Football
11/1/2024 3:16:00 PM
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Fort Hays State (6-3, 4-3 MIAA) at
#11/13 Emporia State (7-1, 5-1 MIAA)
Saturday, November 2 – 1 PM
Emporia, Kan. – Welch Stadium
Fort Hays State Football is gearing up for an intense matchup this Saturday, November 2, as they face the formidable Emporia State team in their third consecutive road challenge against a Top 25 ranked opponent. The highly anticipated kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the iconic Welch Stadium. Entering the game, Fort Hays State boasts a respectable overall record of 6-3 and a conference standing of 4-3 in the MIAA. In contrast, the Hornets come in ranked No. 11/13 nationally with a stellar record of 7-1 and a strong 5-1 in the conference.
The upcoming game marks the 97th showdown between Fort Hays State and Emporia State in their storied football rivalry. The Hornets currently hold a significant 20-game advantage in the all-time series, with the teams having faced off in highly competitive games and two ties recorded throughout their history.
The Tigers are determined to break a three-game losing streak against the Hornets, a trend that began in the 2021 season. Fort Hays State’s last victory over Emporia State dates back to 2019 when they claimed a solid win with a score of 19-3 in Hays. Their last encounter took place in Hays last season, where the teams engaged in a thrilling offensive shootout, with the Hornets narrowly emerging victorious at 45-42. Notably, Fort Hays State has yet to capture a win against Emporia State on their home turf since the 2014 season.
Additionally, Fort Hays State is eager to secure its first road win of the current season. After a flawless 6-0 record at home, the Tigers find themselves struggling at 0-3 on the road. Each of these losses came against teams that were ranked in the Top 25 of the AFCA Poll at some point this season, including top competitors like Northwest Missouri State, Central Oklahoma, and Pittsburg State. This Saturday’s contest will mark the fourth time this season that the Tigers have faced a team ranked in the Top 25 on the road.
Emporia State, on the other hand, has experienced only one blemish on their record this season, which came in a close 14-9 defeat against Northwest Missouri State. Following that setback, the Hornets have rebounded with three consecutive victories, building a strong momentum as they head into their matchup against the Tigers.
In terms of offensive prowess, both teams excel at moving the chains, with the Tigers and Hornets being two of the best squads in the nation for achieving first downs. Emporia State currently sits fourth nationally in NCAA Division II with an impressive count of 199 first downs, while Fort Hays State closely follows in sixth place with a total of 196.
The Tigers come into this game riding high after delivering an overwhelming 53-9 triumph over Missouri Southern. This victory not only marked the largest margin of victory the Tigers have ever achieved against MSSU but also represented the highest point total recorded by the team in a single game this season.
Defensively, Fort Hays State has established itself as a dominant force, leading the MIAA with the best scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game. The Tigers have achieved remarkable success, holding five of their opponents to 16 points or fewer this season, including an impressive shutout. Furthermore, FHSU allows only 355.9 yards of total offense per game, ranking third-best in the MIAA. Standout linebacker Makel Williams is making headlines, leading the team and the MIAA with a remarkable 77 tackles, averaging 8.6 tackles per game.
On the offensive side, Shane Watts has emerged as a key player, coming off one of the most significant performances of his career. Against Missouri Southern, he achieved a career-high 201 rushing yards, complemented by 58 receiving yards, culminating in an impressive total of 259 all-purpose yards. His stellar performance included three touchdowns, ranking him among the leaders in the MIAA with a grand total of 14 touchdowns this season, tied with Emporia State’s Tyler Kahmann. Notably, Watts became the first Tiger since the 2015 season to record a 200-yard rushing game, and as a team, they surpassed 300 rushing yards for the first time since 2021.
After catching two touchdown passes against Missouri Southern, Jayden Horace bolstered his impressive college resume, tallying 26 career receiving touchdowns at the NCAA Division II level. This remarkable feat ties him for the third-most receiving touchdowns among active players in Division II. Leading the team in receiving this season, he has amassed 555 receiving yards thus far, showcasing his importance in the Tigers’ offensive scheme.
**Interview with Fort Hays State Football Coach: Building Up for the Clash Against Emporia State**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Coach. The Tigers are set to face Emporia State this Saturday in what promises to be an exciting matchup. How is the team feeling heading into this important game?
**Coach**: Thanks for having me. The team is definitely feeling good and focused. We’ve been preparing hard and are eager to break this three-game losing streak against Emporia State. The anticipation is high, especially since it’s our chance to compete against a ranked opponent again.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned breaking the losing streak. What areas do you feel the team needs to address to achieve this?
**Coach**: Consistency is key. We need to ensure our offense is sharp and capitalizes on every opportunity. Defensively, we must tighten up and prevent big plays. The last game against them was a shootout, so we certainly want to find a balance between offense and defense this time around.
**Interviewer**: Emporia State currently holds a notable advantage in your all-time series. What does that historical context mean for the players, if anything?
**Coach**: For many of our players, it’s motivation. They understand the significance of this rivalry and the challenge ahead. We acknowledge the history, but it’s important to approach each game with a fresh mindset. Our focus is on playing our game and executing our game plan.
**Interviewer**: Traditionally, you’ve been strong at home, but this season has seen challenges on the road. What’s been the biggest hurdle in securing road victories?
**Coach**: It’s been tough, especially going up against ranked teams. But playing in hostile environments can be daunting. We have to learn to adapt and thrive under pressure. A big part of our strategy for this game is to channel our home-game energy into our travel game this Saturday.
**Interviewer**: Emporia State is coming off three straight wins after their loss to Northwest Missouri State. How do you view their momentum and what do you expect from their game?
**Coach**: Momentum plays a significant role in any matchup. Emporia State is a well-coached team with skilled players, especially on offense. We expect them to come out strong, so we must be prepared. It’s crucial to push back and establish our own rhythm early in the game.
**Interviewer**: Last but not least, can you share your thoughts on the impressive first-down statistics for both teams heading into this matchup?
**Coach**: Absolutely! It speaks volumes about both teams’ ability to move the chains. We’re proud of our offensive execution and it will be interesting to see how we stack up against a team that is also adept at gaining first downs. Ultimately, it’s all about converting those opportunities into points, and that will be a crucial factor in determining the game’s outcome.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Coach, and best of luck this Saturday!
**Coach**: Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’re looking forward to a great game.
