EMPORIA (KSNT) — The Hornets cannot be stopped.
The Emporia State offense erupted to lead the Hornets to a 58-38 win over Central Missouri on Homecoming night.
Jamison Sarver was 28-for-40 on the night with four touchdowns and an interception.
Ethan Schultze led the Hornets through the air with five receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Charles Morgan had five carries four 49 yards, while Victor Chionuma had ESU’s sole rushing touchdown.
The Mules pulled out a 14-3 lead in the first, before Chionuma had a one-yard touchdown rush to cut UCM’s lead to 14-10.
Central Missouri would kick off the second quarter with a 42-yard touchdown pass, but the Hornets would have an immediate response.
With just under four minutes left in the half, Sarver would find Schultze for 19 yards and a touchdown to cut ESU’s lead to 21-17.
With 47 seconds left in the half, a pass from Jordan Pachot would be intercepted by Clem McCullough and returned for a 100 yard pick six, giving the Hornets their first lead of the night, 24-21.
The Hornets would kick off the second half with a bang, as Corey Turner II returned the Mules’ kickoff for 91 yards and a touchdown, widening their lead to 31-21.
Sarver would find Schultze for a second score on the night to increase their lead to 38-21.
After the Mules added a field goal, Sarver would connect with Trenden Collins for a 26-yard touchdown to lead 45-24.
Central Missouri would break up the scoring with an 81-yard touchdown.
The Hornets would quickly respond with a 39-yard field goal and a 38-yard touchdown to Vudrico Roberson to make things 55-31.
ESU would add a field goal in the fourth while the Mules added a touchdown, but it would not be enough as the Hornets grab the 58-38 win.
“This is a special place, and this is a special group,” Emporia State head coach Garin Higgins told 27 Sports. “We need to put our blinders and earmuffs on, not listen to the outdoor noise and keep working.”
Up next, the Hornets will visit Northwest Missouri on Oct. 31. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
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