672 yards of total offense was not enough for the Emporia State football to overcome 6 turnovers in a 45-38 loss at Central Missouri Saturday.
Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins said they failed to control the game.
Central scored on their first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead. Canaan Brooks scored the first of his 2 touchdowns to cut the deficit to 14-7. Dalton Cowan caught a 14-yard touchdown pass and Canaan Brooks scored on a 3-yard run to tie the game before halftime.
After a Central field goal, Braden Gleason connected with Kai Lemons on a 27-yard touchdown pass to give the Hornets a 28-24 lead.
Central would score 21 unanswered points including a fumble returned for a touchdown to take a 45-28 lead.
Sam Dobbins added a 39-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 45-31. Braden Gleason scored on a 9-yard run to get within 45-38 with over 4 minutes.
Emporia State would turn the ball over 7 times, 4 fumbles, and 3 interceptions. Emporia State had 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery.
The Hornets were also flagged 14 times for 130 yards. Central Missouri was penalized 10 times for 115 yards.
Braden Gleason completed 48 passes for 497 yards 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Emporia State ran 101 plays for 672 yards.
The Hornets fall to 3-3 for the season. They will host Nebraska Kearney next Saturday.
