Emporia State linebacker Matt Demicoli doesn’t know how many days the Hornets have practiced this season.
But he does know how long it feels like.
“It seems like forever,” Demicoli said, “because we’ve been hitting each other and going through the same repetitions the whole time. It’s getting old, so it’s going to be kind of fun to hit someone new and see something different.”
The someone new will be Oklahoma Panhandle State, and the something different will be playing Saturday’s 7 p.m. season opener in Goodwell, Okla.
It will be a change and also a new beginning for the Hornets, as they hope to rebound from a disappointing 4-6 season a year ago.
After spring and summer workouts — and also more than three weeks of repetitive practices — the first game has been a long time coming for players in the program.
“I think our kids are bored,” ESU offensive coordinator Jon Wiemers said. “It’s been a long camp, and they’ve been hitting each other repeatedly over and over. They’re probably sick of us by now and just want to go play, and I completely understand that.”
ESU did receive good news just before the first game, as running back El Ray Henry was cleared to play this season.
The senior’s status was previously up in the air because of eligibility issues.
“He was extremely relieved,” Wiemers said. “He dug himself in a hole academically last fall and has been digging himself out of it. He’s really done everything we’ve asked him to do.”
Henry provides some much-needed depth at the tailback position. He was the third-leading rusher for the Hornets last season, compiling 328 yards and averaging 5 yards per carry.
Known for his tough running style, the 230-pound Henry should also provide a good complement to speedy starter Seville Ko in the backfield.
“He obviously gives us a different physical presence,” Wiemers said. “It’s nice to have that 1-2 punch — big guy and fast guy.”
Oklahoma Panhandle State opens its season after posting a 1-10 mark last year. The Aggies’ lone victory came against Wayne (Neb.) State — a 20-17 triumph on Sept. 17, 2005.
The team did not fare well against MIAA competition a year ago, losing to Pittsburg State, 70-0, and Truman State, 49-17.
The Oklahoma school will, however, throw in a wrinkle on offense that isn’t seen often in today’s age of football — an option-based running attack, which is a style the Hornets do not face often.
“Since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen the option,” Demicoli said, “but I think our coaches are giving us a really good look at it. Our scheme matches up pretty well. If we just execute it, I don’t think we’ll have much of a problem.”
On offense, ESU will be led by sophomore quarterback Ben Purkeypile, who will make the first start of his collegiate career.
Purkeypile beat out last year’s starter Justin Whitworth in preseason workouts.
“I think he’s a little bit nervous — probably first-game jitters,” Wiemers said. “He’s the type of kid that just needs to get on the field and get into a rhythm.”
In an effort to heal up, the Hornets went to non-contact practices all this week.
Whether that will help or hurt the players in their first game Saturday is yet to be seen.
“To get those kids fresh and to keep them healthy is almost more important then going out and beating the heck out of them,” Wiemers said. “We’ve already done that. We spent three weeks doing that, and it was a very physical camp — I think everybody will tell you that. There comes a time you’ve just got to shut it down.”
The Hornet defense will be the most affected by those out with injuries.
Safety Aaron Stubblefield is out for the season with a torn ACL. Also, defensive linemen Matt McClain, Angelo Webb and A.J. Brinkman all are battling various dings and are questionable for Saturday.
The offense looks to have remained healthy, as all projected starters should be able to play.
ESU head coach Dave Wiemers, in his fifth season, enters the game a perfect 4-0 in season openers.
The Hornets are 20-5 in the last 25 years in their first games and haven’t lost an opening contest on the road since 1995.