FHSU Athletics
Fort Hays State (5-2, 4-2 MIAA) at
Washburn (1-6, 0-6 MIAA)
Saturday, October 21 - 1:00 p.m.
Topeka, Kan. - Yager Stadium
Radio: KJLS (103.3) CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Video: The MIAA Network CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)
Fort Hays State Football rides a three-game win streak into Topeka on Saturday (Oct. 21) when it takes on Washburn University. Kickoff from Yager Stadium is set for 1 p.m. The Tigers enter at 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Ichabods are 1-6 overall, but still winless in conference play at 0-6. It will be the 77th meeting all-time between the schools.
Fort Hays State looks to snap a two-game losing skid to Washburn. The Ichabods claimed a 23-20 overtime win on their home field back in 2021 before claiming a 45-14 win in Hays last year. The last two meetings in Topeka have gone to overtime, both decided by three points. FHSU took the contest in Topeka between the teams in 2019 by a score of 41-38. The Ichabods hold a 46-27-3 advantage in the all-time series between the teams.
Topeka has been tough on the Tigers in recent times. The overtime win for FHSU in 2019 was its only win against WU in Topeka in the program's NCAA Division II history. The Ichabods won nine straight against the Tigers in Topeka from 1997 to 2016.After starting the season 2-2, Fort Hays State reeled off wins against Lincoln, Missouri Southern, and Nebraska-Kearney to get to 5-2. Washburn has dropped its last four contests with its only win being in non-conference play against Lincoln University by a score of 24-10 back on September 16 in Jefferson City.
Fort Hays State has moved up into a tie for third in the MIAA standings at 4-2 with Emporia State and Missouri Western. Pittsburg State (7-0) and Central Missouri (6-1) are the only teams in front of the three-way cluster for third place.
Jack Dawson leads the Tiger offense with 1,699 passing yards this season, completing 65.3 percent of his passes. His 17 passing touchdowns ranks 12th in NCAA Division II. Brothers Trevor Watts and Shane Watts have combined for 984 all-purpose yards this season. Trevor leads Tiger receivers in catches (38) and yards (405), while Shane leads Tiger rushers in yards (396). Shane is the team leader in all-purpose yards with 498 for the season. Jayden Horace is the top scoring target among Tiger receivers with seven touchdown receptions to go with 387 yards.
John Johnson and Makel Williams anchor the Tiger defense at linebacker. The pair has a combined 95 tackles for the season, Johnson with 49 and Williams with 46 to lead the team. Williams is the team leader in interception with three. Myles Menges moved into the team lead for sacks with 3.0, and Parrish Terry leads in tackles for loss with 8.0. The Tigers as a team have 11 interceptions this season, which ranks 14th in NCAA Division II. Aside from Williams' three picks, eight other players have one for the season.
The Tigers currently tout the best defense in the MIAA, allowing just 260 yards per game. The Tigers own the best pass defense, allowing just 146.1 yards per game through the air. FHSU also leads the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 16.6 points per game.