Emporia State cornerback Travis Lee only knows one way to deal with the absence of teammate Emmanuel Howard, who is likely done for the season with a knee injury.
“I guess instead of playing with him,” Lee said, “we’re going to play for him.”
The ESU secondary will need to play inspired if it hopes to compete against Missouri Western on Saturday.
The senior Howard, who is tied for the MIAA lead in interceptions with four, was hurt in the first quarter of last week’s game against Washburn.
His departure from the secondary puts more stress on a position that was already thin.
“We’re banged up pretty good,” ESU coach Garin Higgins said. “That makes you a little nervous, because in the secondary, the momentum of the game can turn in a matter of seconds.”
To compensate, the Hornets will be putting some new players into the rotation in this week’s game.
Jared Acree will get most of the playing time, and he responded last week with an interception in the second quarter. He also added three tackles and a pass breakup.
“I thought we got good play from Jared last week,” Higgins said. “He’s a senior, so he ought to be excited about stepping up and facing the challenge of playing corner.”
Katrel Larkins, who started the season as a receiver, has also been moved to the position, while Jeff Hoag and Jonathon Harris could see time at both corner and safety.
ESU’s defensive backs most likely will be tested early and often, as Western relies mostly on three-step drops and quick routes that put pressure on the secondary.
Another concern for the Hornets will be limiting or eliminating defensive breakdowns.
Last week, ESU gave up 70- and 68-yard touchdown runs to Brandon Walker. Through seven games, the Hornets have allowed 27 plays of 20 yards or more.
To combat the problem, Lee said the coaches had decided to simplify the defense to reduce mental errors. The Hornets will use less coverages and schemes, with the hope that sticking to the basics will ensure that everyone stays in their proper spot.
On offense, ESU will try to maintain some of the momentum it picked up in the second half of last week’s game against Washburn.
The Hornets offense looked as good as it had all season in the final 30 minutes, scoring on 13- and 16-play touchdown drives to get back into the game.
ESU drove all the way inside the WU 15 on another possession, but a fumble by quarterback Andre Sloan El halted the potential game-winning possession.
“We did a good job of putting Washburn on their heels last week,” Higgins said. “They were tired. We just didn’t close the door when we needed to.”
The game should be another test for Sloan El, who will look to put two consecutive good games together for the first time all season.
He finished 15-of-23 for 193 yards last week, but perhaps more encouraging was his ability to make plays with his feet.
The quarterback had 14 rushes for 38 yards and two touchdowns, often turning negative plays into positive ones by scrambling.
“That’s making us better right there,” Higgins said. “Three or four weeks ago, he thought he was an NFL prototype quarterback back there. That’s not his style, and that’s not our style.”
Western’s defense is ranked eighth in the MIAA, allowing 25.9 points per game.