By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS - Washburn raced out to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter and never let off the gas, beating Fort Hays State 45-14 in front of a homecoming crowd of over 51-hundred Saturday night at Lewis Field.
The Ichabods (4-2) took control early, scoring on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Kellen Simoncic to Collin Wilson on third and 10. Mikah Skebo blocked an Ethan Sosser punt on the Tigers first possession which was returned seven yards by Tyler Bowden for a touchdown for a 14-0 lead. They added a one-yard touchdown run in the first play of the second quarter to extend the lead to 21-0.
After Washburn botched a field goal attempt, the Tigers were able to put together a 10-play drive which resulted in a six-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jack Dawson, who was playing for the injured Chance Fuller, with 7:20 to play in the second quarter.
The Ichabods added a 47-yard field goal on the final play of the second quarter for a 24-7 halftime lead.
Washburn forced the Tigers (1-5) to a pair of three-and-out on their first two possessions and put the game away with three unanswered touchdowns to push the lead to 45-7.
Dawson connected with Manny Ramsey on a 25-yard touchdown pass late in the third to complete the scoring.
Dawson completed 17-of-25 passes for 235 yards with one touchdown an one interception. Ramsey had four catches for 85 yards. Clay Robinson led the Tigers in rushing with 46 on four carries.
Layke Heimerman had 10 tackles.
Simoncic completed 18-of-26 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns for Washburn. Taylon Peters added 73 rushing yards on 10 carries and also led them in receiving with 71 yards on three receotions and a touchdown.
Grant Bruner, who leads NCAA II in tackles, led WU with eight.
The Tigers play at Central Oklahoma next Saturday at 2 p.m.