Emporia State pulls away, takes 45-17 victory in Turnpike Tussle
TOPEKA (KSNT) - After tying the game in the second quarter, Emporia State was able to pull away to take a decisive victory in this year's Turnpike Tussle, 45-17.
It was a quiet start to the first until ESU's Kingsley Bennett blocks the Washburn punt and returns it for a 13 yard touchdown.
The Hornets would add on a few minutes later, courtesy of a 35-yard pass from Jamison Sarver to Diego Cearns.
Aidan Battle makes the 36-yard field goal to get the 'Bods on the board, making it 14-3 at the end of the first.
About four minutes into the second quarter, Washburn's Lucas Oitker would rush for 16 yards for the touchdown to pull the 'Bods within four and make it 14-10 ESU.
The Hornets would respond with a 24-yard field goal from Caden Dodson to make it 17-10.
Washburn's Cam Robinson would rush up the middle for 3 yards for the touchdown to tie the game at 17 each.
Sarver would find Bennett late in the third for 24 yards to put the Hornets on top again, 24-17. This would be the only scoring drive for either team in the third quarter.
Sarver would open up the scoring in the fourth with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to help the Hornets pull away, 31-17.
A pick-six by ESU's Landon Boss extends the Hornets' lead to 38-17.
Kaliel Boyd would get in on the action with his own pick-six to help Emporia State walk away with the 45-17 victory.
Jamison Sarver was 22 for 31 with two touchdowns and one interception for 219 yards.
Logan Madden was 14 for 34 with one interception for 156 yards.
The 'Bods will wrap up its regular season in Joplin next weekend at Missouri Southern. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Hornets will close out regular-season play at home when they host Fort Hays State. The game is slated to start at 1 p.m.
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