HAYS, Kan. – After the season opener was postponed a day, the 24
th-ranked Angelo State football team fell to Fort Hays State, 21-7, at Lewis Stadium Field on Friday afternoon.
With the loss, the Rams start the year 0-1 for the first time since the 2016 season.
FHSU jumped out ahead in the first quarter, scoring on a 51-yard passing play to take a 7-0 lead. The Tigers extended the lead with a minute to go in the quarter, converting a 19-yard pass to the endzone.
The Rams got on the board early in the second quarter as quarterback
Kaeden Smith broke a run play for 28-yards and the touchdown.
Both teams traded possession before going into the break with a 14-7 score in favor of the Tigers.
FHSU collected 345 yards of offense while the Rams finished with 203 yards, including 123 yards through the air.
Smith finished with 75 yards passing on 9-of-13 attempts and added 45 yards on the ground.
Braeden Fuller added 48 yards passing, going 8-for-11 on the day.
Kel Williams led the receivers for ASU, collecting three passes for 36 yards.
The Tigers scored the only touchdown of the second half in the fourth quarter, scoring on a six-yard rush after forcing a fumble to gain possession.
ASU's defense held the Tigers to 74 yards of rushing while
Xavier Walton finished with a team-high 11 tackles,
Kenton Allen collected nine tackles and
Jordan McKinney added seven tackles and an interception.
The Rams are back in Kansas next week as they travel to face another MIAA opponent in Emporia State on Saturday, Sept. 7.
