HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State scored 21 unanswered points to overcome a 17-0 second quarter deficit and beat Pittsburg State 21-17 in front of 6,875 Saturday night at Lewis Field. The Tigers improve to 6-0, their best start since 1983 and beat the Gorillas at home for the first time since 1978.

Chris Brown Postgame Interview

Kenneth Iheme Postgame Interview

Jose Delgado Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Kenneth Iheme rushed for 189 and two touchdowns. His 47 yard scamper after a Pitt State fumble put the Tigers on the board with 6:06 to play in the second quarter. He gave the Tigers their first lead on a two-yard touchdown run with 11:34 to play in the game

The Gorillas (2-4) drove to the Tiger 18 in the closing seconds but failed to complete a pass in their final three attempts. After Kamon Clayton knocked away passes in the endzone on second and third down, Nathan Shepherd hit PSU quarterback John Roderique on the final play of the game forcing the pass to fall short and preserve the victory.

Jacoby Williams completed 6 of 10 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown and an interception after starter Jacob Mezera left in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Mezera threw an interception to defensive lineman Simanu’a Thomas which was returned 22 yards for a touchdown to push the PSU lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter.

Williams hit tight end Matt Wendelberger on a 70-yard TD strike with 48 seconds to play in the second quarter to pull the Tigers within 17-14.

Pitt State ran 35 more plays than the Tigers but gained one less yard. They had the ball for 38:16 compared to FHSU’s 21:44.

Roderique led the Gorillas with 131 rushing yards while completing 12 of 28 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.