EMPORIA, Kan. — Missouri Southern football (2-4, 0-4 MIAA) came up short in a 31-24 loss to Emporia State (3-3, 2-2 MIAA) Saturday afternoon at Francis G. Welch Stadium, as the Lions were unable to overcome three rushing touchdowns by the Hornets that ultimately proved decisive.
MSSU now holds a 2-4 overall record and is 0-4 in conference play. ESU stands at 3-3 overall with a 2-2 record in conference matchups after Saturday's matchup.
Tillman Martin completed 28 of 51 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw two interceptions.
Huston Rotich made a significant impact with a career-best 106 receiving yards on three catches, including one touchdown.
Victor Chionuma contributed with both a rushing and a receiving touchdown, accumulating a total of two scores. On defense,
Zach Bergmann paced the squad with 11 tackles while
Da'Marion Brownlee and
Keylan Mitchell each recorded five total tackles.
MSSU opened the first quarter with a strong start, as Martin connected with Rotich for a 75-yard touchdown pass, establishing an early 7-0 lead. After the initial score, ESU responded with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Ben Harris to Malik O'Atis, leveling the score at 7-7. As the quarter progressed, ESU added another touchdown with a 19-yard rush by Diego Cearns, closing the period ahead with a score of 14-7.
The second quarter began with Missouri Southern's offensive push, as Martin connected with
Ayden Robinson-Wayne for a 29-yard pass, setting the team at ESU's 39. The drive progressed to the 16-yard line, but a blocked field goal attempt from 34 yards thwarted the scoring chance. ESU capitalized on the turnover, driving 80 yards for a touchdown, extending its lead to 21-7.
The Lions responded defensively with
Shawn Smith intercepting a pass at their own 12-yard line, halting ESU's offensive momentum. Later,
Damari Green's interception and 47-yard return placed the ball at ESU's 25, but the Tigers could not convert, with a missed 54-yard field goal to close the half. MSSU trailed 21-7 at the halftime break.
In the third quarter, Southern initiated momentum with
Nathan Glades leading a ground attack, managing a 10-yard rush into ESU territory. However, the drive stalled after a sack and an incomplete pass, resulting in a punt. A muffed return by ESU was recovered by
Dennis Abel, giving MSSU another chance, which was unfortunately cut short by a turnover on downs.
ESU capitalized on the opportunity, with Harris driving the Hornets' offense downfield, culminating in a touchdown run that extended their lead. Despite MSSU's defensive efforts, the quarter concluded with Emporia State ahead, maintaining a lead of 28-7.
Following a few incomplete passes to start the fourth quarter, Martin connected with Robinson-Wayne on a critical fourth down, setting the stage for a touchdown pass to Chionuma, narrowing the deficit to 28-14.
An interception by ESU's Clem McCullough briefly shifted momentum, but the Lions' defense held the Hornets to a field goal, bringing the score to 31-14.
Missouri Southern responded with a determined drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Chionuma, tightening the score to 31-21.
As time waned, the Lions continued to challenge, with Martin orchestrating a series of completions that positioned Missouri Southern within scoring range.
Asher Huffman capitalized with a 19-yard field goal, ending the contest with a final score of 31-24 in favor of ESU.
MSSU next returns home to Joplin for a meeting against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, Oct. 18. Kickoff for the Lions' Pink Game is slated for 1 p.m., CT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.
