The Emporia State football was outscored by Northwest Missouri State 27-21 in the final game of the regular season Saturday.
Coach Garin Higgins called it a heartbreaking loss.
Northwest built a 13-0 lead before the Hornets got on the scoreboard. Dawson Hammes returned a fumble for a touchdown.
The Hornets trailed at halftime 20-7. Emporia State opened the 2nd half with a Braden Gleason 1 yard touchdown run.
Northwest answered with their final score of the game. The Hornets put together a 12 play 65 yard drive capped by a Braden Gleason 3 yard touchdown run. The Hornets had two more opportunities to take the lead. An interception in the endzone with under a minute to play ended the rally. Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins was pleased with the play in the 2nd half.
Senior Cory Thomas said they played with more grit on the 2nd half.
Defensive end Jordan Williams they were more determined in the 2nd half.
The Emporia State football team finishes the regular season with an 8-3 record. The Hornets will now await a possible Bowl Game bid.
