HAYS, Kan. – One week after clinching their first MIAA title, the Fort Hays State Tigers wrapped up their first undefeated regular season in 100 years after beating Nebraska-Kearney 41-7 in front of 5,128 on a cool, damp day at Lewis Field. The Tigers picked up 450 yards of offense and turned three UNK turnovers into 14 points to move to 11-0.

Chris Brown Postgame Interview

Layne Bieberle Postgame Interview

Tanner Hoekman Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Senior Trae Regier returned the opening kickoff 50 yards setting up the Tigers first touchdown, a two-yard run from fellow senior Kenneth Iheme. Harley Hazlett hauled in a one-yard shovel pass from Jacob Mezera to push the lead to 20-0 with 7:25 to play in the second quarter.

Tanner Hoekman returned in interception 33 yards for a touchdown with 35 seconds to play in the quarter to give the Tigers a 27-0 lead at halftime.

Matt Wendelberger caught a three-yard pass for a touchdown and Isaiah Blackmon capped a 15-play, 76-yard drive to cap the scoring. The Tigers closed out the game with a 21-play, 90-yard drive that ate the final 11:08 off the clock.

The Tigers rushed for 205 yards led by Kenneth Iheme who has 100 on 14 carries. Jacob Mezera completed 25 of 34 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Layne Bieberle and Harley Hazlett both had eight receptions. Bieberle had 105 yards and Hazlett 64.

FHSU will find out their playoff fate Sunday when the pairings are announced at 4pm.

[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]