Washburn’s final away game of the regular season ended on a high note on Nov. 5 in Edmond, Oklahoma as Washburn defeated the University of Central Oklahoma football team 31-28.

A tense back and forth game between the Ichabods and the Bronchos, many of the points in the game were earned with time running down on the clock and intense pressure on both teams to score.

The first touchdown of the game was scored by Washburn’s own Bryce Chavis with 1:32 left in the first quarter. This was followed by a touchdown from Washburn’s Anthony Daniels in the second quarter shortly after time began at 14:13.

Central Oklahoma didn’t manage to find their stride until 46 seconds remained in the second quarter when they finally managed to reduce Washburn’s lead to 14-7 before Washburn scored a field goal immediately after as time expired to end the first half 17-7.

Going into the second half with a 10 point lead Washburn then extended it to 24-7 thanks to James Brania-Hopp in the third quarter. This was followed by a touchdown from Central Oklahoma and a touchdown from Washburn’s Mickeel Stewart to end the third quarter 31-14.

The University of Central Oklahoma attempted to catch up to Washburn in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, but their lack of finishing power at the end allowed Washburn to win by three.

The victory over Central Oklahoma allowed Washburn to advance to 7-3 on the season, putting them at a win percentage of 70 percent as they head into the final game of the regular season against Emporia State Nov. 12. Emporia State is a longtime rival of Washburn, having defeated Washburn 47-21 last season and currently holding a 9-1 record.

Last year the famous “Can Emporia” game was held at Emporia, but Washburn is hosting this year at Yager Stadium, and may have a chance to defeat Emporia State with the support of its students. If Washburn wins, that will put their record at 8-3 and might even give them a chance to be third in the MIAA this season, something contradictory to the preseason coach’s poll and last year’s results.

This year, “Can Emporia” is more than just a rivalry match up, it is a critical point for Washburn’s redemption in the MIAA, so be there on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. to witness all the action.