The Hornets of Emporia State University edged past Minot State 36-30 in a Thursday night showdown that kept the scoreboard ticking until the final whistle.
A Dominant Second Half
After a tightly contested first quarter, the Hornets exploded for 22 unanswered points across the second and third frames, turning a modest lead into a commanding advantage.
Senior quarterback Ben Harris was the engine of that surge, completing 25 of 41 attempts for 237 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise under pressure.
His primary targets, Ethan Schultze and Trendon Collins, combined for 152 receiving yards and each hauled in a touchdown, underscoring a balanced aerial attack.
On the ground, Camden Crooks added 103 rushing yards, giving the offense a dual-threat identity that kept the Bears guessing.
Defensively, All-American linebacker Landon Boss anchored the effort with 16 total tackles, including key stops that halted several Minot drives in the fourth quarter.
The victory marks Emporia State’s first win of the season and sets the stage for a much-anticipated clash with Pittsburg State scheduled for Saturday, September 5.