In Washburn’s final home game of the season last Saturday against the Emporia State Hornets, the Ichabods did something they haven’t done since 1976 – they held the Hornets scoreless for four quarters.

The Family/Senior Day 42-0 blowout in the 107th edition of the nation’s longest-running Division II rivalry improved the Ichabods’ record to 6-4, with five wins and three losses in the conference. The 42-point victory was the highest margin of victory of the series. It also was the fifth win in six games for Washburn, which started out the season with a 1-4 record after a three-game losing streak against Abilene Christian, Missouri Western and Central Missouri.

For Washburn, junior quarterback Dane Simoneau led the way offensively, throwing 16-for-29 for 218 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He twice hooked up with his sixth-year senior roommate at receiver Joe Hastings for touchdowns, also hitting freshman receiver DeJuan Beard and senior defensive end Korie Henry in the endzone.

Simoneau’s pass to Beard marked his school-record 58th career touchdown pass, a 24-yard completion that eclipsed Tyler Schuerman’s numbers from 2000-04. Simoneau also rushed in a 1-yard touchdown.

Sophomore running back Justin Cooper led the rushing attack with 14 rushes for 84 yards and a touchdown along with his two receptions for 38 yards. Sixth-year senior fullback Brad Haug recorded a season high 63 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

On defense, Washburn’s junior linebacker Marty Pfannenstiel led the team with 10 tackles, followed by senior linebacker Jared Brawner’s eight tackles and sixth-year senior linebacker Michael Wilhoite with six. Senior defensive back Ben Vann intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it for 39 yards, which set up Simoneau’s rushing touchdown before the end of the half. Senior defensive tackle Zach Falldorf also recorded an interception. Senior punter Austin Hills played a large part in keeping the Hornets off the scoreboard, pinning them within their own 20-yard line three times out of his five punts.

For the Hornets, quarterback Sheldon Smith was the only major offensive contributor, rushing 18 times for 111 yards. Smith was held to only 41 passing yards, however, completing six of his 13 pass attempts and throwing an interception.

Washburn’s final game of the season is against Missouri Southern on Saturday, Nov. 13, in Joplin, Mo. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.