Bad third quarter leads to ESU season-finale loss
By C.J. Moore
Originally published 02:34 p.m., November 7, 2009
Updated 04:43 p.m., November 7, 2009
Just when it looked like Emporia State and Washburn were on their way to a classic in this rivalry, Washburn turned it into a laugher Saturday at Welch Stadium.
The Ichabods came out of halftime and scored 28 unanswered points on its way to a 56-35 win, another disappointing loss in a season full of disappointment for the Hornets.
The Hornets rallied from an early 14-0 deficit and were tied with Washburn 28-28 at half and had all the momentum.
Shaunquez Powell intercepted a pass late in the first half to set up a Sheldon Smith 32-yard touchdown pass to Danny McEvoy that tied the game.
The ESU defense, which gave up touchdowns on Washburn’s first three drives, had stopped the Ichabods’ final four drives of the half.
That did not carry over to the second half.
Washburn’s Vershon Moore ran for 27 yards on Washburn’s first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. He ran for 46 yards on the next play, which set up a Brad Haug one-yard touchdown run, and the onslaught was on.
The Ichabods added three more touchdowns in the third quarter, including their second punt-block touchdown of the game.
Emporia State’s offense generated just 40 yards and two first downs in the third quarter.
In the first half, the Hornet offense couldn’t be stopped.
Smith had two touchdown throws, both to McEvoy. The first was a 68-yard TD pass that McEvoy bobbled and caught with his left hand. Washburn cornerback Pierre Desir fell on the play and McEvoy ran in for the Hornets’ first score.
Smith added a four-yard touchdown run, and La’Darrian Page had a 23-yard TD run that cut Washburn’s lead to 28-21.
Washburn’s offense came back to life in the second half. The Ichabods scored on four of their first five drives. Dane Simoneau finished 18-of-26 for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Moore ran for 154 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Smith ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. He threw for 176 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The Hornets finish 2-9 overall and 1-8 in the MIAA. Washburn improved to 8-3 overall and 6-3 in the MIAA and will now await its postseason fate, which could include a playoff berth or a bowl game.
For complete coverage of Saturday’s game, check Monday’s Gazette.
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
cutline says "ichabobs'. That's funny! Hornets, you kicked ass! Good job, even without a win.
November 7, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Myt...what game were you watching? Must not have been at Welch Stadium.
November 7, 2009 at 10:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
footballeyes (anonymous) says...
Really- must have been watching a different game. Maybe this is just the ending we need to such a disastrous (and embarassing) season to see Higgins heading out of town. Surely nobody can deem the last 3 years acceptable by any measure.
November 8, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UsayULoveGod (anonymous) says...
Give him one more Year . All the recruits will from his Tenure!
November 8, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Four year extension. Hard to recruit when players wonder if he will be their coach in two-three years
November 8, 2009 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
Please end the Higgins (and Weiser) era.
November 8, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EsqEB (anonymous) says...
Please keep Higgins. I really think he has done a tremendous job with ESU's program and is taking the team in the right direction. I firmly believe that he deserves at least a 5 year extension of his contract. Like admireed said, it is hard to recruit the caliber of players like ESU has, if they don't know who will be coaching them in 2 or 3 years.
Signed,
A Washburn Graduate
November 9, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vjones42 (anonymous) says...
Problem not the players. Look what Snider has done at K-State.
November 9, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jscott (anonymous) says...
Does it really matter - no changes will be made. I will only need to purchase a new tent for next seasons circus.
November 9, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )