Missouri Western (1-2, 0-1 MIAA) at
RV/#22 Fort Hays State (2-2, 1-1 MIAA)
Saturday, September 27 – 7 p.m.
Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Stadum
 
Game Sponsor: Big Creek Crossing
Theme: Blackout (Wear black to the game). - Black FHSU Football t-shirts will be sold at the East Gate while supplies last.
 
Fort Hays State football will host Missouri Western for Homecoming on Saturday evening (Sept. 27) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The RV/No. 22 ranked Tigers enter the contest at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA, while the Griffons enter at 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA.
 
The Tigers are coming off a tough loss to No. 18/10 ranked Pittsburg State last week in Pittsburg. FHSU held a 16-10 lead going into the fourth quarter, only to see PSU score 21 unanswered points in the final frame to win 31-16 on its home field. Both FHSU and PSU have played very tough schedules on paper to open the season and both are now 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA. PSU has played ranked teams in all four of its contests so far this year, while FHSU has played ranked teams three out of four games this year.
 
Missouri Western is coming off a loss in its MIAA opener against Central Missouri at home by a score of 34-26. In non-conference action, the Griffons fell to Augustana (S.D.) to open the season before defeating Missouri S&T.
 
Fort Hays State defeated Missouri Western in Hays last year by a score of 30-16. That snapped a five-game losing streak in the series with the Griffons. Down 13-10 at halftime, the Tigers outscored the Griffons 13-0 in the third quarter to take a 23-13 lead and went on to win by 14.
 
There are only three teams remaining that are unbeaten in MIAA play this year. Northwest Missouri State and Central Oklahoma are both 2-0, while Central Missouri is 1-0. Seven conference teams have at least one loss in MIAA play.
 
Fort Hays State quarterback Caleb Heavner has 750 passing yards this season, while rushing for 137. Travis Dixon is the team leader in rushing yards with 167, while Donovan Hunt gives the Tigers three players with at least 100 rushing yards this season, currently with 106. Ryan Allen leads Tiger receivers at 153 yards for the season, while Ethan Hilliman has a team-high 14 catches.
 
On defense, John Johnson leads the Tigers with 33 tackles, while Gaven Haselhorst leads in sacks with 3.0. Michael Polley has two of the team's three interceptions for the season.
 
Kane Donovan heads the Missouri Western offense with 729 passing yards for the season. His top target has been Bryce Marcus III with 14 catches for 167 yards. Brandon Hall leads the ground game with 174 rushing yards, while Marrell Fountain has 142. Kienan Gaskin and Drew Scott lead the MWSU defense with 16 tackles each.