The Emporia State football team scored on its opening drive and never trailed in a 27-7 victory over Minot State to open the season at Welch Stadium Thursday night. ESU started the game with a sparkling 13-play 75-yard drive that was capped by a Ben Harris touchdown pass to Kingsley Bennett. After a Beaver punt, Caden Dodson tacked on the first of his two field goals. Diego Cearns later ran in a 23-yard touchdown to make it 17-0 with less than five minutes to play in the second quarter. Following a Clem McCullough interception, Malik O’Atis caught his first career touchdown to give ESU a 24-0 lead they took into the break. Dodson hit another field goal for ESU and the Beavers didn’t score until the fourth quarter.
The Hornets outgained MSU 399 yards to 229 yards and outrushed the Beavers 75 to 73 yards in the first half. Junior linebacker Landon Boss led the team with nine tackles including three for loss in his Hornet debut. He said the Minot State flexbone had been the focus of the defense all week.
Quarterback Ben Harris finished 37-for-52 for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns and said the first drive set the tone for the Hornets.
Head coach Garin Higgins said it was a great way to begin the year.
Wide receiver Malik O’Atis finished with 12 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown in the game, all career highs. Wideout Trenden Collins left the game with a lower body injury in the first half and did not return. Cearns finished with 17 carries for 71 yards and one touchdown. ESU (1-0) won its 21st season opener in its last 24 games with the win. The Hornets return to action Saturday, September 6 when they face Angelo State on the road. The Rams defeated Fort Hays State to open the season Thursday Night. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Our coverage begins at 5:00 p.m. on Mix 104.9.
