The Fort Hays State University football team used 48 unanswered points to create the separation needed for their first win of the season over Northeastern State University, 48-13 last Saturday in Tahlequah, Okla.
FHSU (1-1,1-1 Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association) took the Riverhawks (0-2, 0-2 MIAA) out of the game early. The Tigers outgained NSU offensively, compiling 408 yards compared to the 345 by NSU, with 197 of the Tiger’s yards coming on the ground.
“Our o-line really stepped up,” said Chris Brown, head coach. “When we want to run the ball, we have to be able to run the ball.”
The defense spent half the time on the field this week compared to last week, but still gave up 345 yards, but the new three-man front only gave up 48 yards on the ground and forced four turnovers.
“We just came out more aggressive and more tackle ready,” said linebacker Michael Terry, Angleton, Texas, senior.
Terry moved from the linebacker position to the defensive end in the new three-man front. He had eight tackles with three coming for a loss.
“I like playing d-end,” Terry said. “It’s always nice to be able to move around. Coach wanted us to get a pass rush and I took on the responsibility.”
The pass rush created three sacks, one of which was credited to Terry, and forced Northeastern to go 0-for-7 on third downs after they started the game 2-for-2.
“We finally settled down on defense and I thought we played pretty solid,” Brown said.
For FHSU, their first two possessions resulted in two three-and-outs and negative yards before they were able to get into a groove and score on four straight possessions in the first half.
“The first part of the game I was very nervous,” Brown said. “But then they got their timing down.”
It was Treveon Albert, Atlanta, Ga., junior, not Kevin Spain, Scottsdale, Ariz., junior, who led offensively as Tigers’ quarterback.
Spain started but left the game early with a ankle injury, so Albert, who started the game at wide receiver, was asked to lead.
“Spain did a good job, but then hurt his ankle and Treveon came in and did a heck of a job,” Brown said.
Albert took the Tigers to the endzone for the first time of the year offensively with a four yard touchdown run with the Tigers trailing 6-0 to take the lead 7-6.
The Tigers then relied on kicker Drew O’Brien, Hays junior, to provide a touchdown lead, kicking fields of 41 and 38 yards.
“We didn’t stress like last week,” Brown said. “We kept it under control.”
With an injury to running back Ed Smith, Miami, Fla., senior, running back Kenneth Iheme, Wichita sophomore, saw the bulk of the carries in the first half before exiting the game with a shoulder injury.
Iheme was able to score a touchdown before leaving the field off a 27 yard screen pass from Albert, which made the score 20-6 at the half after capping off four straight scoring possessions.
“We have some of the biggest and best guys in the MIAA,” Albert said.
The Tigers kept their foot on the peddle in the second half with Albert still at the reigns. He opened the half with four straight touchdowns before Northeastern was able to get a first down.
Albert would finish the day 12-of-22 for 149 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
“That was just my experience, just going out and doing what I did last year,” Albert said.
Albert added 28 more yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
“Treveon is just a great athlete,” Brown said.
Wide receiver Ed Williams, Tampa, Fla., senior, was the primary choice for Albert as he finished with eight catches for 113 yards including a fourth quarter touchdown catch.
A touchdown catch and three receptions were added by wide receiver Isaiah Maxi, Kansas City, Mo., sophomore.
Terry and linebacker Brock Long, Assaria junior, each had eight tackles and linebacker Justin McPhail, Liberal junior, added eight tackles along with an interception.
“Hopefully we just keep rolling from here,” Brown said.
Next up for the Tigers is a home match-up against Lindenwood University (1-1,1-1 MIAA), this Saturday with kickoff set for 7 pm.