This will be a rather short summary as we are pressed for time on a busy weekend in Hays, America. A big congratulations go out to both local high schools that came away with a 2-0 record on Friday night. Hays High claimed a road win 28-21 in Ulysses, holding off a late rally while senior Clint Taylor posted a career night on homecoming for the TMP-Marian Monarchs. Taylor rushed for 214 yards and two scores as the Monarchs downed Ness City-Dighton 21-7, with all their points coming in the second half. Now, Hays teams have a chance go 3-0 on the weekend, a rarity during the fall in recent seasons.
So, without further ado, let’s kick this thing off. First off, we’ll start with the game here in town as Washburn visits the Tigers, coming off a 35-28 win over I-AA Missouri State. Impressive as that victory was, the same cliche holds as true as it ever has. Every week in the MIAA presents a new challenge, and Washburn won’t just come in to 1-1 Fort Hays and roll away with a victory. Key to the game for the Tigers? Keep the game close early, and don’t let Washburn high-potency passing game break anything big too early. Sophomore gunslinger Jake Iverson will kill you deep if you let him and the Tigers can’t afford too big of a hole early on. The way the Tiger defense is set up, Iverson might have the opportunity to do this, but for a Tiger win, they’ll have to force Iverson to chip away if he wants to score. Still, if it’s close in the first half, and it will be, expect a Tiger victory in front of a home crown. They were embarrassed on the road last week and are hungry to get back on track. Fort Hays 27, Washburn 24.
Missouri Western at Northwest Missouri
Western has to be hurting after their loss last week, while Northwest had a cake walk over Southwest Baptist to move to 1-1. The advantage, again, has to go back to the home team. The loss to Abilene Christian was the first in 17 tries for the opposing team in Maryville, and after the loss, I don’t think Missouri Western has what it takes to get it done. Northwest 35, Missouri Western 15
Emporia at UNO
Surprising as the Hornets have been early on, UNO is just too good, especially at home, and will make short work of the much younger Hornets. UNO 45, Emporia 10
Missouri Southern at Pittsburg State
The Pitt will be rocking with the unveiling of the “jungle-tron” the largest video screen in Div. II football for this rivalry game. Pittsburg State is rolling after the toughest non-conference schedule of any MIAA team. Southern quarterback Adam Hinspeter will give a valiant effort but the Gorillas won’t be denied in their home opener after two gritty road wins. Pitt State 35, Missouri Southern 21
Central Missouri at Truman State
Time to break in the new rug. Truman State will do it in impressive fashion with a win over the MIAA’s largest school. Still, I think Central Missouri is the weakest of the 2-0 teams thus far in the conference, and Truman State is itching to get things going on their new turf at Stokes Stadium. Last week, the defense got it done for the Bulldogs, so let’s again see what this offense can do. Matt Tichich has a big game. Truman State 30, Central Missouri 20.
That’s all for now and have a great college football weekend. For those Tiger fans thinking of staying home watching Ohio State-USC — don’t bother. Get your butt out to TailGreat 2008. Your game at home in front of the television? BLOWOUT CITY. USC 50, Ohio State 10