Fort Hays State Rolls Past Western State, 45-20

HAYS, Kan. (FHSU Sports Information) -- The Fort Hays State football team opened its 2010 season on Saturday  evening (August 28) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. After a somewhat slow start, the Tiger offense kicked into gear to cruise past Western State 45-20. Fort Hays State put up 543 yards of total offense, including 295 on the ground to dispatch of the Moutaineers.
 
Leading the running game was quarterback Mike Garrison with seven carries for 100 yards. Most of his yards came on a 65-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He also threw for 248 yards on 18-of-30 passing for two touchdowns.
 
Four players rushed for over 50 yards for FHSU. James Walker accumulated 91 yards on the ground on 11 attempts and 34 yards receiving, picking up one touchdown each by ground and air. Ricky Jacques had 10 rushes for 55 yards. True freshman Ed Smith had 51 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns.
 
Beau Gadwood led the Tigers in receiving yards with 50 on four catches. Cordarol Scales had one catch for 48 yards, good for a touchdown.
 
Tyler Kimbrough nailed a 52-yard field goal on his first attempt as a Tiger, tying for the third-longest field goal in school history.
 
Linebackers Nick Dreitz and Alex Whitehill led the team in tackles with seven each. Jacob Crossman, Edwin Herbert, and Garrett Nikkel all recorded sacks.
 
Neither team had a turnover in the game. Western State's Miles Gorham was efficient through the air with 218 yards on 21-of-32 passing with two touchdowns. However, the Tiger defense held the Mountaineer rushing attack to just 33 yards on 28 attempts.
 
The Tigers move to 1-0 and host East Central (Okla.) next Saturday (Sept. 4) in Hays. Game time is set for 7 p.m.