Box Score

Hays, Kan. - The SBU Bearcats football team had an electrifying 30-28 victory over Fort Hays to move their overall record to 2-1 on the season. The Bearcats offense clicked, scoring a season high 30 points, while the defense provided big stops and forced three tournovers in the win.

Fort Hays jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before the Bearcats responded later in the first quarter. After a 26 yard field goal by John Colliver, the Bearcats would then turn a Tigers fumble into seven points when Thad Everson punched in the first Bearcat touchdown on the day from one yard out to give SBU a 10-7 lead. However, Fort Hays responded with 14 straight points, giving the Tigers a 21-10 lead.

SBU didn't back down, as Justin Duhaney broke free for a 44 yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to pull SBU with in four at 17-21. The Bearcats then forced Hays' second tournover of the game, a Clayton Davis interception, which quickly resulted in a 28 yard touchdown reception by Nathan Mourik from Dan Connors to give the Bearcats a 24-21 halftime lead.

The Bearcats would add another Colliver field goal in the third before Hays would score another touchdown and take a 28-27 lead, before Colliver would hit the eventual game winning field goal from 25 yards out early in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats defense was stellar in the second half, allowing only three points. As a team, SBU has yet to allow any points in the fourth quarter.

The Bearcats offense was spectacular against MIAA opponent Fort Hays. Connors responded well in his first start at quarterback, completing 16 of 18 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown. The running game was outstanding for SBU, with a combined 223 yards on the ground. Everson lead all rushers with 110 yards on 22 attempts, and one touchdown, while Duhaney had 72 yards on 14 attempts with one touchdown. Duhaney also lead the Bearcats with 53 yards receiving.

"I am very proud of our kids," head coach Keith Allen stated. "We were down 21-10 early in the second quarter and came back to win. Our kicking game was much improved as John Colliver was 3-3 on field goals. Offensively, we did a great job of moving the ball and eating the clock. Defensively we made big plays when we needed to. Overall I am proud of our kids."

The Bearcats will be back in action next weekend when they face St. Joseph's (Indiana) on the road. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.