Story by ELI BLANKINSHIP Video by BRYNN RAY
Tiger Media Network
After an impressive 35-14 victory against the Angelo State Rams in Week 0, No. 23 Fort Hays State University hopes to start the non-conference season 2-0 as they prepare to host the No. 9 CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves in their home opener tonight.
Last week, the Tigers took a long trip to St. Angelo, Texas, that lasted over 9 hours and covered 560 miles. FHSU faced even more adversity on gameday with an hour-long weather delay.
“I was very pleased with our performance and how our guys handled the situation,” FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown said. “They came out and found a way to win the ballgame, and that’s cool to see your kids do that because…they knew they were going to find a way to get it done, and they continued to compete for four quarters and won the ballgame.”
The Tigers scored 14 unanswered points at the start of the second half and then scored 14 more points to put the game on ice.
Making his first collegiate start at quarterback, Iowa State transfer Major Cantrell led the way for FHSU, going 18-28 passing for a total of 229 yards and 1 touchdown.
“I haven’t started a game since high school football my senior year. It was really like three years ago, if you think about it,” Cantrell said. “It was a lot of preparation, but it was fun to actually apply that and be in action with it with my teammates. It was a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. [I was] definitely a little rattled up first half, but proud of the guys, and the way they responded.”
After a one-point victory in Pueblo, Colorado, last season, fans can expect a competitive rematch between the ThunderWolves and Tigers.
Last week, the ThunderWolves hosted their home opener against the University of Central Missouri and trampled the Mules by a final score of 44-25. Leading the way for CSU Pueblo was senior wide receiver Dedrik Taylor-Akins, who recorded 9 receptions for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.
“I think we need to get our hands on him a little bit and disrupt him at the line of scrimmage,” Brown said of covering Taylor-Adkins. “The main thing is just don’t give up the big play. They had three [or four] of them last week…but if we keep them in front, make them earn everything, I think that’s the key to it because I think the more the offense is on the field and the more plays they have to run, there’s usually a mistake that costs you, and so hopefully we just keep everything in front, go make the tackle, bring them down and then live on to play the next play.”
Despite all the added pressure that comes along with a ranked matchup, the Tigers are ready to rise to the occasion in their home opener.
“They’re a great football team, and it’s a great challenge,” Cantrell said. “I think that’s the exciting part is you want to continue to grow each week, and facing a good football team is how you’re going to have growth, so we’re excited for the challenge. We’re excited they’re a competitive football team, and we can’t wait for the opportunity.”
The Tigers kick off against the ThunderWolves at 7 pm tonight at Lewis Field Stadium. The game will also be broadcast live on the MIAA Network, presented by Tiger Media Network.