BY TRISTAN SASSE
For the first time in 22 years, the Fort Hays State University football team appeared in the NCAA Division II playoffs. After receiving a bye in the first round, the No. 4 Tigers hosted the No. 10 Ferris State University Bulldogs out of Big Rapids, Michigan. FHSU was the 2017 MIAA champion, while FSU was the GLIAC regular season conference runner-up. In the first-ever matchup between the two programs, Ferris State came away with a 31-21 victory.
Tiger Head Coach Chris Brown gave praise to his senior class following the defeat.
“This senior class has been through a lot,” said Brown. “They really helped establish a winning program here.”
Game Recap
The first quarter was a battle of field position between two of the top defenses in the country. Entering Saturday, FHSU allowed 13.8 points per game and FSU was giving up 14.6 ppg. There was no score after quarter one, with Ferris State threatening at the Tiger 19-yard line. FSU had 80 total yards in the first quarter, while the Tigers were held to 19.
Ferris State ended the scoreless tie with a 28-yard field goal by Wyatt Ford early in the second quarter. After forcing an FHSU punt, the Bulldogs found the end zone on the ensuing drive. Jahaan Brown had a 3-yard touchdown run to give FSU a 10-0 lead. The Tigers had a scoring opportunity at the end of the half, but a 48-yard field attempt by Brandon Brown was blocked by Jevonte Alexander.
The Bulldogs ended the first half with 177 total yards, while the Tigers had 83. FHSU was held to six rushing yards on nine attempts.
Kenneth Iheme ignited the Tiger offense with a 66-yard touchdown run to start the second half. The drive covered 3 plays and 75 yards. The Bulldogs added to their lead with a 3-yard touchdown run by Davontae Harrington midway through the quarter. Shortly after, Ferris State’s Malik Taylor had a 19-yard touchdown reception. FSU went into the fourth quarter with a 24-7 lead.
With 11:09 remaining in the game, Brown added another score. Ferris State had a touchdown that was overturned due to taunting on their next drive. For FHSU, Iheme tacked on a late 81-yard touchdown and Monterio Burchfield had a 4-yard touchdown reception with 10 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs went on to win, 31-21.
After the loss, Coach Brown remained positive about his team.
“I’m still proud of this team, said Brown. “Going 11-0 in our conference is a tough feat.”
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By the Numbers
FHSU had 55 plays for 316 yards. Iheme led the Tiger offense with 14 carries for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Jacob Mezera completed 23-of-37 passes for 170 yards. Burchfield has 10 receptions, 92 yards, and a touchdown. Defensively, Jose Delgado finished with 13 tackles and Connor Shedeed had 10. Dante Brown had 11 punts for a total of 478 yards (43.5 average).
The Bulldogs finished with a total of 460 yards on 86 plays. For Ferris State, Reggie Bell completed 13-of-23 attempts for 168 yards. Brandon Walker led all receivers with 119 yards. Bell had 20 rushes for 78 yards.
Bulldogs Head Coach Tony Annese was satisfied with Ferris State’s performance.
“Our team really fought hard, both sides of the ball were really good,” said Annese. “It was a special victory.”
Looking Ahead
Ferris State (11-1) will host the Harding University Bison in the NCAA Quarterfinals (Regional Final) on Saturday, December 2. The Bison enter the contest at 10-3 and on a 10-game winning streak after starting 0-3. FHSU ends the season with the best record in school history, at 11-1.