BY JAXSON WEBB
A 663-day long wait for Tiger Football came to an end this past Thursday when Fort Hays State hosted MIAA powerhouse, Northwest Missouri State. The highly-anticipated matchup brought nearly 5,000 fans to Lewis Field Stadium. The first matchup of the season came down to the very last play resulting in a hard-fought loss for FHSU, 15-7. Despite the loss, head coach Chris Brown had many positive things to say about his team’s effort and the atmosphere for the game.
“It was exciting. The student section was huge, and they were loud. There were moments there where I really couldn’t hear myself through my headset and I love that. That brings so much more excitement and intensity to the game” Brown said when asked about playing in front of Tiger fans again.
He said hopes that the crowds continue to grow throughout the season to create an exciting environment for his team and the community.
Brown, who is in his 10th year as the head coach, says that this year’s team has a bright future, but have our backs against the wall. The 0-1 start creates no room for error moving forward for the Tigers in order to still have a chance at winning the conference title. Brown is very faithful in this group due to their dedication and depth.
“I believe that this is the most depth we’ve had on the offensive line since I’ve been here,” Brown said.
When talking about his defense, Brown explained that they need a little time to get comfortable playing with each other since there are some new faces on that side of the ball.
“As the year goes on they’re only going to get better,” he said. “I think they are going to be one of the toughest defenses that a team is going to face.”
FHSU plays Missouri Western State University at 7:00 p.m. tonight in St. Joseph, Mo. before returning home against Lincoln University at 7:00 p.m. on September 18 inside Lewis Field Stadium.