By GARRETT WELLBROCK
Tiger Media Network
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Fort Hays State safety Michael Chavez summed it up simply after Saturday’s 52-3 loss to No. 19/15 Northwest Missouri State: “It’s one of those games — obviously didn’t turn out the way we wanted it.”
The Tigers faced a relentless Bearcat offense that piled up 437 rushing yards, scoring six of their seven touchdowns on the ground. Redshirt freshman quarterback Zechariah Owens proved nearly impossible to contain, breaking loose for touchdown runs of 56 and 73 yards as Northwest improved to 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the MIAA.
Owens’ mobility forced the Fort Hays State defense to adjust constantly.
“They’ve got two challenging quarterbacks — a young guy who could run. They did a good job of spacing us out, gave him space to run.” Chavez said. “They just came out and executed today, and we’ve got to be better.”
The Bearcats wasted little time asserting control, scoring on their first two drives and building a 24-3 halftime lead. The Tigers’ only points came on a 39-yard field goal by Zane Hall late in the first quarter. From there, Northwest’s run game overwhelmed the defense, adding four touchdowns in the second half — including an 85-yard burst by Quincy Torry.
Chavez finished with 10 tackles, one of the few defensive bright spots for Fort Hays State, which fell to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the MIAA. He said the game became a test of toughness as the defense spent long stretches on the field.
“At a certain point it just turns into a mental thing — mental toughness — and that’s something you take pride in as a defender,” Chavez said. “But we’ve got to find ways to get off the field and not be on the field as much.”
FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown credited the Bearcats for setting the tone early and maintaining it throughout.
“That’s a very good football team — they’re physical on both sides of the ball,” Brown said. “Their run game was tremendous. They hit us in the mouth and just kept rolling. Our offense didn’t really get anything going. We’ve got to figure something out there.”
The Tigers managed just 131 total yards of offense, with quarterback Caleb Heavner throwing for 63 yards and running back Curtis Douglas managing just 27 yards to lead the ground game. Injuries also mounted for Fort Hays State, which Brown said disrupted any hope of finding rhythm.
Late in the game, redshirt freshman quarterback Mason McMinn saw his first college action, leading the offense on its final possession. Despite the lopsided score, McMinn said the experience was meaningful.
“It felt good to get my feet wet,” McMinn said. “Being a young guy, it feels good to showcase what I developed last year and in the spring. It just felt comfortable out there — like practice.”
McMinn added that patience and preparation have been key to his role.
“It’s tough, but my job is to support Caleb and Coach Ross and help Caleb be the best he can be,” he said. “I consider myself a dual threat, using the legs a little bit if I have to.”
Even after a humbling loss, Chavez said the Tigers’ focus is already on next week’s trip to Washburn.
“Once we watch the film and fix our mistakes, it’s on to next week,” he said. “The goal every week is to be 1-0 — this game doesn’t define our football team.”
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