STORY BY TRISTAN SASSE
PHOTOS BY MARISSA CASTANOS
The No. 11 ranked Fort Hays State Tigers improved to 6-0 on the season after defeating the Pittsburg State Gorillas, 21-17. The Gorillas entered Saturday at 2-3, and on a two game losing streak. The Tigers were fresh off a 38-35 win over Lindenwood.
On Saturday, the Tigers offense struggled the majority of the first half. In the first quarter, the Tigers aerial attack was unable to connect with receivers downfield. Jacob Mezera completed 3 of 9 passes in the first quarter for 35 yards. He was also sacked twice and threw an interception.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jacoby Williams got his chance for the Tigers in the second quarter. Williams threw an interception on his first attempt. Early in the second quarter, FHSU also faced their largest deficit of the season at 17 points.
The Tigers relied heavily on the ground game. Kenneth Iheme was able to spark the offense with a 47-yard touchdown run. Williams was also able to find redemption later when he connected with Matt Wendelberger on a 70-yard touchdown reception. Coach Chris Brown had high praise for the redshirt freshmen.
“Nothing frazzles him. He just stays cool and calm and makes plays. When we needed him to step up, he stepped up.” said Brown.
Fort Hays found themselves in familiar territory at the half. The Tigers went into the locker room down 17-14 and trailing for the second consecutive week.
The second half was won on the defensive side of the ball. Both teams had scoring opportunities but were unable to convert, and each team missed a field goal. Early in the fourth quarter, Iheme was able to find the end zone again and give the Tigers their first lead of the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Fort Hays was able to stop a threatening Gorillas offensive attack on fourth down and seal the victory.
Overall, many Tigers contributed in all phases of the game. Iheme upped his rushing total on the season to 666 yards after his 189-yard performance. Jose Delgado led all players with 14 tackles. Wyatt Parker had 12 tackles of his own and Tanner Hoekman added 11.
The Tigers will be back in Hays again next Saturday to host Washburn at 2 pm. The Ichabods are currently 5-1, with their only loss being to No.1 Northwest Missouri State.
