EMPORIA, Kan. – Despite career rushing highs by quarterback Dom Marino and running back Shamar Griffith and an offensive output of 449 yards, Griffon football (4-6) fell 30-27 to Emporia State (5-5). MWSU outgained ESU by 126 yards and recorded five sacks for 20 yards.

CHANGING OF TIDES
A holding call at the one-yard line negated a Shamar Griffith touchdown that would have given Missouri Western a two touchdown lead. A few plays later, the Griffons settled for a 39-yard field goal to take a 20-10 lead. On the next drive, the defense forced a three and out but a fumbled punt return by Jonathan Owens recovered by the Hornets kept them alive. Emporia State cashed in their opportunity with a reverse pass that went for a 31-yard touchdown pass. The momentum change allowed ESU to score 13 unanswered points.

GAME OF INCHES
Down 23-20 in the fourth quarter, Dom Marino stumbled down to the Emporia State 2-yard line and left Missouri Western just inches short of a first down. On fourth and inches, Marino found a narrow crease and dove in for a touchdown to give the Griffons a 27-23 advantage. Later in the quarter, ESU quarterback Braxton Marstall called his own number on a fourth and two. A second effort allowed Marstall to gain the first down by a quarter of a football after an official's measurement. The Hornets threw the game-winning, two-yard touchdown pass just three plays later with 1:12 left in the fourth quarter.

BOTTLED UP
The Griffon defense bottled up the Emporia State offense as it allowed just 62 yards on the ground and 323 yards of total offense. MWSU sacked ESU five times for 20 yards. Tyrell Robison came away with three sacks for 11 yards. Dennis McKinney was credited with two sacks for nine yards and a forced fumble. Jabbar Miles led Missouri Western with nine tackles.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western returns to Spratt Stadium on Nov. 11 as it host rival Northwest Missouri State. The senior day kickoff is set for 1 p.m.