After just missing the mark for two straight years with 5-6 records, the Hornets earned their first trip to the postseason since 2003 with a 9-2 record. With the regular season over, Emporia State football prepares for the Kanza Bowl against the 6-5 Texas A&M Kingsville.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams, but the Hornets come into the matchup with a 2-2 record at their previous bowl appearances.

ESU also comes in with the MIAA leading pass offense, led by Harlon Hill candidate and senior quarterback Tyler Eckenrode, who also leads the MIAA in total offense.

“When Eckenrode is executing, and our offense is going, we are a tough team to stop,” said Head Coach Garin Higgins.

Texas A&M Kingsville comes into the contest with a completely different story. They revolve around a highly talented defense that leads the Lone Star Conference in pass defense and a third ranked scoring defense.

The Hornets kick off for the final time in the Kanza Bowl at 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in Topeka.