The 12th ranked Missouri Western football team ran for 382 yards on 57 attempts in a 57-28 victory over the 15th ranked Emporia State Hornets on Thursday evening. The victory marked the eighth straight victory in the series and fifth straight in Emporia. The Griffons improve to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in MIAA play.
The Griffons made a statement in the first half against the Hornets racking up 384 yards of total offense which included 239 on the ground. Michael Hill scored twice from three yards out racking up 183 yards on 23 carries. Hill also caught three passes for 21 yards.
Travis Partridge continued to be efficient connecting on 11-of-15 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown. His lone touchdown pass came in the second quarter when he hit Tyron Crockum from 19 yards out putting MWSU up 26-0 with 6:58 to play. Partridge wrapped up the scoring with 2:31 to play when rushed in from eight yards out capping an eight play 88 yard drive giving the Griffons the 33 point halftime lead.
Griffon kicker Taylor Anderson made two field goals. His first from 43 yards out gave the Griffons a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter and his 30 yarder gave the Griffons a 20-0 lead with 13:02 to play in the half.
The Griffons defense was outstanding holding the Hornets to just 57 yards with 45 coming through the air. The Griffons held the Hornets to just one first down while Stephen Juergens led the way with four tackles.
The second half started like the first ended for the Griffons as they scored the first two touchdowns going up 47-0 after a seven yard run by Raphael Spencer. Mike Jordan scored the first touchdown of the half on a 91 interception return.
The Hornets scored 28 points down the stretch but the Griffons were able to get an 11 yard touchdown run by Dominic Thomas and an Anderson 44 yard field goal sealing the victory.
Anderson has now made 55 straight extra points and a single season record 49 straight this season.
Hill finished the night with 185 yards while Spencer had 96 yards and a touchdown. Partridge and Thomas had 55 and 53 yards respectively. Partridge also finished with 150 yards passing through the air. The Griffons finished with 532 yards on the evening.
Emporia State falls to 8-1 overall and 8-1 in the MIAA. They had 376 yards with 298 through the air. Tyler Eckenrode had 290 yards passing while Shjuan Richardson had 138 yards receiving on 11 receptions and a touchdown.
Defensively Nick Williams led the way for the Griffons with eight tackles while Juergens pitched in five. Ben Carlson led the way for the Hornets with 13.
The Griffons return to action on Saturday, November 3 when they host the 16th ranked Washburn Ichabods. Game time is set for 1:30 pm from Spratt Stadium. The Griffons will honor 23 seniors before the game as they will be playing their last regular season home game.
— MWSU Sports Information —