UPDATE: The Emporia State Hornets faced a staggering defeat against the Central Oklahoma Bronchos, losing 56-22 in a game that highlighted critical errors and early-season struggles. This loss, occurring on October 21, 2023, not only drops the Hornets to a 3-4 record but also delays Head Coach Garin Higgins‘ bid to become the all-time winningest coach at ESU.
The Hornets entered this game optimistic after winning two consecutive matches, but they quickly found themselves in a deep hole. Central Oklahoma wasted no time, scoring a touchdown during their opening drive, leaving ESU reeling. The Hornets’ initial attempts to respond faltered, resulting in a quick 3-and-out followed by an interception thrown by junior cornerback Tyler Schultze.
Trailing 17-0, the Hornets finally broke through with a touchdown from senior wide receiver Kingsley Bennett to sophomore Camden Crooks. However, Central Oklahoma’s relentless offense ballooned their lead to 23 points by halftime, with the score standing at 40-16 by the end of the third quarter after a series of unanswered scores from the Bronchos.
Higgins reflected on the game, stating, “I don’t know if it sets back any of the progress we made; we just didn’t play very good today. Some of the things that were plaguing us early this year came back.” The Hornets struggled with five turnovers, with both quarterbacks contributing to the mistakes, leading to a chaotic offensive performance.
Adding to the team’s woes, junior quarterback Ben Harris sustained an injury during the game. Sophomore Mason Dennis stepped in for his first significant playing time, finishing with 82 passing yards and two interceptions. Higgins praised Dennis’s efforts, stating, “He managed the offense… I thought Mason did a good job. He doesn’t have hardly any experience, and he did an adequate job.”
With Harris’s status uncertain, the Hornets face an uphill battle as they prepare for their next game against Central Missouri. Higgins emphasized the need for Dennis to be ready to take the reins if necessary, underscoring the importance of overcoming the challenges that plagued the team against Central Oklahoma.
The Emporia State Hornets now look to regroup and address their glaring issues ahead of their upcoming matchup, hoping to bounce back and regain momentum in the season.
