EMPORIA, Kan. – Fort Hays State couldn’t overcome four turnovers and lost 28-24 to Emporia State on a chilly afternoon at Welch Stadium.

After the Tigers (4-2) drove 76 yards in nine plays and scored on a three-yard touchdown run from D.J. Hickman to take a 24-21 lead, the Hornets (3-3) answered with a 15 play 69 yard drive to take the lead for good. Braxton Marstall, who completed 32 of 54 passes for 289 yards, hit Jordan Reed on a 13-yard strike after a scramble with 51 seconds to play.

FHSU would advance the ball to the Hornet 33 yard line but Jacob Mezera was sacked on the game’s final play.

Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference

Colt Trachsel Postgame Interview

Matt Wendelberger Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

Mezera completed 27 of 44 passes for 343 yards. He hit Harley Hazlett on a 41 yard touchdown on the Tigers fourth play of the game but also threw an interception at the Hornet six yard line in the second quarter.
The Tigers drove the Hornet one on their second possession but fumbled on third and goal. They would have another second quarter fumble inside Hornet territory and one at near their own 38 midway through the fourth quarter which led to an ESU touchdown.

The home team has won 11 of the last 13 games in the series. FHSU has lost eight of their last nine at Welch Stadium.