Missouri Western kicker Cody Watson nailed a 41-yard field goal with less than five seconds to play and the Griffons won their Homecoming game and handed the #11 Emporia State football team its first defeat of the season 34-31 at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph, Mo. on Saturday night. The Hornets started with a touchdown pass from quarterback Braden Gleason to wide receiver Jaylen Varner on a one-handed catch to make it 6-0, but the extra point was blocked.
The Griffons responded with 24 unanswered points to lead 24-6 at the halftime break. Missouri Western outrushed the Hornets 114-4 in the first half as the Emporia State defense allowed over 230 rushing yards for the second consecutive game. Western ended the game with 247 yards on the ground averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
The Hornet defense adjusted after halftime to shutout the Griffons in the third quarter while tallying a late touchdown on a Billy Ross Jr. 7-yard run. Ross ran in a 2-yard score to start the fourth to cut the deficit to 24-21 before a 51-yard run by Seth Cromwell of Western put the ‘Griffs back in front by 10. After a big kick return by Zion Jones to the Missouri Western 39 yard line, the Hornets cashed in on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Kahmann to get back within three. The Hornet defense forced a punt and ESU’s Caden Dodson tied the game at 31 with 46 seconds remaining. Then it was Western’s turn for a big special teams play as a big return gave Missouri Western a short field and the Griffons moved 29 yards in 32 seconds to set up Watson for the game-winning kick.
Head Coach Garin Higgins said there were plenty of things that could have changed the outcome of the game.
Sophomore kicker Caden Dodson says he expects the Hornets to bounce back this week in practice.
ESU moves to 4-1, 3-1 in the MIAA with the win. Western improves to 4-1, 3-1 in the MIAA with the victory. Emporia State takes on #3 Pittsburg State on Saturday in Pittsburg. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. Coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. with the RV Doc Pregame Show on Mix 104.9. Streaming is available online at kvoe.com/listen.
