No. 18 Pittsburg State storms back late to beat Fort Hays State

Story by GARRETT WELLBROCK Photos by PARKER NISBETH

Tiger Media Network

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Fort Hays State left Carnie Smith Stadium on Saturday night with familiar feelings: a strong start, a lead heading into the fourth quarter, and ultimately a loss to the Gorillas – this time dropping the game 31-16.

“We’ve got to quit kicking field goals — we’ve got to get touchdowns in those situations,” Head Coach Chris Brown said. “Until we start doing that, these things will continue to happen.”

The Tigers (2-2, 1-1) led 16-10 heading into the final quarter behind three David Arriaga field goals and a defense that limited the Gorillas for three quarters. But one play changed everything.

With 8:48 left, Pittsburg State (2-2, 1-1) connected on a 78-yard touchdown pass that flipped the scoreboard and the momentum. An interception gave the Gorillas another short field, and a fumble minutes later set up one more score. What was a six-point Tiger lead turned into a 15-point loss in less than nine minutes.

Safety Michael Polley, who had his second interception in as many weeks, said the Tigers simply wore down.

“We brought a lot of energy, but towards the second half they were just more physical than we were, at least defensively,” Polley said. “We’ve just got to be better.”

Still, Polley said the defense never lost its belief.

“This defense is just a family,” he said. “We always believe in each other. We’re a brotherhood.”

The numbers told a similar story. Fort Hays outgained Pittsburg State 396-389, held the Gorillas to just 234 yards through three quarters, and had 23 first downs compared to PSU’s 20. But the Tigers finished only 2-for-5 in the red zone and committed three turnovers — two of which led directly to Gorillas touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Running back Donovan Hunt, a North Dakota transfer in his first season at Fort Hays, said the offense needs to make scoring a priority.

“We’ve got to put up points,” Hunt said. “That’s what separates good from great. Three points are okay, but to win games in this conference, and to do what we want to do, we’ve got to execute in the red zone and finish with touchdowns.”

Hunt led the Tigers with 76 rushing yards and added an impact as a receiver, collecting 6 receptions for 45 yards, but he said the standard has to change in practice before it changes on Saturdays.

“We’ve got to come with a different mindset — like we’re trying to dominate,” Hunt said. “Somebody has to step up and make a play.”

Even so, Hunt appreciated the stage. Carnie Smith Stadium was sold out, with nearly 10,000 fans in attendance. 

“As far as the D2 level, this has been a great atmosphere,” he said. “They’ve got a nice thing going on here, nice scenery, nice stadium.”

For Brown, though, atmosphere wasn’t the problem. Execution was.

“We’ve got to find a way to get points on the board,” he said. “And we’ve got to play four quarters.”

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