Playing at Pittsburg State is usually a tough enough chore in itself.
Emporia State coach Garin Higgins might have it even tougher with a team that has the worst case of the injury bug he’s ever experienced as a coach.
“When I say limping into the game,” Higgins said, “we’re really limping into this game.”
A strong case could be made that ESU will be without its top quarterback (Andre Sloan El), wide receiver (Sean Partridge), tight end (Paul Nichols) rushing defensive lineman (Lance Claibourn), linebacker (Blake Ringwall) and defensive back (Emmanuel Howard) because of injuries.
Still, Higgins said it was no time for the team to start feeling sorry for itself.
“We’re just going to go battle with those guys we have,” Higgins said, “and hopefully, those guys that get their opportunity this week step up and play to the best of their ability.”
The biggest concern again this week for ESU will be trying to stop a high-powered running game.
After allowing 230 yards a week ago to Harlon Hill candidate Xavier Omon, ESU will go up against PSU back Caleb Farabi, who is second in the league in rushing.
“He’s probably not as big and physical as Xavier Omon was, but again, he’s very fast,” Higgins said. “For his size, he is a physical back.
“We’re going to have to contain him. We’re going to have to stop the run.”
Though the statistics didn’t show it, the Hornets weren’t horrible against Omon a week ago. The senior broke off four long runs for a combined 181 yards.
Take away those carries, and Omon had 21 combined rushes for 49 yards.
The rushing game also will be key for the ESU offense.
The Hornets will need to establish the run both to eat up clock and also to take pressure off starting quarterback Eric Runge.
“This is going to be a fast game, I’ll tell you that,” Higgins said, “because both teams are going to run the football.”
PSU enters the game off a disappointing 35-28 loss to Washburn last week. The setback all but ended the Gorillas’ hopes making the playoffs.
As for ESU, a victory would end a seven-game losing streak and also provide a positive heading into next season.
“I think we’re playing for a lot of things,” Higgins said. “I know these seniors want to go out on a winning note, but I also think we’re playing to climb that ladder and to establish this program going in the right direction.”
Purkeypile leaves team
Higgins confirmed Thursday that junior quarterback Ben Purkeypile is no longer on the team.
Purkeypile played in five games for ESU this year, completing 26 of 56 passes for 283 yards with six interceptions. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Runge three weeks ago.
Purkeypile had been practicing with the team but did not show up on the sideline for last Saturday’s final home game against Northwest Missouri State.
Higgins said he contacted Purkeypile on Monday about his status with the team and that both came to the mutual decision.