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The Pittsburg State football team won their third consecutive game after defeating the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma last Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium.
“Excited and proud of our football team and how they fought,” said head coach Brian Wright.
The University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos entered the game with a 4-4 record compared to the Gorillas at 6-2, but everybody who knows the MIAA conference knows that Central Oklahoma is not a team to take lightly. With a few big wins on their resume, the Gorillas knew they had to come out ready to play.
The Gorillas were in control for most of the game and never trailed throughout.
The first quarter was a tight one, with both team’s coming out ready to win. The Gorillas were the first on the scoreboard after a seven play, 79 yard drive that lasted just over three minutes. Sophomore quarterback Mak Sexton connected with sophomore tight end Devon Garrison in the end zone and freshman kicker Cross Holmes capitalized on the extra point, giving the Gorillas a 7-0 lead. Pitt would go on to hit a 54 yard field goal, and UCO would score a touchdown of their own, yet the Gorillas still had the 10-7 lead after one quarter.
The second and third quarter was very much in favor of the Gorillas. The Gorillas went on a 16-0 run, running the score up to 26-7, but the Bronchos weren’t going to give up quite yet.
Central Oklahoma came out of the fourth quarter to a 78 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Keats Calhoon to wide receiver Markiese King, followed by another touchdown later on in the quarter, bringing the game within six points. The Gorillas would hold on to win, yet again, bringing their record to 7-2 and giving themselves a possibility at a national playoff appearance.
“I think right now, these last couple of weeks, our guys have been playing with confidence and playing well together and it’s just been good to see,” said assistant coach Tom Anthony.
The team looks to add to their wins, but it won’t be easy for the Gorillas. With two games remaining, the Gorillas sit in third place, tied with Washburn University who happens to be their next opponent.
“In my two years here, you start watching film of your opponents in the MIAA and can’t help but be overly impressed with Washburn,” Wright said.
The Gorillas will need a big crowd on Saturday to help give them the edge they might need to win this very important game. In hopes to pack Carnie Smith Stadium, will be free and the first 2,000 fans into the stadium will get a free headband. Students can go to the ticket office in the Weede to pick up their free ticket with their student ID. Game time against the Ichabods will be 1 p.m. at Nov. 6
Next week, Nov. 13, the Gorillas will head to Hays to take on the Tigers of Fort Hays State University, which will conclude the regular season. The conclusion of the regular season should be exciting for Gorilla fans.