EMPORIA, Kan. (KSNW) — Emporia State University football is ranked 11th in the AFCA DII Coaches Poll after a win against Nebraska Kearney. The victory was in large part due to a multi-record-breaking performance by senior Tyler Kahmann.
The Haysville native recorded five touchdown receptions and four new records. He made MIAA history in single-game receiving yards (296) and career touchdowns (48). Those stats also earned him the Hornets records for single-game receiving yards and touchdowns.
“I think we wanted to come in there and try to dominate the game. We played well the two weeks prior to the bye week, so I think we wanted to stay on rhythm. And I think we did a pretty good job of that,” said Kahmann. “I didn’t really know. I didn’t know I was that close to the career one, either, to be honest with you. It was just after the game. I just heard about it… It’s crazy, it’s awesome. It is nice to get rewarded.”
He says the accomplishments couldn’t have gotten done without his teammates.
“It’s not just me like Gunnar Gundy. Our quarterback had also had a phenomenal game. Our offensive line played really, really well against one of the best lines in the conference. We have so many guys that can make plays,” he said.
Having a well-rounded team give the Hornets hope that they can make a playoff run. It’s something Kahmann is aiming for in his sixth and final year.
“We have a lot of grad students on our team. And I think we’ve put in a lot of time. We’re going to have to play really well. It’s good that we got a rhythm going offensively in this past game and we’re going to try and continue that going forward,” he explained.
With three games left in the regular season, Kahmann is just 31 yards away from ESU’s career receiving yards record.
I don’t think you ever really go to college and expect to, you know, maybe break records and stuff like that. So a lot of it truly is Coach Higgins,” said Kahmann. “Always trying to, you know, make my parents proud, make my family proud. Being here six years is a long time. So hopefully we can finish it on the right foot.
ESU’s next matchup is Saturday against Fort Hays. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.
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