By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Fort Hays State nearly erased a 12-point second half deficit, only to come up short 26-21 at Missouri Western Saturday afternoon. After hauling in a 41-yard catch and run to the Griffon seven yard line, Evan Jennings was unable to haul in a pass in the back of the endzone on the game’s final play.

Treveon Albert’s one-yard run with 11:36 to play pulled the Tigers within five. Albert completed 21 of 44 passes for 290 yards and touchdown while rushing for 76 and a score. Shaquille Cooper rushed for 114 yards and a score. He also had five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Flory hauled in seven catches for 118 yards but left with what appeared to be a severe knee injury.

Chris Brown Postgame Interiew

 

Doyin Jibowu / Evan Jennings Postgame Interview

 

Game Highlights

 

 

The Tigers had three chances to take the lead in the fourth quarter, coming up empty each time. Albert threw an interception following an FHSU fumble recovery and they went three-and-out after forcing a Griffon punt prior to their last possession.

Shaquille Cooper’s 67-yard touchdown run in the Tigers first possession gave them an early 7-3 lead. It was a lead they would keep until the Griffons scored 16 unanswered over the final six and-a-half minutes of the second quarter in building a 19-7 halftime lead.

The Tigers outgained the Griffons 479 yards to 441.

Both teams are now 4-2.