FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Fort Hays State defense made several big plays leading to points in a 34-7 win at Northeastern State on Saturday (Sept. 24). The Tigers improved to 3-1 overall on the season, while the RiverHawks fell to 1-3 overall.
Neither team could find an offensive rhythm in the first quarter as the game remained scoreless until the 7:33 mark of the second quarter. The Tigers struck first, though, set up by an interception near midfield by Rashad Dunnigan. Shaquille Cooper had a 15-yard run and Matt Wendelberger added a 19-yard reception that put the Tigers inside the red zone. Malik Thomas punched in a rushing touchdown from one yard out as FHSU went up 7-0.
Less than a minute later, the Tiger defense struck again as DeAndre James intercepted a pass and took it for a touchdown from 32 yards out, making it 14-0 in favor of FHSU. Brandon Brown tacked on a 32-yard field goal as time expired in the half, giving FHSU a 17-0 lead at the break.
The RiverHawks cut into the lead by scoring a touchdown on their first drive out of halftime, but that was all they would get for the afternoon. Northeastern State had more than a third of its total yards for the game on that drive as it found the Tiger defense hard to solve the entire game. The Tiger defense held NSU to just 207 yards of total offense for the game.
Cooper’s longest rush of the afternoon, a 27-yarder for a touchdown, pushed the Tigers back out to a 17-point advantage at the 8:06 mark of the third quarter. He rushed for a team-high 89 yards.
Special teams put the game away early in the fourth quarter as Doyin Jibowu blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt. Raheeme Dumas scooped the ball and dashed 65 yards for a touchdown. Brown added a 17-yard field goal late to score the final points of the game.
Turnovers were key to success once again for the Tigers. Tanner Hoekman had an interception which brought the turnover total for NSU to three for the game. FHSU gave the ball away just once on a fumble. FHSU is now +6 in turnover margin for the season.
Sie Doe, Jr. had another big defensive game, producing a team-high eight tackles and 1.5 sacks. Entering the week as the MIAA’s leader in sacks, Doe brought his season total to 5.5. The Tiger defense as a whole recorded eight tackles for loss.
Jacob Mezera finished 17-of-28 passing for 185 yards. Tyler Bacon and Wendelberger tied for a team-high 51 receiving yards, combining for nine catches. Isaiah Maxi added three catches for 49 yards. FHSU finished with 323 yards of total offense.
Dimonic McKinzy was 11-of-28 passing for NSU, throwing for 121 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Rashawn Eubanks led the RiverHawks in receiving with 53 yards and Deion Tidwell had a team-high 37 rushing yards. Steffon Herd led NSU on defense with 10 tackles.
Fort Hays State hosts Lindenwood for Homecoming next Saturday (Oct. 1) at Lewis Field Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 pm.