Fort Hays State could not get any rhythm in the season opener against Central Oklahoma on Thursday night (Sept. 4) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. The offense struggled mightily and the only points for FHSU came on an 89-yard kick return touchdown in a 26-7 loss.

The Tiger offense, just a year removed from putting up the third-most first downs in school history for a single season, generated only nine first downs on the night. The Tigers had only 181 yards of total offense compared to 489 for UCO. The lack of first downs allowed UCO to keep the FHSU defense on the field and they controlled the clock, holding the ball for 40:44 compared to 19:16 for FHSU. UCO ran off 36 more plays on offense than FHSU.

Kevin Spain and Kenneth Iheme tied as the top rushers for FHSU, each with 22 yards. Spain threw for 65 yards, completing just 3-of-13 passes. Ed Williams led the Tigers in receiving with 64 yards on three catches.

DeAndre James had the big highlight of the night for FHSU, an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 1:09 to go in the third quarter. That cut the UCO lead to 20-7 at that point, but UCO countered on the next drive with a 40-yard pass play that deflated any momentum the Tigers had just seized. The Bronchos tacked on a field goal at the end of the drive and never let FHSU make a push the rest of the way.

Central Oklahoma had a pair of 100-yard rushers, Jake Gandara with 136 yards and quarterback Chas Stallard with 107. Stallard threw for 204 yards and a touchdown.

Fort Hays State had four defenders record double digits in tackles. Micheal Jordan led the way with 12, followed by Daniel Lindsey, Justin McPhail, and Brock Long all with 11. Drew O'Brien tied the second-longest punt in FHSU history, a 78-yard boot in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers head on the road next week for the MIAA Television Network Game of the Week at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla. Game time is set for 2 pm.