Box Score Fort Hays State picked up a 30-23 win over Nebraska-Kearney in the season finale Saturday (Nov. 10) in Kearney, Neb. Down 23-10 at the half, the Tigers shut out the Lopers 20-0 in the second half to finish the year at 5-6 overall and 4-6 in the MIAA. The Tigers saw a one-win improvement overall and in conference from last year.

The Lopers were up 20-3 in the second quarter before the Tigers struck for their first touchdown of the game on a 55-yard pass from Anthony Sheppard to Tanner Hageman. The Lopers tacked on a field goal before halftime to push their lead back to 13.

The Tigers pulled within seven early in the third quarter when Shaquille Cooper had a 52-yard touchdown run. It was Cooper's third touchdown run of over 50 yards for the season. The extra-point conversion failed leaving the Lopers in the lead by seven.

With 6:34 remaining in the third, the Tigers pulled even with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Sheppard to Cornelius Gallon. It capped a quick two-play 50-second drive.

Cooper had the game-winning touchdown run in the fourth quarter at the 6:24 mark from 18 yards out. The touchdown run pushed Cooper over the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time this year as he finished with 106 on 17 carries. The Tigers covered 80 yards in nine plays. A 34-yard Hageman receptioninto Loper territory triggered the game-winning drive.

Senior cornerback Keke Paul sealed the Tiger win with his team-leading fourth interception of the season at the FHSU 39-yardine with under a minute to play.

Anthony Sheppard had a huge day at quarterback for the Tigers in his final collegiate game. The senior went 19-of-32 passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns and also gained 78 yards on the ground on 19 carries. He had 322 yards of total offense in the game. Tanner Hageman had the third 100-yard receiving game by a Tiger this year (the other two were by Cornelius Gallon) with 119 yards on five catches. Senior linebacker Layton Hickel led FHSU in tackles with 14, tying his career high.

The Tigers outgained the Lopers in total offense 426-368. FHSU held the Lopers to just 86 yards of passing.