Solid Defense Helps Tigers to 24-7 Win Over Rival Nebraska-Kearney

FHSU Sports Information Department

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a strong defensive effort for a 24-7 win over long-time rival Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday (Oct. 31) at Lewis Field Stadium. The Tigers allowed just eight first downs and dominated time of possession to move to 6-3 on the season. UNK remained winless, now 0-9.

The Lopers had three first downs on their opening drive of the game, but it ended in an interception by John Wilson at the FHSU 11-yardline. From that point, the Tiger defense allowed only five first downs the remainder of the game.

Neither team scored in the opening quarter, but the Tigers put 10 on the board in the second to lead 10-0 at halftime. Derek Kendall-Campbell had a 1-yard touchdown run at 6:54 and then Drew O’Brien hit a 22-yard field goal with nine seconds before the half.

The Tigers chewed up an enormous amount of time in the third quarter, finally capping an 18-play, 67-yard drive with a 2-yard Shaquille Cooper touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. The drive took 7:40 off the clock and FHSU led 17-0 with 14:56 to go in the game.

The Lopers went without a first down in both the second and third quarter, which spanned five consecutive drives. UNK finally made some noise in the fourth when Bronson Marsh found Cougar Williams for a 66-yard pass that went to the FHSU 5-yardline. Marsh eventually had a one-yard touchdown run with 7:58 remaining to cut the FHSU lead to 17-7.

Fort Hays State put the game out of reach later when Treveon Albert found Derek Kendall-Campbell for a 61-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers led 24-7 with 5:12 remaining, putting the game out of reach.

Kendall-Campbell’s long touchdown reception capped a great day as he ran for 45 yards and had 73 receiving yards for 118 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Albert threw for 212 yards on 15-of-24 passing.

Cooper led the Tigers in rushing with 93 yards while Albert rushed for 90 yards. Albert finished with 302 total yards of offense in the game. Isaiah Maxi caught five passes for 70 yards.

The FHSU defense allowed a season-low 242 yards of total offense and also a season-low 60 yards rushing. Jose Delgado led the FHSU defensive effort with eight tackles. Sie Doe, Jr. and Brock Long each recorded sacks.

The Tigers head to Missouri Southern next week for their final regular season road game. Kickoff is set for 3 pm on Saturday (Nov. 7) in Joplin.

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