WC Missouri News

The University of Central Missouri Mules football team secured a 28-24 comeback win against the Fort Hays State Tigers on Saturday at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kansas. The victory was notable as it marked Central Missouri's first win in Hays since 2012.

With this result, the Mules now hold a 4-5 overall record and are 4-3 in conference play. Their next game is scheduled for November 8, when they host the ninth-ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field. This matchup will also serve as their final home game of the season and Senior Day.

The game started with both teams struggling offensively. By halftime, Fort Hays State led 10-0 after scoring a field goal and a touchdown in the second quarter. In total, both teams combined for just 194 yards of offense in the first half—Central Missouri had 60 yards while Fort Hays State managed 134 yards.

Trey Patrick contributed to Central Missouri’s defensive effort by recording his third interception of the season during the first quarter, picking off a pass in the end zone.

Central Missouri began its comeback in the third quarter with Jayden Lang scoring on a 13-yard run, reducing the deficit to 10-7. However, Fort Hays State responded with two consecutive scoring drives to extend their lead to 24-7 late in the third quarter.

The Mules closed the gap quickly; Aazeryan Voss caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Donovyn Omolo near the end of the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Hogan Wasson received an 11-yard touchdown pass from Omolo to bring UCM within three points.

With under a minute left in regulation, Wasson capped off a lengthy drive by catching an eight-yard touchdown pass from Omolo. Will Peacock added the extra point to give Central Missouri its first lead of the day at 28-24. Fort Hays State attempted one final drive but Joe Morrison intercepted their last pass attempt, securing victory for UCM.

Quarterback Donovyn Omolo completed 24 out of 32 passes for 268 yards and threw three touchdowns. Hogan Wasson led all receivers with 134 yards on eleven catches and scored twice. Jayden Lang ran for fifty-nine yards on eight carries and had one rushing touchdown.

Defensively, Talon Sanders registered ten tackles while Trey Patrick and Joe Morrison each recorded an interception.

Central Missouri finished with more total offensive yards than Fort Hays State—384 compared to FHSU's 366—and had a significant edge in passing yards (286 to 158). The Tigers led in rushing yards (208 to UCM's ninety-eight), but Central Missouri achieved twenty-two first downs and held possession longer (31:44 compared to FHSU's 28:16).

For Fort Hays State, quarterback Caleb Heaver tallied 158 passing yards and rushed for another 144 with two touchdowns.