The Emporia State offense managed just 216 total yards and had an eight-game winning streak snapped in a 14-9 loss against Northwest Missouri at Bearcat Stadium in Maryville, Mo. Saturday afternoon. Both defenses played physical football with each team held well under their normal averages for the season. #11 ESU scored first after a muffed punt was recovered by ESU in the Northwest red zone and Gunnar Gundy found Tyler Kahman on an 11-yard touchdown pass. After Northwest tied it, ESU scored a safety after Northwest recovered their own fumble in the end zone. The Bearcats scored the only touchdown in the second half on a 29-yard reception by Luke Mathews. ESU forced seven turnovers in the game with three fumble recoveries and four interceptions but scored just seven points off turnovers. The Hornets struggled in the red zone again finishing just 1-for-5. Gundy finished 6-for-21 for 50 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception and did not play in the second half due to injury. Chase Ricke was 19-for-38 for 111 yards passing. Jaaron Joseph led the defense with 10 tackles while Caleb Mondi and Raef Goucher each had three tackles for loss. Goucher spoke after the game about turning things around in practice this week.
ESU head coach Garin Higgins had a familiar message about the offense.
ESU (4-1, 3-1 MIAA) returns to action Saturday for Homecoming at Welch Stadium hosting Northeastern. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. on the Hornet Sports Network (Mix 104.9 Emporia) with pregame coverage at 1:00 p.m.
