Marina
EMPORIA, Kan. – Emporia State linebacker Landon Boss has captured national attention after his stellar showing in the Hornets’ 31–24 victory over Missouri Southern.
His remarkable performance earned him the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week title on Monday and several national defensive honors from D2Football.com, Wayne Cavadi of NCAA.com, and Walter Camp Gridiron 1880.
This marks a milestone for the Osage City native, as he becomes the first Hornet since Jace McDown in 2018 to receive the National Defensive Player of the Week title from D2Football.com.
Boss’s Record-Breaking Performance
During the game, Boss delivered a dominant defensive display, recording 11 tackles, four sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble.
His first sack came right before halftime, forcing Missouri Southern into a missed 54-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Boss intercepted a pass that set up an Emporia State touchdown, extending their lead to 28–7.
As a unit, Emporia State’s defense limited Missouri Southern to just 47 rushing yards, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Making History for the Hornets
Emporia State Athletics reported that Boss’s four sacks tied a Division II era school record, first achieved by Patrick Cook in 1995 against Truman and later by Gerard Clemons in 1997 versus Northwest Missouri.
Currently, Boss leads the MIAA in sacks, tackles for loss, and solo tackles, ranking among the top ten defenders nationally in each of these categories — a testament to his exceptional athleticism and leadership.
Next Game for Emporia State
The Hornets are set to return to action on Saturday, October 25, when they face Central Oklahoma at Richison Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and fans eagerly await another strong showing from Boss and the Emporia State defense.
Landon Boss’s incredible performance against Missouri Southern not only propelled Emporia State to victory but also cemented his status as one of the nation’s elite defensive players.
With his name now etched alongside some of the school’s all-time greats, Boss’s dominance continues to inspire confidence and pride in the Hornets’ defense as they move forward in the season.