By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
TOPEKA - Emergency kicker Michael Polley booted a 34-yard field goal in overtime to lift Fort Hays State to a 13-10 win over Washburn on a rainy Saturday at Yager Stadium. The game-winner came after Washburn missed a 41 yard field goal attempt on their overtime possession.
The Tigers overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to avoid their first three-game losing streak in three years and improve to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the MIAA. Washburn falls to 2-6 and 1-5 in the MIAA. It was the fourth overtime game between FHSU and Washburn in the last six meetings in Topeka. Five of the last six games between the two in Topeka have been decided by three points, and all six of the games in that run have been decided by isix or less.
Washburn was called for holding on their first play of overtime and had to settle for a field goal try which sailed wide right. The Tigers picked up eight yards on their possession and had to turn to starting safety and emergency kicker Michael Polley for the game-winner after Zane Hall left the game midway through the third quarter with apparent leg injury following a kickoff.
The wet weather played a factor as both teams turned the ball over four times, with having three turnovers in the first half. The Ichabods first touchdown came after a Caleb Heavner interception was turned to the Ichabods 20 which set up a Ky Thomas 8-yard run. Washburn muffed a punt return prior to the intercption after forcing a three-and-out in the Tigers first possesson.
Both teams would fumble on their next possession. Washburn would add to their lead with a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
Defensive lineman Gaven Haselhorst intercepted a pass on Washburn's first possession of the third quarter and returned it 18 yards to the Ichabod 32-yardline. Caleb Heavner later scored on an 18-yard touchdown run to get the Tigers on the board. FHSU moved the ball deep into Washburn territory on their next drive which resulted in a Zane Hall 25-yard field goal to tie the game.
The two teams combined for six punts in the fourth quarter. The Tigers were denied on fourth down on one of their possessions after moving the ball down to the Washburn 34 yard line.
Fort Hays State held Washburn to 228 yards of total offense, a new low for a Tiger opponent this season. FHSU finished with 308 yards of total offense, with 213 of the yards on the ground. Heavner picked up his first 100-yard rushing game with 117 on 20 attempts. Curtis Douglas added a season-high 82 yards. Heavner threw for 95 yards, completing 16-of-25 attempts. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 48 receiving yards.
Shadryon Blanka led the FHSU defense with 10 tackles, his first double-digit tackle game as a Tiger. Koe McIntyre, Jakolbi Wilson, and Keiyon Turner all had fumble recoveries while Parrish Terry forced a fumble. Jalen Williams recorded the Tigers' only sack, while Haselhorst added his first career interception to help jump-start the Tiger offense in the second half.
Up next
Fort Hays State will host Central Missouri for Senior Day on Saturday, November 1 at 1 p.m. The newest Tiger Sports Hall of Fame class will also be honored at halftime of the game, which will be FHSU's final home contest of the season.