Emporia State earns come from behind win as Garin Higgins becomes winningest coach in program history

WARRENSBURG, Mo (KSNT)- Win No. 117.

Emporia State comes from behind on Saturday to beat Central Missouri 31-27.

The win marked No. 117 for head coach Garin Higgins as he passes Fran Welch for most wins in program history.

“I don’t think you could have written this any better. I’ve never won any games by myself. It’s all about the players and just like today being one of the best wins I’ve ever had,” Higgins said. “I’m so proud of this team and coaching staff. This is a resilient, competitive, very tough group and they showed that today.”

Higgins noted it was a great win because of his fighting back from down 10 points in the fourth quarter to score 14 straight for the win.

True freshman quarterback Jamison Sarver got the start Saturday for the Hornets and delivered a great game. Sarver threw for 288 yards and two scores in his debut.

“It was all about execution,” Saver said. “It feels great to get the win knowing that we executed when we needed to.”

The Hornets rushed for 182 yards as Diego Cearns and Camden Crooks combined for 152.

Malik O’Atis led the receiving core with a game high eight catches for 69 yards. Ondraye Beasley had a team-high 74 yards.

Kingsley Bennett and Max Middleton each had a touchdown through the air in the win.

Landon Boss had a team-high 10 tackles in the win.

For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.