BY CAYDEN SANDERS
PHOTOS BY JESS KIRCHHOFF
Fort Hays entered the weekend coming off a thrilling overtime win over Central Missouri and the Tigers looked to improve on their record even more on Hall of Fame weekend versus the Hornets of Emporia State. However, FHSU stalled again, losing to the Hornets 15-12.
The athletics department had an early morning with the start of the Induction of the Fort Hays State Sports Hall of Fame. They inducted David McLeland, Jr Hartig, Richard Lowe, Edgar Eason, Trevell Smittick, and Jesus Villarreal.
Fort Hays and Emporia looked to be pretty matched opponents as the first half would only have a field goal from Fort Hays. After halftime, the Tigers got deep into Hornet territory but the Hornet defense came out strong and stopped the Tiger offense to settle for a field goal. The Tiger offense finally found the endzone for the day and pushed the lead to 12-0 late in the second half.
“We just didn’t finish today, It’s the same thing we have been talking about with our kids all of the time, everything you do you have to finish,” Head Coach Chris Brown said. “I don’t know if some of the guys are wanting to put in the work to finish, its a tough season but we have two games left and our seniors only have six hours of true football left and we as a whole need to compete together.”
The Hornets scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter,and then again with :58 left in the game and took the lead and the game at 15-12. Chance Fuller and the offense had a chance to win the game, and Fuller did not get the Tigers down the field as a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage ended the game. Fort Hays added another loss to their season and moved to 4-5 on the year.
“It’s all about character right now, and pride, we are going to see the true colors of these kids these next few weeks. Who they are as individuals and see if they want to compete and if they don’t, then maybe they don’t need to be here.” Brown said.
FHSU plays its final road game this Saturday against Northeastern State. Kickoff from Talequah is set for 1:00 p.m.