Box Score Emporia State used several big plays on offense to come away with a 43-13 victory over Fort Hays State on Thursday evening (Sept. 5) in Hays. The Hornets led 17-0 at halftime and sealed the win by scoring the final 16 points of the game. Fort Hays State dropped to 0-1 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA with the loss.

Austin Willis was the story of the night for the Hornets, catching nine passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. His long of 64 yards was on his second touchdown of the game in the third quarter to put ESU up 27-6. He was the main target for quarterback Brent Wilson, who went 20-of-28 passing for 293 yards. All three of his touchdown passes were to Willis and Wilson scored two touchdowns on the ground, finishing with 74 yards rushing.

The Hornets shut down the Tiger running game, allowing just 44 yards on the ground. Andre Smith and Treveon Albert each had 23 yards rushing for the Tigers. Albert, in his first game as a quarterback at FHSU, threw for 163 yards. He completed 15 of 28 passes and connected with Keaton Callins for two touchdowns on the night. Calllins finished with 52 yards receiving on five catches.

FHSU tried to gain momentum after halftime when Andreas Ashwood blocked a punt that gave the Tigers the ball at the ESU 8-yardline. The Tigers converted with a touchdown, but the extra point was blocked, pulling FHSU within 11. That was as close as they got after halftime.

Justin McPhail had a big night of tackling on defense for the Tigers with a career high 14. He had just nine tackles in his true freshman season of 2012. Basil Bandy and Shane Smith each added 10 tackles. Daniel Lindsey had an interception return for 43 yards, picking the ball off in the endzone in the fourth quarter.

Emporia State had a big second half moving the ball, finishing with 591 yards of total offense after having just 220 total yards at halftime. Fort Hays State finished with just 207 total yards of offense.

Fort Hays State plays at Washburn next Saturday (Sept. 14) in Topeka, Kan. Game time is set for 6 pm at Yager Stadium.