The Emporia State football team out scored 18th ranked Fort Hays State 28-24 Saturday afternoon.
Fort Hays struck first, scoring on the games opening drive on a 41 yard pass play to Harley Hazlett. The Tigers would lead 7-0 at halftime thanks in part to two forced fumbles by the Emporia State defense. The Hornets opened the 2nd half with a 72 yard touchdown pass from Braxton Marstall to Tyler Harris to tie the game at 7.
Fort Hays answered with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Hunter Budke and a 46 yard fieldgoal by Dante Brown to take a 17-7 lead into the 4th quarter. In the 4th quarter Emporia State backup quarterback Dalton Cowan threw a 54 yard scoring pass to Tyler Harris. Cowan took over for Braxton Marstall after leaving with a shoulder stinger. Marstall would return to throw a 10 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Reed giving the Hornets their first lead of the game at 21-17. Fort Hays retook the lead on a 3 yard run by D.J. Hickman. With 51 seconds to play Braxton Marstall threw his 3rd touchdown pass of the day connecting with Jordan Reed for a 14 yard scoring play.
Marstall threw for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Hornet defense rose to the occasion forcing 4 turnovers, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. They also recorded 3 quarterback sacks. Jace McDown led the defense with 12 tackles and an interception.
Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins was glad to get the win.
With the win Emporia State improves to 3-3 for the season. Fort Hays State is 4-2. The Hornets play at Central Missouri next Saturday.
