By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

Central Oklahoma ran 36 more plays and dominated the time of possession and beat the Fort Hays State Tigers 26-7 in the season opener for both in front of 4,133 a Lewis Field Thursday night. The Bronchos, who had lost 19 of their last 21 road games, amassed 489 yards on 81 plays and had the ball for 40:44. The Tigers were held to 181 yards on 45 plays and only had the ball for 19:16.

Chris Brown Postgame News Conference

Daniel Lindsey / DeAndre James Postgame Interview

 

After a scoreless first quarter, UCO grabbed the lead on the first play of the second quarter, scoring on a 24 yard touchdown pass to Connor Pulley. The Tigers looked like they were going to answer on their next possession, but a controversial fumble by redshirt freshman James Sullivan at the five yard line gave the ball back to the Bronchos. Kevin Spain, who replaced starter Treveon Albert in the second quarter, hit Ed Williams on a 38-yard pass on third and nine then connected with Isaiah Maxi for 18 yards before the fumble, which appeared to come after Sullivan had already hit the ground.

Game Highlights

 

UCO quarterback Chas Stallard scored on an 11 yard run two possessions later to give the Bronchos a 14-0 lead at halftime.

The Bronchos controlled the second half, forcing the Tigers to punt on four their five possessions and picking off a pass on the other.

FHSU’s only score came late in the third quarter on a DeAndre James 89 yard kickoff return. It was the Tigers first kickoff return for a touchdown since C.J. Lovett returned one against Western State in the 2009 season opener.

Senior running back Edward Smith was injured on the Tigers first possession and didn’t return. Kevin Spain and Kenneth Iheme both rushed for 22 yards to lead the Tigers ground game. Spain completed 3-of-13 passes for 65 yards and threw an interception. Treveon Albert completed 4-of-9 for just 24 yards. Ed Williams hauled in three catches for 64 yards.

Punter Drew O’Brien launched a 78 yard punt late in the game, tying Adam Ryan for the second longest punt in Fort Hays State history.

The 0-1 Tigers make their first trip to Tahlequah, Oklahoma a week from Saturday to play Northeastern State. The River Hawks are at No. 9 Pittsburg State Saturday night.