Consider it a lesson learned the easy way for Emporia State wide receiver Jermaine Barnett.
Shortly after a touchdown reception in the second quarter, Barnett was flagged for excessive celebration without saying one word to the other team.
His offense?
“I guess the official said that I was celebrating by myself,” Barnett said with a smile, “and I need to celebrate with my teammates.”
Barnett and the Hornets would get plenty more chances to perfect their celebrating technique on Saturday.
After a slow start, ESU exploded to score 48 unanswered points in a 48-10 victory over Fort Hays State at Welch Stadium.
“It’s an exciting time,” Emporia State coach Dave Wiemers said. “I just hope we can build off of this and keep going.”
After having costly mistakes haunt them a week ago against No. 15 Winona State, the Hornets saw a huge one go the other way on Saturday.
FHSU had the momentum early, scoring the first 10 points and forcing a third consecutive ESU punt against a strong southerly wind.
Hornet punter Johnny Torres didn’t get a good kick off, but he was hit hard by Dustin Heckroth. The Tigers drew a roughing the punter penalty, giving ESU an automatic first down.
The penalty cost FHSU a lot more than 15 yards.
On the next play, ESU running back El Ray Henry broke through the right side, busting through an arm tackle and racing past the secondary 61 yards for the touchdown.
“I was feeling it, man,” Henry said. “The line was blocking really well.”
Two minutes later, the Hornets (2-1, 1-0 MIAA) received the wind and took full advantage.
Jeff Edwards completed an 8-play, 58-yard drive with a 34-yard field goal.
A second penalty haunted the Tigers after a second consecutive three-and-out.
After a decent punt against the wind, FHSU punter Tyler Elder was forced to kick again because of an illegal formation penalty.
He would never get the next one off.
Jake Richter came through the middle of the line, blocking the next attempt and knocking it backwards.
Brandon Stribling fell on it in the end zone, making it 16-10 Hornets.
“Those things are going to kill you in a game,” ESU linebacker Cade Armstrong said, “and we’re just fortunate that happened to Fort Hays and not us.”
From there, it was all ESU.
In his second possession, backup quarterback Justin Whitworth led the Hornets on a two-play, 41-yard scoring drive, ending it with a 36-yard touchdown strike to Barnett.
Whitworth was nearly flawless in his limited action, completing 7-of-9 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another.
“I think Coach just wanted to get me in there. I guess he kind of felt bad or something,” Whitworth said. “I don’t know why. I was just happy to get back in there.”
Wiemers just laughed at the notion of feeling sorry for Whitworth.
“That son of a gun. He’s one of the best people that we’ve ever had in 15 years of coaching,” Wiemers said. “I adore the kid. I’m happy for him. He’s getting to come in and make a contribution as a senior and a guy that’s paid his dues here.”
Whitworth wasn’t the only reserve on offense to make his mark.
Henry led the Hornets in rushing for the second straight week, carrying the ball for a career-high 124 yards on 14 carries. He also contributed two touchdowns.
“I’m proud of El Ray,” Wiemers said. “He can get going as long as he can hold onto the ball.”
The performance wasn’t bad for a back who believed just three weeks ago that he wouldn’t play at all this season.
Facing an eligibility issue, Henry’s status was uncertain all the way until three days before the season opener against Oklahoma Panhandle State.
Before that, he didn’t practice much and also lost most of his repetitions in workouts.
“I was really worried,” Henry said. “We weren’t sure what was going on, but I’m happy to play this year. It’s just a real load off my chest.”
After Whitworth’s strong performance, Wiemers will have a decision to make regarding his starting quarterback before next week’s game at Southwest Baptist.
Starter Ben Purkeypile completed 7-of-13 passes for 85 yards and one touchdown.
“I don’t know what we’ll do after this point,” Wiemers said. “We’ll look at it. Maybe we’ll play two of them. Maybe Ben Purkeypile plays the rest of the season. Maybe Whitworth will play the rest of the season.
“Right now, I don’t even want to think about it. I’m just glad they both got in and did something good.”
Whitworth said he had accepted his role on the team and squelched any thought of a quarterback controversy.
“Ben is the starter, don’t get me wrong,” Whitworth said. “He’s a much better player than me. I agree completely with this (situation).”
Barnett led all receivers with three catches for 76 yards and two scores.
His second touchdown catch came just before half. The sophomore leapt up, receiving a Purkeypile pass at the five and twisting his way into the end zone.
This time, he learned his lesson, waiting for all his teammates before celebrating the score.
“I told Coach if I was going to get a flag, I should have did a dance or something,” Barnett said with a laugh. “That would have really earned it.”