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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hays, Kan. - The Missouri Southern defense pitched its second straight shutout of Fort Hays State in as many years, as the Lions defeated the Tigers 28-0 today in front of just over 1,900 fans at Lewis Field Stadium. Southern (4-3, 2-3 MIAA) won its second road MIAA game of the year for the first time since the 2004 season when the Lions defeated Missouri-Rolla, Truman and Southwest Baptist all on the road. It is the third straight shutout in the series with Fort Hays (2-5, 1-4 MIAA)as the Tigers blanked Southern 10-0 two years ago and the Lions have won the last two (6-0 and 28-0). Southern came into the game leading the MIAA in pass defense and held the Tigers in check in the game, allowing just 43 yards through the air, and picked off a pass. The Lions' defense helped put Southern on the board first when Justin Cowper intercepted an Anthony Smith pass and returned it to the Hays' 33 yard line. Adam Hinspeter hooked up with Mark Henderson on the first play from scrimmage and found the receiver at the three yard line. Henderson stayed on his feet and fought his way to the goal line for a 33 yard touchdown. Southern forced Hays' second turnover of the day when long snapper Brian Borgard popped the Tigers' CJ Lovett on a punt return and forced the fumble, while tight end Chris Bingham came up with the recovery, giving the Lions the ball on the Fort Hays 31 yard line. The Lions couldn't take advantage of the good field position, but an Adam Hinspeter punt put the Tigers at their own four yard line. The Lions defense forced their third turnover of the half when Jared Brawner recovered a fumble at the Tigers' 15 yard line. Southern took advantage and Colin Howard ran a fake reverse, handed off to Daniel Thompson and Thompson ran 15 yards for the touchdown, putting Southern up 14-0, heading into the locker room. The Lions picked up their third touchdown of the game when Collin Howard ran for his fourth rushing TD of the season, a 30 yard scamper in the third quarter. Hinspeter and Henderson hooked up again early in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard score to give the Lions a 28-0 lead. Howard stayed in for the next Lions' drive and led the Lions from their own 15 yard line to the Tigers' two, before the Lions took a knee with 21 seconds to go, giving Hays the ball back at the three. The Tigers ran one play as the clock ran out. Hinspeter was 8-21 on the day with 111 yards and two touchdowns. The two scores give Hinspeter 58 in his career and moves him into a tie for sixth place all-time in the MIAA in career touchdowns. He is now six touchdowns from tying Matt Cook (64) for the Southern career mark. Howard led the Lions with 77 yards rushing and a touchdown. Henderson caught five passes for 93 yards and two scores, while Thompson added a 15 yard rushing score. Brian Malette made all four extra point attempts and has 36 consecutive pat's. The Lions' defense was led again by Jared Brawner. The junior linebacker tied a career high with 16 tackles, including three for a loss of seven yards and one fumble recovery. Jairius Jarvis had eight tackles with two for a loss, while Cowper had an interception and a pass break up. The Lions as a team, had 11 tackles for a loss of 31 yards, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Southern will be back at home next week as the Lions play host to Central Missouri. Kickoff is slated for 2 pm at Hughes Stadium. |