FHSU Athletics
EMPORIA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Football finished up its 2025 regular season at 6-5 overall and 5-4 in the MIAA on Saturday with a 13-7 win at Emporia State. The Tigers nearly shutout the Hornets, holding them scoreless until 45 seconds remaining in the game. Emporia State dropped to 5-6 overall and 4-5 in the MIAA.
The Tigers capitalized early, scoring 10 of their 13 points in the first quarter and then added a field goal in the fourth quarter. Freshman kicker Kole Rogers bookended the scoring for FHSU with a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter and then a 43-yard field goal with seven minutes to go in the game. Caleb Heavner had the only Tiger touchdown on a 6-yard run with a second remaining in the first quarter.
The Tiger defense intercepted two passes and recovered one fumble, while not committing any turnovers of their own. FHSU held ESU to 316 yards of total offense and generated just 188, but it was still enough to get a win in Emporia for the second-straight year. Koa McIntyre and Jalen Williams had the interceptions for the Tigers. John Johnson led the Tigers with nine tackles, finishing the season with 113 and 343 in his career.
The Hornets had a quick 58-second drive late in the game for their only touchdown, a 13-yard pass from Mason Dennis to Malik O'Atis, but the Tigers recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the win.
Caleb Heavner led the Tiger offense with 93 rushing yards, followed by Curtis Douglas with 78.
Mason Dennis led ESU with 189 passing yards, while Diego Cearns rushed for 46 yards. Ethan Schultze had 71 receiving yards. Landon Boss had 14 tackles for ESU.
Fort Hays State finished in fourth place in the MIAA standings, just one game back of third-place Central Oklahoma at 6-3. Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State tied for the conference crown at 8-1.