The Emporia State football team scored with 40 seconds to go but couldn’t recover the onside kick in a 13-7 loss to Fort Hays State on Senior Day at Welch Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers led 10-0 at the half and held a 13-0 lead after a fourth-quarter field goal. Hornet quarterback Jamison Sarver didn’t play after the first quarter with an arm injury and wide receiver Kingsley Bennett was carted off the field after taking a hit that resulted in a targeting penalty and a Fort Hays State ejection. Mason Dennis found Malik O’Atis late in the game to give E-State a chance but the Hornets couldn’t get the ball back. ESU threw two interceptions in the game, one near the goal line and one on a busted trick play while also missing a field goal. Head coach Garin Higgins was thankful for his seniors.
Senior C. J. Adams said he was grateful for his time in Emporia.
Dennis finished 23-for-37 for 189 yards passing and one touchdown and one interception. O’Atis wrapped up the year with seven receiving touchdowns. Landon Boss finished with 14 tackles for 100 stops on the season and his two sacks gave him 10 on the year. ESU finishes the season 5-6, 4-5 MIAA.
