FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State shutout Missouri Southern in the second half, pulling away for a 31-7 Homecoming game win in front of 9,127 Saturday night at Lewis Field. The Tigers have now won four-straight Homecoming contests and moved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, The Lions fell to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the MIAA.
After playing to a 7-7 tie through the first quarter, Fort Hays State outscored MSSU 24-0 over the final three quarters. Fort Hays State finished with 220 rushing yards and 199 passing yards, while defensively the Tigers had three sacks and Matthew McBride picked off two passes.
The Tigers wasted no time getting on the board as LaAngelo Bell rushed the first play from scrimmage 75 yards for a touchdown to electrify the crowd of 9,127. Missouri Southern leveled the score with a 43-yard touchdown drive capped on a one-yard touchdown run by Allen Mitchell. The Tigers took the lead for good at the 5:45 mark of the second quarter on an AG Floyd 9-yard rushing touchdown.
Two big passing plays gave the Tigers breathing room in the third quarter. Cade Evans broke free up the right side on a 54-yard touchdown reception from Major Cantrell at the 11:02 mark and Walter Flounory caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Cantrell at the 4:41 mark. McBride's first interception of two on MSSU's drive between FHSU's touchdown drives helped the Tigers pull away further. The Tigers controlled the ball for the majority of the fourth quarter and capped the scoring with a 33-yard field goal by Zane Colson.
LaAngelo Bell led the Tigers with 127 rushing yards, while AG Floyd added 84. Major Cantrell threw for 199 yards and Walter Flounory led in receiving yards with 80. Michael Polley led the Tigers in tackles with eight, McBride had the pair of interceptions, and Gaven Haselhorst, Taderian Partee, Legend Robinson, Eli Moulton, and Shadryon Blanka all had a hand in sacks.
For Missouri Southern, Tillman Martin threw for 186 yards, while Allen Mitchell ran for 46. Isaiah Padello had 107 receiving yards. Peyton McKee led in tackles with nine.
The Tigers head to Edmond, Oklahoma next week to face Central Oklahoma. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 10.