The Fort Hays State Tigers scored 20 unanswered points after falling behind 17-7 in the third quarter as they rally for a 27-17 win over Emporia State in their season opener in front of over 47-hundred last night at Lewis Field.

Despite giving up over 500 yards in the game, the Tiger defense came up big, forcing three turnovers and blocking a field goal on the Hornets last four possessions of the game.

Quarterback Blake McAhren struggled early but settled down to complete 19-of-30 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Edward Smith rushed for 97 yards on 24 carries and a score while Andre Smith added 92 yards.

Anthony Smith got the Tigers on board early in the second quarter with a 13 yard touchdown catch. Keaton Callins pulled the Tigers within a field goal with a little over five minutes to play in the third with a 26 yard TD catch.

Tyler Kimbrough tied the game early in the fourth quarter with a 20 yard field goal following a Hornet fumble. He hit a 49-yarder with 6:28 to play to give the Tigers the lead for good.

A Korey Allison interception and 55 yard return set up the games final score, a three-yard plunge from from Edward Smith with 1:38 to play. 

Alex Whitehill led the Tigers with 15 tackles, five of them solo.

Chris Brown Postgame News Conference
Chris Brown

Korey Allison and Blake McAhren Postgame Inteviews
Player Interviews

Game Highlights
Highlights