By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS, Kan. - Shane Watts rushed for a career-high 162 yards, the Tiger defense had four sacks and FHSU overcame four turnovers to beat Nebraska-Kearney 31-17 Saturday at Lewis Field for their third-straight win.
The Tigers (5-2, 4-2 MIAA) raced out to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter and held the Lopers (2-5, 2-5 MIAA) at bay the rest of the way thanks in part to a solid ground game that produced 235 yards while holding UNK to just 165 yards of total offense.
Watts led the Tigers rushing attack with 162 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. He also caught a pair of passes for 19 yards for 181 all-purpose yards. Travis Dixon added a season-high 57 yards on seven carries.
Fort Hays State took advantage of a brisk north wind and solid defense to grab the early lead. Following a three-and-out and short punt into the wind, the Tigers started their first drive at the UNK 33 which resulted in a 22-yard Carson Arndt field goal. After another three-and-out, FHSU took over near mid-field. Nine plays later, Jack Dawson connected with Jayden Horace on a two-yard TD pass to push the lead to 10-0.
The lead grew to 17-0 when Dawson hit tight end Cale Cormaney on a 16-yard shovel pass on the first play of the second quarter. The Lopers would score the final 10 points of the quarter to close within 17-10 at the break.
Despite going into the wind, the Tigers took control of the game in the third quarter. Shane Watts broke off a 28-yard run and Dawson found Horace for a 26-yard touchdown pass on fourth and nine to put FHSU up 31-10.
Dawson finished went 21 of 32 through the air for 177 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. Cormaney had a team-high seven catches for 60 yards.
The Tiger defense contained dual threat quarterback T.J. Davis to just 91 passing yards and 13 rushing yards. The defensive line wreaked havoc all day. Myles Menges recorded 2.5 sacks and six tackles. Parrish Terry added a team-best eight tackles with a sack. Makel Williams had an interception at the end of the third quarter to keep the Tigers well in control.
Zane Schawang led the Lopers with 45 yards rushing. AJ McPhee caught one pass for 63 yards.
UP NEXT
Fort Hays State is on the road next week at Washburn, Kickoff at Yager Stadium in Topeka will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 21.