The Fort Hays State University football team (3-3, 3-3 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) dropped its second consecutive game losing 26-7 to Missouri Western State University (4-2, 4-2 MIAA).
Despite the offense gaining 396 yards, 329 of which came through the air, the Tigers only managed seven points.
“Same story, different day,” said Chris Brown, head coach. “Just not very consistent offensively. We got to put points on the board and quit shooting ourselves in the foot; bad snaps, bad throws, not getting out of bounds, whatever it might be, we got to be smarter players.”
Quarterback Treveon Albert, Atlanta, GA. junior, and wide receiver Ed Williams, Tampa, FL. senior, connected all night.
Williams had a career night with 14 catches and 201 yards, but was over thrown on three passes that could have resulted in touchdowns for the Tigers.
“He (Albert) told me in practice that it could be a big game for us and I just trusted him,” Williams said.
The defense protected a short field having two interceptions thrown by Albert and a couple of punt returns by MWSU.
“Defense played well at times,” Brown said. “Pretty good team holding them to 26 points, but we got to tackle better especially at the beginning of the game.”
Defensive back Micheal Jordan, Kerens, Texas senior, led the team with 19 tackles, two of which were for loss.
“I felt pretty good out there,” Jordan said. “Missing the past games, I really had a chip on my shoulder.”
The Griffons raced out to an early 10-0 lead largely due to the 71 yard touchdown run by Raphel Spencer on MWSU’s first possession of the game.
“We can’t give up the big plays,” Jordan said. “If we just tackle better, we limit the big plays.”
Trailing 10-0 after the first quarter, the Tigers put together their only scoring drive a little less than halfway through the second quarter.
On the drive, Albert hooked up running back Kenneth Iheme, Wichita sophomore, for a key 20 yard completion on a third down, which kept the drive alive.
The Tigers scored on a four yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Maxi, Kansas City, MO., sophomore, to cap off an 11 play 80 yard drive, which featured Williams for two catches and 34 yards.
The Griffons would add their second field goal of the game right before the half. A 35 yard field goal by John Scmiemeier made it 13-7 at the break.
MWSU scored on their first drive of the second half with their quarterback running it in from four yards out to make it 19-7. The Griffons attempted a two point conversion, but it was intercepted by linebacker Brock Long, Assaria junior.
“We gave them some momentum and we have to limit that,” Brown said.
The Griffons added to their score in the fourth quarter with Spencer running it in from one yard out to make it 26-7.
“It’s frustrating, but we won’t fall from this,” Williams said. “We’ll only grow; it’s what we do.”
The Griffons’ defense held the Tigers to just 67 yards on the ground.
After missing last week with a shoulder injury, Iheme was the leading rusher for the Tigers with 39 yards on the ground.
Albert finished the game with 29 of 48 for 329 yards and two interceptions and was sacked three times.
FHSU will look to end their losing streak against rival Emporia State University (3-3, 3-3 MIAA) on Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. in Emporia.
Very convenient in news for the football team.