The skills that make Jose Delgado one of the best tacklers in Fort Hays State history were fittingly on display on Saturday at Nebraska-Kearney.
On the day that Delgado become the program’s all-time leading tackler in the Tigers’ NCAA era, the senior linebacker came up with crucial stops to help the Tigers take a 29-26 double-overtime victory over the Lopers.
One of Delgado’s 10 tackles might have saved a touchdown, and he brought down UNK quarterback Alex McGinnis for a two-yard loss on the first play of the second overtime, helping hold the Lopers to a field goal attempt that was missed.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Derby product entered the Kearney game seven tackles away from the record, setting the mark in the fourth quarter. He has 364 tackles heading into Fort Hays State’s matchup with Lindenwood at 2 p.m. Saturday in Lewis Field Stadium.
Keith Eck previously held the record with 361 tackles.
Delgado made an early impact with 64 tackles as a redshirt freshman for the Tigers and then notched more than 100 stops in each of his next two seasons. He entered this year 76 tackles away from Eck’s record.
Delgado credited the defensive line for helping pave the way.
Brown said he hopes his young linebackers can learn from Delgado.
“He’s one of the best linebackers we’ve coached and he’s going to be missed when he’s done here,” Brown said. “But hopefully those younger guys watched how he played the game and how he prepared for each game and the physicality he played with, and also taking away the angle on the ball carriers."
Delgado and the Tigers (6-2) will look to stay in the MIAA title hunt by picking up a win against Lindenwood (3-5). The Lions are coming off a 38-17 loss to No. 11 Northwest Missouri.
Saturday could hold more historic significance for the Tigers, with Brown one win away from setting the program record for coaching wins. He’s currently tied with Bob Cortese with 55.
“We were one of his first classes and helped get the program turned around, so seeing him get that (record) would be special,” Delgado said.