Marina
The Missouri Southern Lions hit the road to take on the Emporia State Hornets in an intense Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) matchup. With both teams eager to climb in the standings, the Lions hoped to grab their first conference win of the 2025 season.
However, after a close and hard-fought game at Francis G. Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas, Missouri Southern fell short, losing 31–24.
This game was packed with momentum shifts, impressive plays, and a nail-biting finish that kept fans on edge until the final seconds.
Game Summary
The Lions came out strong, setting the tone early with a well-executed touchdown drive in the opening quarter.
Their offense showed good rhythm, and the defense managed to hold the Hornets to a field goal in the first half.
As the game progressed, Emporia State’s offense began to settle in, finding ways to move the ball efficiently against the Lions’ defense.
By halftime, the Hornets had taken a narrow 17–14 lead, fueled by a combination of sharp passing and a strong ground game.
The second half saw both teams trading blows. Missouri Southern tied the game early in the third quarter, but Emporia State’s defense stepped up late, forcing key turnovers that shifted the game’s momentum.
A late touchdown by the Hornets sealed the 31–24 win.
Team Statistics
| Category | Missouri Southern Lions | Emporia State Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 24 | 31 |
| Total Offense (Yards) | 360 | 392 |
| Passing Yards | 210 | 230 |
| Rushing Yards | 150 | 162 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Penalties | 6 for 50 yards | 5 for 42 yards |
| Time of Possession | 28:45 | 31:15 |
The numbers tell the story of a game decided by small mistakes and critical third-down plays. Missouri Southern’s offense moved the ball effectively, but missed opportunities in the red zone and turnovers proved costly.
Key Moments of the Game
- First Quarter: The Lions opened strong with a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by a short rushing touchdown.
- Second Quarter: Emporia State responded with a long drive of its own, scoring twice before halftime.
- Third Quarter: Missouri Southern tied the score 24–24 midway through the quarter after a quick passing strike from the quarterback to the wide receiver.
- Fourth Quarter: A crucial interception in the final five minutes allowed Emporia State to control the ball and score the game-winning touchdown.
Team Analysis
1. Missouri Southern Lions
Strengths:
- Solid offensive rhythm in the first and third quarters.
- Balanced attack between rushing and passing.
- Strong special teams performance early on.
Weaknesses:
- Struggled with turnovers at key moments.
- Missed defensive assignments in the second half.
- Inability to finish drives in the red zone.
2. Emporia State Hornets
Strengths:
- Effective clock management and composure late in the game.
- Excellent quarterback play with strong accuracy.
- Strong defensive adjustments after halftime.
Weaknesses:
- Slow start on defense in the first quarter.
- Difficulty containing Missouri Southern’s running game early.
Standings Impact
| Team | MIAA Record | Overall Record | Current Streak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State Hornets | 2–2 | 3–3 | Won 1 |
| Missouri Southern Lions | 0–4 | 2–4 | Lost 3 |
This win gives Emporia State much-needed momentum heading into the middle of the season, while Missouri Southern continues to search for its first conference victory.
What’s Next
- Missouri Southern Lions will return home next week, determined to regroup and find their first MIAA win. Coaches are expected to focus on turnover reduction and defensive adjustments.
- Emporia State Hornets will look to carry their momentum forward as they continue their climb in the conference standings.
The Missouri Southern Lions showed resilience but fell short in a tight 31–24 defeat against Emporia State. Despite flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, critical mistakes and late-game turnovers made the difference.
For Emporia State, this victory marks a confidence boost as they strengthen their position in the MIAA standings.
As the season progresses, the Lions will need to tighten up on defense and improve red-zone execution to convert close games into wins.
The Hornets, meanwhile, will aim to sustain this form and turn their mid-season momentum into a winning streak.