Washburn football outlasts No. 15 Emporia State in Turnpike Tussle
By Google News Sports ·
EMPORIA, Kan. (WIBW) - Washburn erased a nine-point second-half deficit to beat No. 15 Emporia State, 20-19.
The Ichabods snapped a five-game losing streak against the Hornets and picked up their first win in Emporia since 2019. Emporia State had won 11 of the previous 13 meetings, entering Saturday’s matchup.
Washburn trailed 12-10 at halftime before the Hornets opened the second half with a touchdown to extend their lead to 19-10. The Ichabods responded with a touchdown from Keller Hurla, cutting the deficit to 19-17 and setting up a tense finish.
Washburn eventually got the ball back and put together a drive that resulted in a go-ahead field goal, giving the Ichabods a 20-19 advantage.
Emporia State had two opportunities to reclaim the lead in the closing minutes, but Washburn’s defense and special teams came up with the biggest plays of the afternoon.
Defensive tackle Al-Mani Jimerson blocked the Hornets’ first field-goal attempt. Emporia State got another opportunity in the final seconds, but the potential game-winning kick sailed wide right, allowing Washburn to escape with the one-point victory.
The win moves Washburn to 7-2-1 on the season. Emporia State entered the rivalry matchup 8-1 overall and ranked No. 15 nationally.
Originally published by Google News Sports
