The Fort Hays State Tigers scored 20 unanswered second half points to rally from a 13-point halftime deficit and defeat Nebraska-Kearney 30-23 on a windy day at Cope Stadium in Kearney.
The Lopers used two long punt returns to set up short scoring drives and led 20-3. Tanner Hageman’s 55-yard touchdown reception from Anthony Sheppard pulled the Tigers within 20-10. The Lopers got a 44-yard field goal with 2:14 left in the second quarter.
Shaquille Cooper broke a 52-yard touchdown on the Tigers first possession of the second half to pull within a touchdown at 23-16 following a missed extra point.
After the defense forced a three-and-out and an 11-yard Kearney punt, FHSU had the ball at the UNK 35, two plays later Sheppard hit Cornelius Gallon for a 37-yard touchdown then tied the game on Drew O’Brien’s extra point tied the game at 23.
Fort Hays State would get the ball back with 9:56 to play at their own 35 when they manufactured a nine-play 75-yard scoring drive, scoring on a Cooper 18-yard run with 6:24 to play.
The Lopers had one final chance with under a minute to play, but Keke Paul intercepted a Matt Berry pass to seal the win.
FHSU finshed with 426 yards of offense while the defense held UNK to 134 yards in the second half.
Anthony Sheppard completed 19 of 34 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 78 yards on 19 carries. Shaquille Cooper rushed for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns. Tanner Hageman had five catches for 116 yards and a score.
FHSU finishes the season 5-6 and 4-6 in the MIAA. UNK ends their first season in the MIAA 3-8 and 2-8 in the MIAA.