Box Score Box Score

The Fort Hays State football team jumped out to an early lead, but had to hold on in the end defeating Lincoln (Mo.) by a score of 24-21 in Jefferson City, Mo., on Saturday (Oct. 1). Fort Hays State looked to be running away with the game early up 14-0 right out of the gates, but the offense sputtered for the rest of the game, allowing Lincoln to hang around and make it interesting in the end. Fort Hays State moved to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the MIAA, while Lincoln dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-4 in the MIAA.

A 7-yard touchdown pass from Blake McAhren to Anthony Smith opened the scoring for the Tigers less than three minutes in, capping an 11-play, 61-yard game opening drive. The Tigers struck quickly for their second score, with Edward Smith reaching the endzone on a 39-yard run at the 9:02 mark of the first quarter.

Lincoln stopped the fast-gaining momentum of FHSU following that score as Fred Fuller returned the ensuing kickoff 84 yards for the first Blue Tiger touchdown of the game.

Fort Hays State capped its scoring in the opening quarter with a 28-yard field goal by Tyler Kimbrough. The field goal was set up by a blocked punt from Keaton Callins which the Tigers recovered at the Lincoln 11-yard line. It was one of two blocked punts by the Tigers on the day.

The Tiger offense began to struggle in the second quarter when the first drive resulted in a fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Lincoln recovered the fumble at the FHSU 21-yardline, but the FHSU defense held tough by forcing a turnover on downs at the FHSU 13.

FHSU had another golden opportunity wasted after blocking their second punt of the afternoon, this time by Anthony Smith which set the Tigers up at the Lincoln 35-yardline. However, the Tigers lost yardage on the drive, forcing Ethan Kosjer's third punt of the second quarter.

The Tiger defense held tough once again deep in its own territory early in the third quarter, stopping a 19-play drive by Lincoln on the FHSU 18-yardline on an interception by Nick Dreitz. But, a breakdown by the Tiger defense later in the third quarter resulted in Lincoln's second touchdown of the game as quarterback Jacob Morris rushed for a 48-yard touchdown.

FHSU finally capitalized on a fumble forced by Sherod Murdock deep in Lincoln's territory early in the fourth quarter as Blake McAhren found Chase Leake for a 9-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage after the turnover. The Tigers went up 24-14 with 12:24 remaining in the game.

After both teams traded punts for their next two possessions, Lincoln put together a drive late to put pressure on FHSU, using 12 plays to cover 76 yards, capped on a four-yard rushing touchdown by Robert Redmond with 1:40 remaining. However, Fort Hays State recovered the ensuing onside kick and then picked up a first down to run out the clock.

Lincoln outgained Fort Hays State in total yards 338 to 294 an had a 21 to 13 advantage in first downs. Fort Hays State had 191 total yards in the first quarter, but just 103 for the remainder of the game. Andre Smith led FHSU in rushing with 94 yards on 22 carries. Edward Smith went for 69 yards on 13 carries. Blake McAhren finished 10-of-23 passing for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Smith led FHSU receivers with four catches for 69 yards. Ricky Jacques led the Tigers in tackles with a career-high 18, followed by Alex Whitehill with 13.

Fort Hays State returns home next week for Homecoming as it hosts Pittsburg State at 7 pm on Saturday, October 8.