Polley’s Clutch Field Goal Lifts Tigers Past Ichabods in Overtime

Via Fort Hays State Athletics

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State came from behind to defeat Washburn in overtime at Yager Stadium on a damp, rainy Saturday (Oct. 25). After Washburn missed a field goal on their overtime possession, the game came down to Fort Hays State’s emergency kicker, Michael Polley, who booted through a 34-yard field goal in overtime to lift the Tigers to a 13-10 win. Fort Hays State improved to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the MIAA, while Washburn fell to 2-6 overall and 1-5 in the MIAA.
 
Down 10-0 at halftime, the Tigers put together a 10-0 half of their own to force overtime. It was the fourth overtime game between FHSU and Washburn in the last six meetings between the teams at Yager Stadium in Topeka, which have been split 2-2 between the teams. Five of the last six games between the teams in Topeka have been decided by three points, and all six of the games in that run have been decided by six or less.
 
Turnovers plagued the Tigers in the first half, which also gave the Ichabods short field scoring opportunities. Even though the Tigers turned the ball over three times, the Ichabods did the same which kept a lot of potential points off the board.
 
Washburn started its touchdown-scoring drive in the first quarter at the FHSU 20, and three plays later Ky Thomas rushed the ball into the endzone from three yards out. Washburn added on a field goal by Aidan Battle from 32 yards early in the second quarter to account for its points in the game.
 
The Tigers finally found some rhythm offensively in the third quarter following a Gaven Haselhorst interception returned 18 yards to the Washburn 32-yardline. Caleb Heavner scored on an 18-yard rushing touchdown and the Tigers moved the ball deep into Washburn territory on their next drive, resulting in a Zane Hall 25-yard field goal to tie the game.
 
Even with Fort Hays State’s defense shutting down the Washburn offense to just 68 yards after halftime, neither team had much going offensively in the fourth quarter, setting up another overtime thriller in Topeka.
 
A holding penalty on Washburn was key at the start of their overtime possession. The Ichabods had to settle for a 41-yard field goal try, which sailed wide right. The Tigers picked up eight yards on their possession and had to turn to starting safety and emergency kicker Michael Polley for a 34-yard attempt to win the game. Polley was calm, collected, and with smooth effort launched the game-winner through the uprights.
 
Fort Hays State held Washburn to just 228 yards of total offense, a new low by a Tiger opponent this season. FHSU finished with 308 yards of total offense, with 213 of the yards on the ground. Heavner picked up his first 100-yard rushing game at FHSU with 117 on 20 attempts. Curtis Douglas added a season-high 82 yards. Heavner threw for 95 yards, completing 16-of-25 attempts. Keyshawn Dooley led the Tigers with 48 receiving yards.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Shadryon Blanka posted his first double-digit tackle game at FHSU with 10 to lead the team. Koe McIntyre, Jakolbi Wilson, and Keiyon Turner all had fumble recoveries in the game, while Parrish Terry forced a fumble. Jalen Williams had the Tigers’ only sack, while Haselhorst added his key interception to help jump-start the Tiger offense in the second half.
 
For Washburn, Thomas finished with 95 rushing yards and Logan Madden threw for 101 yards. Defensively, L.J. Minner Jr. led the Ichabods in tackles with 11, while Josh Grant and Braiden Lagafuaina each had interceptions.
 
Looking ahead, Fort Hays State will host Central Missouri for Senior Day on Saturday, November 1 at 1 p.m. The newest Tiger Sports Hall of Fame class will also be honored at halftime of the game, which will be FHSU’s final home contest of the season.