By GARRETT WELLBROCK
Tiger Media Network
File Photo
Through the first month of the season, Fort Hays State has shown flashes of offensive balance and defensive toughness, but one issue continues to follow the Tigers: finishing drives.
The Tigers (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) have scored on just one of their opening possessions this fall and have often stalled in the red zone, settling for field goals or committing turnovers. FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown said cleaning up those mistakes will be crucial as FHSU prepares to host Missouri Western on Saturday.
“I feel like we moved the ball really well, outside of the red zone when we kicked field goals,” Brown said of last week’s loss at Pittsburg State. “Our offensive line had a really good game, gave protection, but we just didn’t get open as a receiving core. I still think we need to run our routes a little bit faster because everything in the pass game is about timing.”
The Tigers rank last in the MIAA with just 9.2 yards per completion and have struggled to sustain explosive plays through the air. Brown said the timing between quarterback Caleb Heavner and his receivers is still developing, but he saw growth in the run game with backs Joshua Clark and Donovan Hunt finding success.
“There were times we had protection for like six, seven, eight seconds, and we just didn’t get open,” Brown said. “Joshua Clark did some good things in the run game, Donovan Hunt did some great things, and Ryan Allen is always solid. We just have to take advantage when we get into the red zone and not panic.”
Execution inside the 20 will be tested against a Missouri Western defense that ranks among the nation’s best against the run, allowing just 54.3 yards per game, but has struggled mightily against the pass, allowing 336.3 yards per contest — last in the MIAA and near the bottom in Division II.
Missouri Western Head Coach Tyler Fenwick said his experienced front seven has carried the defense, while a new-look secondary continues to grow.
“These guys that are new to the lineup are going to have to grow up pretty quick and eliminate the mental errors,” Fenwick said. “Hopefully with more experience, we’ll be in the right spot at the right time to make those plays.”
The Griffons (1-2, 0-1) do control tempo, leading the MIAA in time of possession, at 33:08 per contest, and limiting giveaways with only three all season. Their methodical offense has produced long drives, including multiple 90-yard marches, which means FHSU’s defense will need to be opportunistic.
For Brown, the message is simple: avoid the mistakes that stall drives, and take advantage of opportunities in scoring range.
“Guys need to continue to do their job,” Brown said. “Penalties have hurt us in the red zone, and the interception last week. We’ve got to keep our focus and score touchdowns, not field goals.”
The Tigers have lost 16 of the last 19 meetings with Missouri Western, but snapped a five-game skid against the Griffons with last year’s 30-16 win on the road. A cleaner performance in the red zone could help make it two straight.
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