HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State scored nine points on the first two offensive plays of the game then tallied 31 unanswered after falling behind early in the second quarter and beat No. 18 Pittsburg State 50-21 Saturday afternoon at Lewis Field.
It’s the Tigers (5-2) third straight win over the Gorillas (5-2), a feat that has only happened one other time in 1936, 1937 and 1938.
Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference
Jacob Mezera Postgame Interview
Harley Hazlett Postgame Interview
Jose Delgado Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
Harley Hazlett hauled in a 75-yard touchdown catch from Jacob Mezera on the first play of the game, then after Pitt State mishandled the ensuing kickoff and started from their own two-yard line, Malik Young made a tackle in the endzone for a safety.
Pitt State answered with an 11-play, 92-yard scoring drive then took advantage of an FHSU fumble on a punt return to go up 14-12 with 14:22 to play in the second quarter.
The Tigers answered with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Mezera to tight end Matt Wendelberger to retake the lead for good with 13:04 in the second.
Layne Bieberle’s 47-yard catch set up a one-yard Harley Hazlett touchdown run to give the Tigers a 26-14 halftime lead.
Bieberle hauled in a 34-yard touchdown pass from Mezera late in the third quarter to push the Tigers lead to 43-14. It was Mezera’s 56th career touchdown pass, a new school record. He also passed Mike Garrison on the play as the Tigers all-time leader in passing yards.
Doyin Jibowo’s 22-yard interception return for a touchdown closed out the scoring with 4:12 to play. It was the second of three FHSU interceptions.
Bieberle had four receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. Hazlett had two catches for 81 yards and a touchdown along with 20 rushing on four carries and a score. D.J. Hickman made his first start at running back and rushed for 60 yards on 13 carries.
The Tigers defense forced four turnovers while holding the Gorillasto 348 yards. Jose Delgado led the defense with 12 tackles to move into second place for the most in the FHSU Division II era.
Up Next: FHSU travels to Kearney for an 11 a.m. game with Nebraska-Kearney. The Lopers lost 27-13 at Northwest Missouri State.