STORY BY MAKENNA ALLEN
The Fort Hays State Tigers emerged victorious in their fifth game of the season against the University of Central Oklahoma with a score of 15-0. Though neither team succeeded in scoring a touchdown during the Saturday evening game, the Bronchos were unable to score at all, allowing the Tigers their first shutout since 2008.
Ultimately, kicker, Dante Brown, was attributed with all the scoring throughout the slow grind of a game. He also broke the school record for most field goals in a single game with five.
The Tigers started out the homecoming game at Lewis Field Stadium with an 88-yard opening drive. However, the team settled for a 21-yard field goal kicked by Brown.
“Dante Brown had one heck of a day,” said FHSU Head Football Coach, Chirs Brown. “Just Dante himself, having that confidence in him and knowing he’s going to be able to put points on the board in any situation. We get to the 30 or 35-yard line, we know he has the leg to do it. He’s confident, he’s locked in. “When you trust your kicker, why not use him to get those points on fourth down.”
Though the game’s 15 points are due to Brown’s ability, Coach Brown credited the team’s strong defense with the success of the game.
“They played excellent. We put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, stopped their run game, got some turnovers. Those guys just pinned their ears back today and got after it,” said Brown. “They played physical, played aggressive, all four quarters. Our defense played excellent, outstanding. I expect that every week.”
Despite the night’s cool, rainy weather and the game’s slow pace, the Tiger fan turnout was strong with 7,140 fans present. This large crowd came out in support of Fort Hays’ homecoming week.
“Just having the fans in the stands and they way they cheer and the way they cheer for us, and on third downs when our opponents have the ball and it makes them struggle because they can’t hear anything, it gives us energy. It gives us excitement. It gives us something to play for because we’re playing for them as well,” said Brown. “If it weren’t for them, who knows where we would be.”
Even with this spirit, neither senior quarterback, Jacob Mezera nor back-up Chance Fuller was able to find success in leading the Tigers to a touchdown. Despite this offensive struggle, Coach Brown was satisfied with the team’s performance.
The Bronchos were hot off a victory against 4th-ranked Northwest Missouri State last weekend. Coach Brown felt that this victory was key in sparking motivation within his players.
“It really locked our guys in. They know Northwest is a very good team. They know when they’re looking at UCO on film that they’re a very good football team,” said Brown. “They know that we still have the opportunity to win this conference, or at least share this conference.”
Though the offense did little damage, Mezera broke the current school record for career pass completions with his 556th completion during the game’s first quarter.
Coach Brown believes that when this offense finds its confidence and pairs with the team’s strong defense, the Tigers are bound to find success.
“The way they played tonight, if they can build off of that, they’re going to be very good by the end of the season,” said Brown.