FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
TOPEKA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State football team was unable to battle back from an early deficit against Washburn Saturday afternoon (Oct. 15), falling 30-24 after giving up 20-straight points to open the contest. Both teams now stand at 5-2 on the season and are tied for third in the MIAA standings with four games to play.
The Tiger offense struggled out of the gate, picking up just 32 yards and one first down in the opening 15 minutes. After a Brandon Brown touchback, the Ichabods marched 75 yards to score on the first drive of the game after Cody Summers scored on a fake field goal, running around the left end for a 26-yard touchdown scamper. Washburn once again drove 70-plus yards on its next possession following a Tiger three-and-out, but the FHSU defense stood its ground, holding the Ichabods scoreless after a first-and-goal at the 2-yard line.
The Ichabods doubled their lead three plays later when Akhmad Abdul-Razzaq sacked Jacob Mezera and forced a fumble in the end zone, recovered by Austin Tillman for the defensive TD. Perry Schmiedeler’s point after attempt sailed wide, putting the Ichabods up 13-0 just 12 minutes, 48 seconds into the contest.
After another Tiger punt, Washburn extended the lead to 20-0 when Derek McGinnis connected with Bryce Chavis for a 67-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the second quarter. Fort Hays State bounced back with their first long drive of the game, aided by a critical 34-yard rush from Kenneth Iheme on third-and-1. TJ Thomas fought his way into the end zone from one yard out five plays later, closing the gap to 20-7 with 10:23 to play in the first half.
The Fort Hays State defense picked up a big stop on the next Washburn possession, forcing the Ichabods to attempt a 50-yard field goal. With the wind at his back, Schmiedeler’s attempt sailed wide left. The Tigers quickly took advantage of the miss, scoring on a 58-yard pass from Mezera to Shaquille Cooper just three plays later, closing within six.
Washburn kick returner Josh Wright took the ensuing kick back 50 yards, putting the Ichabods just 33 yards from the pay dirt. The Tiger defense forced a three-and-out for the Ichabods, who settled for a 44-yard field goal making the score 23-14 with 4:49 left in the half.
The Tigers marched down to the Ichabod 21-yard line, but were stopped in their tracks on an attempted fourth down conversion with 35 seconds remaining before intermission. MIAA sack leader Sie Doe Jr. gave the ball right back to the offense two plays later with a strip-sack, but the clock hit zero before FHSU could find the end zone.
Fort Hays State opened the second half with the ball, but couldn’t get past midfield before being forced to punt. Bryce Chavis shook off a slew of would-be tacklers en route to an 83-yard punt return TD, giving the home team a 30-14 edge.
The Tigers had plenty of chances to score in the third quarter, but only managed to come away with three points after fumbling in Ichabod territory and missing a 25-yard field goal. After stalling at the one-yard line, the Tigers settled for a Brown 17-yard field goal with 1:32 remaining in the period to narrow the gap to 30-17.
Fort Hays State made it a one-score game with less than one minute remaining when Mezera found J.J. Lewis wide open across the middle for a 2-yard TD pass, closing within 30-24 with 52 seconds to play. Washburn’s hands team did their job on the ensuing onside kick, securing the ball and the win.
The Tigers held a noticeable edge on the stats sheet, outgaining Washburn 433-299 while picking up seven more first downs (24-17). Three Tiger turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) turned into six points for the Ichabods, who also fumbled twice but did not allow any points off turnovers.
Mezera threw for 354 yards in the contest, completing 30-of-47 attempts for two touchdowns and one interception. Cooper racked up 184 yards in the contest, grabbing a game-high nine passes for 127 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 57 yards on 11 carries.
The Tigers will return to Lewis Field Stadium next weekend (Oct. 22) when they host Missouri Western for their annual Hall of Fame Game. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.