Late scoring drive lifts Tigers to upset over No. 13 Emporia State

By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

FHSU's Evan Jennings hauls in the game-winning catch against undefeated Emporia State. (Bob Duffy) — FHSU’s Evan Jennings hauls in the game-winning catch against undefeated Emporia State. (Bob Duffy)

HAYS, Kan. – Evan Jennings’ 20-yard touchdown reception with 0:52 seconds to play gave Fort Hays State the lead for good, lifting the Tigers to a 27-24 upset win over No. 13 Emporia State Saturday afternoon at Lewis Field. The catch capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive scoring drive which came after Emporia State’s Mitchell Foote returned a punt 66-yards for a touchdown giving the Hornets a 24-20 lead with 2:42 to play.

Garrett Holle hauled in a 27-yard pass and Isaiah Maxi a 20-yard one-handed grab on the go-ahead drive which helped the Tigers overcome 10-0 first quarter deficit. FHSU improves to 5-2 with the win while the Hornets fall to 6-1.

Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference

Treveon Albrert / Brock Long Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Raheeme Dumas, John Wilson and Brock Long all had interceptions in the game. Long’s came with 0:01 to play to seal the win.

The Tigers had a season-high 493 yards offense, 375 of them on the ground. Shaquille Cooper led the way with 216 yards including an 89-yard TD run to put FHSU up 20-17 with 7:51 to play.

Treveon Albert rushed for 151 yards and a score while completing 10-of-20 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Brock Long recorded 22 tackles, three off the school’s Division II single-game record.