By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the MIAA with a 31-28 win over Washburn on Saturday (Oct. 21) at Yager Stadium. The Tigers held off a late rally by the Ichabods after leading by 17 with just over six minutes to go. Washburn fell to 1-7 overall and 0-7 in the MIAA.
The Tigers saw the Ichabods rally back within striking distance in both halves. FHSU took a 14-0 lead through one quarter of play only to be outscored 14-3 in the second quarter, holding a narrow 17-14 lead at halftime.
The Tigers dominated time of possession in the third quarter and scored a pair of touchdowns to extend their lead out to 31-14. But a blocked field goal with just under seven minutes remaining in the game sparked a second run by the Ichabods. Washburn landed a couple of big plays on offense to score two touchdowns in a span of less than four minutes, getting back within three points of FHSU with 2:35 to play. The Tigers converted a key 3rd-and-4 with 1:40 to play as Jack Dawson connected with Cale Cormaney for a nine-yard pass to put the game away.
The Tigers outgained the Ichabods by 207 total yards (487-280), but still had to hold on in the end despite running 24 more offensive plays in the game. They possessed the ball nearly 13 more minutes than the Ichabods. FHSU was good on the ground for the fourth straight week, finishing with 196 rushing yards. Shane Watts led the way with 144 yards and two rushing scores, both in the third quarter. Jack Dawson threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns, finding Jayden Horace and Colt Fuller for touchdowns through the air in the first quarter. Trevor Watts had a team-high 10 receptions for 81 yards, while Bryson Smithled in receiving yards with 87 on four catches.
John Johnson led the Tiger defense with seven tackles, while Myles Menges had both sacks in the game for FHSU. Sam Brandt had a pair of pass breakups.
Sam Van Dyne led Washburn on offense with 202 passing yards. Teondre Carter ran for a team-high 56 yards and two touchdowns. D.J. Bell had 82 receiving yards.
Fort Hays State returns home to take on Central Oklahoma in the annual Hall of Fame Game at Lewis Field Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 28). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Hays.