead the team to a national runner-up finish in 1989. He has been involved with four teams that have played for or won national championships as a player, coordinator or head coach. Higgins and his wife Heather, a 1995 graduate of ESU, are the parents of three children - son Halen and daughters Harlee and Gracyn.
BEST IN THE STATE
Emporia State's three NCAA playoff appearances and eight total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state since 2012. The Hornets are the only MIAA team that has made the post season in each of the last three years.
THE POLLS SAY
The MIAA has three teams ranked in the top 25 with two more receiving votes in the AFCA poll and three teams in the D2Football.com national poll. The Hornets have been ranked or received votes in the AFCA Poll at some point during the regular season for 11 straight years. Emporia State is 10-18 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with a 9-7 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri. The Hornets are ranked #6 in the Massey Ratings.
DID YOU CATCH IT
The MIAA has entered into an agreement with Scripps Media and their independent television station KMCI, serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, to broadcast an MIAA Football Game of the Week during the 2024 NCAA Division II season.
KMCI, 38 The Spot will broadcast 11 MIAA football games of the week to local television audiences in the greater Kansas City area.
Emporia State's win in the Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl was shown on 38 The Spot and was the 23rd time the Hornets have played a game on live television since 1997. The Emporia State football game at Northwest Missouri on November 7, 2015 was selected for the DII Football Showcase on the American Sports Network, giving the Hornets three televised games that season. For the entire six year run of the MIAA Television Network the Hornets had a home game featured, capped by their 45-34 win over Central Missouri in the 2015 home opener. The Hornets are third behind Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri for the most appearances on live television over the last ten years. The Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 game against Missouri Western was the first televised match-up of nationally ranked teams from Jones Field at Welch Stadium.
LISTEN & WATCH LIVE
Video webcasts for all of Emporia State's regular season games are available on a pay per view basis from the MIAA Digital Network. The MIAA Network content is available live and is immediately archived for on-demand viewing after each event. Fans can find the action on www.themiaanetwork.com and on The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
Audio of all Emporia State games are available on KFFX 104.9FM and at www.kvoe.com with Voice of the Hornets Blake Cripps and former Hornet Athletic Director Kent Weiser in the booth along with Tagan Trahoon on the sidelines. KFFX is in their 37th straight year as the radio home of Hornet Athletics, the longest active streak between a commercial station and an MIAA school.
THE NFL EXPERIENCE
The Hornets have had 16 players play in one of the major professional football leagues. Two Hornets have won Super Bowl rings - Kelly Goodburn with the Washington Redskins and Leon Lett with the Dallas Cowboys. Jeff Richards appeared in the playoffs in 2019 with the Los Angeles Chargers after winning a Grey Cup with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL in 2016. Adam Schiltz saw action in exhibition games with the Chiefs in 2015 while Austin Willis played in exhibition action for the Buffalo Bills in 2016. Higgins has coached four players that have gone on to play in the NFL regular season - Jeff Richards with the Chargers, Lynn Scott with the Dallas Cowboys, Sam Breeden with the Green Bay Packers, and Patrick Crayton with the Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. Most recently Jeff Richards appeared in six regular season and two playoff games in for the Chargers in 2018. Three former Hornets - Adam Schiltz with the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin Willis with the Buffalo Bills, Harold Ayodele with the Chiefs have appeared in NFL Preseason games since in 2011.
LEADING THE WAY
The Hornets led for 409:54 of the 720 minutes (56.9%) they have played last year and trailed for 199:55 (27.8%) of the 720 minutes played.
A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 1-0 overall, 1-0 in the MIAA;
•be Emporia State's sixth straight season opening win;
•make Emporia State 61-53-6 all-time against Washburn;
•be the Hornets fourth straight win against the Ichabods;
•be the Hornets third straight win over the Ichabods in Emporia;
•give Emporia State 61 all-time wins in the series;
•make Coach Higgins 107-80 at Emporia State and 158-89 overall.
A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 0-1 overall, 0-1 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 59-54-6 all-time against Washburn;
•be the Hornets first loss against the Ichabods since 2019;
•make Coach Higgins 106-81 at Emporia State and 157-90 overall.
WORKING OVERTIME
• The Hornets are 6-8 in overtime games with wins in six of their last eight after dropping their first four extra period contests.
• Emporia State is 4-1 in overtime games under Garin Higgins with wins in the last four games.
• The quadruple overtime game in 2006 between Emporia State and Pittsburg State was the first MIAA regular season game to go to four overtimes and the first involving an MIAA team since Northwest Missouri's 4 OT win against Carson Newman in the 1999 National Championship Game.
• The 18 point deficit (28-10) in the second quarter at Minnesota State in the 2015 NCAA Division II playoffs is the largest deficit Emporia State has overcome to win a game as an NCAA school.
• Emporia State has twice overcome a 17 point deficit at the half for a win in MIAA play. Most recently they trailed 17-0 at Neb.-Kearney before rallying for a 20-17 win in 2018. The first was against Missouri Southern in 2011 when the Hornets trailed 17-0 and eventually won 31-24 in Welch Stadium.
• Emporia State came from 17-0 down at the end of the first quarter to defeat Ft. Hays State 24-17 to open the 1992 season.
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