By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn scored two special teams touchdowns and on a fumble recovery in the endzone and beat Fort Hays State 30-24 Saturday afternoon at Yager Stadium, handing the Tigers their ninth straight loss in Topeka. The loss ends FHSU’s four-game win streak and drops them to 5-2. Washburn has won four of their last five and improves to 5-2.

The Tigers trailed 20-0 early in the second quarter, but missed opportunities cost them in the comeback attempt. The Tigers had three possessions into the Washburn redzone in the third quarter but scored only three points on a missed field goal and fumble.

The Ichabods pushed a nine-point halftime lead to 30-14 on a Bryce Chavis 83-yard punt return.

Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference

Alex Schmidtberger Postgame Interview

Jacob Mezera Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Ichabods scored on a 43-yard fake punt on their opening possession to grab the early lead. Austin Tillman’s fumble recovery in the endzone pushed the lead to 13-0. Derek McGinnis then connected with Bryce Chavis for 67-yard touchdown pass and the 20-0 lead early in the second.

The Tigers scored on their next two possessions on a T.J. Thomas capped an eight-play, 69-yard drive with a one-yard plunge then Shaquille Cooper scored on a 58-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Mezera.

Mezera hit J.J. Lewis on a two-yard pass with 0:52 but the Ichabods recovered the on-side kick and ran out the clock.

The Tigers finished with 433 yards of offense but were hurt by two turnovers. Jacob Mezera completed 30 of 47 passes for 354 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Shaquille Cooper and Kenneth Iheme both rushed for 57 yards. Cooper led the Tigers with 127 receiving

Washburn was held to 72 yards in the second half and 299 for the game.