Story, photo courtesy of Michigan Tech Athletics
EMPORIA, Kansas – The No. 20-ranked Michigan Tech football team fell 34-20 at No. 24 Emporia State on Saturday afternoon. The Huskies led 20-17 at halftime but were outscored by 17 in the second half.
"Getting shut out in the second half isn't going to win you games," Tech coach Dan Mettlach said. "I loved our effort on both sides of the football, but we need to execute the offense a little better, and we need to capitalize on some of those key defensive plays.
"We couldn't get in an offensive rhythm in the second half. They had a plan, and they executed it well—especially in the second half. They got that fast offense going in a rhythm, and we couldn't get off the field."
ESU scored on its first drive of the game after a five-play, 69-yard drive that was capped off by a three-yard pass from Jamison Sarver to Ondraye Beasley.
The Huskies tied the game a couple of drives later when twin brothers Elliott Larner tossed to Abram Larner for a 22-yard touchdown. It was a seven-play, 76-yard drive that went for 3:23. Achery Kucharski added the extra point.
The Hornets took the lead back after a 21-yard field goal on the ensuing possession.
Tech went back to work and marched 84 yards in 13 plays to retake the lead. Samual Delgado rumbled 27 yards into the end zone to cap off the drive that took 7:02 off the clock.
The scoring drives continued as the home team scored quickly to jump back in front. Jamison Sarver scored on a 22-yard run that capped off a seven-play, 75-yard drive that went for 2:07.
The defense pitched and three and out, and the Huskies got the ball back with 1:45 left before halftime. A bad punt positioned the Huskies at the 26, and they quickly found the end zone. Elliott Larner threw to Abram Larner for their second touchdown connection of the game. The extra point was missed.
The home team scored a touchdown in each of the final quarters. Camden Crooks scored on a four-yard reception with 5:59 left in the third to put ESU in front.
Terrel Graves scored on an 11-yard run to make it a 31-20 game with 8:04 left in the fourth.
Brandon McCary hit a 40-yard field goal with 3:38 left in the fourth to make it a two-touchdown game.
ESU led in total offense yards, 387-248. Elliott Larner was 8-for-28 passing for 75 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He added 89 yards rushing. Abram Larner had four catches for 44 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Chase Koch led Tech's defense with nine tackles—all solos. Dakota Blackwell added six tackles.
Jamison Sarver led ESU's hurry-up offense with 32 completions on 48 attempts for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Terrel Graves rushed for 56 yards and a score. Ty Walls had eight receptions for 55 yards. Landon Boss had a game-high 13 tackles for the Hornets.
Tech returns to Kearly Stadium next weekend for a Homecoming matchup against Upper Iowa. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in the final non-conference game of the season for the Huskies.
