HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State defeated Nebraska-Kearney 26-7 on Saturday night (Sept. 13) at Lewis Field Stadium. The RV/No. 22 ranked Tigers capitalized on a strong defensive performance, highlighted by a 78-yard interception return for a touchdown by Michael Polley, and David Arriaga converted all four of his field goal attempts, ensuring a comfortable victory. FHSU led 26-0 before UNK scored its touchdown late. The Tigers moved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the MIAA, while the Lopers are 2-1 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA.
 
Fort Hays State put together a methodical 11-play, 70-yard drive in the first quarter, culminating in a two-yard rushing touchdown by Travis Dixon to take a 7-0 lead. The FHSU defense was firm, breaking up four UNK passes and allowing only 16 yards through the air in the period.
 
Fort Hays State extended its lead to 17-0 by halftime. David Arriaga successfully converted a 42-yard field goal and added an extra point following Michael Polley's big 78-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Lopers were driving late in the quarter and the interception thwarted any chance of a close contest at halftime. The Fort Hays State defense limited UNK to 52 passing yards in the first half and forced one turnover on downs.
 
In the third quarter, Fort Hays State extended its lead to 23-0 with two field goals by Arriaga, from 38 and 34 yards. Parrish Terry forced a fumble on UNK's first drive of the half, recovered by Jalen Williams, which led to the first of the field goals. John Johnson and Kayson Dietz each had sacks in the quarter, with Dietz's stop creating a turnover on downs.
 
Fort Hays State controlled the clock in the fourth quarter. Arriaga supplied his final field goal of the night from 27 yards with 4:05 to play. The Lopers drove 65 yards for their only score of the night, an eight-yard touchdown run by Jahmez Ross. Koa McIntyre had a forced and recovered fumble in the quarter.
 
The Lopers held a slight edge in total offense 272-270. Each team had a 100-yard rusher. Travis Dixon pounded out 110 yards for the Tigers, while Isaiah Harris had 107 for the Lopers. Caleb Heavner finished with 134 passing yards, completing 17-of-28 throws. Ryan Allen led the Tigers in receiving with 47 yards. Daron Bryden led UNK in passing with 89 yards and Zane Schawang had 31 receiving yards.
 
Johnson led the Tiger defense with seven tackles and a sack. Williams added six tackles with his fumble recovery. Ife Current and CJ Kuehl tied for the Loper team lead in tackles with nine each.
 
Fort Hays State will travel to take on another ranked team next week when it plays at Pittsburg State. The No. 24/16 ranked Gorillas knocked off No. 3/5 ranked Grand Valley State on Saturday in non-conference play. Game time is set for 4 p.m. in Pittsburg on Saturday, September 20.