HORNET FOOTBALL FALLS AT FORT HAYS STATE

Box Score

September 26, 2009-Fort Hays State scored 16 defensive points in the second half and a total of 19 points off of turnovers in a 40-20 win over Emporia State on Saturday night at Lewis Field in Hays, Kan.

The Tigers took the opening kick-off and drove 73 yards on six plays to take a 7-0 lead on a James Walker three yard run with 12:26 left in the first quarter. They took a 10-0 lead on a 47 yard field goal from Nathan Rausa with 14:46 remaining in the second quarter. The Hornets held the Tigers to the field goal after an Andre Sloan El fumble at the 50 yard line.

ESU put their first points on the board with a two yard touchdown run by Kevin Smart with 11:42 left in the half. Smart carried the ball four times for 44 yards on the eight play, 74 yard drive. Dustin Andrews PAT kick failed to leave the score 10-6.

FHSU would push the lead to 17-6 on a 52 yard pass from Mike Garrison to OJ Murdock with 9:48 left in the half and took a 24-6 at the half on Walker's second touchdown run of the night with 4:08 left in the half.

The second half opened with a LaDarrian Page fumble at the ESU 37 on the first offensive play and ESU got the ball back on a Chris Wood interception at the Hornets one yard line. On third down Andre Sloan El's fumble in the end zone was fallen on by Garrett Nikkel to give the Tigers a 31-6 lead with 13:26 left in the third quarter. ESU responded with a six play, 61 yard drive capped by a Smart ten yard touchdown run. He ran in the two point conversion to get ESU within 31-14.

On the Tigers ensuing drive, Nathan Linsey forced a fumble at the Hornet eight yard that Vince Harris recovered. Four plays later Sloan El was flagged for and illegal forward pass in the end zone and ESU surrendered their first safety in 35 games to fall behind 33-14.

After forcing a field goal attempt on the next possession ESU drove 80 yards on 15 plays and came within 33-20 on a three yard Sloan El touchdown pass to Matt Coursen.

FHSU iced the game on a 36 yard interception return by Michael Walker with 7:25 left in the game for a 40-20 lead.

Kevin Smart had a career high 98 yards on ten carries and two touchdowns while LaDarrian Page added 66 yards on 13 carries. Sloan El was 14 of 28 for 148 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble. Katrell Larkins and Nathan Linsey each had 13 tackles to lead ESU while Tyrone Weaver added 12 stops.

The Hornets return to Jones Field at Welch Stadium on Oct. 3 to take on Neb.-Omaha. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.