The Emporia State Hornets defeated Missouri Western 36-12 Saturday.
The scoring for the Hornets began with a safety and they never trailed.
Emporia State Coach Garin Higgins said they knew they need to have a good start.
Quarterback Braden Gleason threw 3 touchdown passes and scored 2 rushing touchdowns.
Gleason scored on a 30-yard run and a 4-yard run.
He also connected with Jaylen Varner on a 7-yard pass, Cole Schumacker on a 3-yard pass, and Cory Thomas on a 54-yard scoring play.
Defensively the Hornets held the Griffons to 158 yards rushing, they had been averaging over 300 yards rushing. Linebacker Cade Harelson led the defense with 9 tackles.
Derrick Maxwell had an interception and forced a fumble.
The two teams had to wait out a 2-hour 40-minute weather delay at halftime.
The Hornets improve to 2 and 1 for the season. They will host Pittsburg State next Saturday.
