HORNET FOOTBALL FALLS TO #5 NWMSU

Box Score

October 17, 2009-Emporia State scored on their opening drive to take a 6-0 lead, but #5 Northwest Missouri scored the next 45 points in a 45-12 victory on Saturday at Jones Field at Welch Stadium. It was the first time NWMSU has trailed in an MIAA game this season.

ESU took a 6-0 lead on the first of two Danny McEvoy touchdown receptions to cap off an 11 play, 73 yard drive. Andre Sloan El, starting in place of an injured Tyler Eckenrode, was three for three with 37 of the 73 yards on the drive. ESU's try for two on the PAT was no good as the Hornets led 6-0.

NWMSU came right back on the ensuing drive, going 55 yards on eight plays and took a 7-6 lead on Blake Bolles 21 yard pass to Kyle Kilgore. The Bearcats went up 10-6 on a 38 yard Todd Adolf field goal with eight seconds left in the first quarter.

Northwest scored 14 points in the second quarter on two drives of less than 50 yards to take a 24-6 lead into the locker room.

ESU held NWMSU to a three and out to start the second half. The Hornets moved the ball to the Bearcat 42 yard line when they were forced to punt. Tyler Chilson's 40 yard punt pinned the Bearcats at their own three yard line.

NWMSU then went 97 yards on ten plays to take a 31-6 lead with 5:09 left in the third quarter. On the next possession Sloan El threw his third interception to set the Bearcats up at the Hornet 23 yard line. Three plays later LaRon Council scored from nine yards out to go ahead 38-6. NWMSU made it 45-6 on Jordan Simmons one yard touchdown run with 12:56 left in the game.

ESU scored the final points of the game on a 31 yard pass from Sloan El to McEvoy with 10:14 remaining.

McEvoy ended the game with six catches for a career high 142 yards and two touchdowns. Sloan El was 12 of 26 for 175 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. ESU played without their top two running backs, LaDarrian Page and Kevin Smart who were both out with sickness, and were led in rushing by Shjuan Richardson with 40 yards on six carries. Katrel Larkins had a career high 15 tackles while Blake Ringwall had ten tackles and an interception for the Hornets.

Council led NWMSU with 126 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown while Bolles went 21 for 36 for 278 yards and four touchdowns. Jake Soy had 148 yards on six catches and a touchdown for the Bearcats.
ESU travels to Truman next Saturday. Kick-off from Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Mo. is set for 2 p.m.

NOTES:
Andre Sloan El moved into fifth place in career passing yardage at ESU with 3,253 yards and moved within 33 yards of the top five in career total offense at ESU with 4,108 yards.