Curtis Meyer sports editor
The Gorillas survived a scare last weekend as they hosted the Fort Hays Tigers in a game that came down to the wire. The Tigers held the lead for most of the game, aided by a poor offensive performance by PSU, but a key tip drill interception led to a game winning drive late in the fourth quarter.
“I knew we were going to be moving the ball; it was just a matter of getting over the hump and punching it in for a touchdown in the red zone, which we kind of struggled with. They stepped up and we did it and I’m just super proud of them,” said head coach, Tom Anthony.
The Gorillas got the ball to start the game, quickly driving down the field and putting themselves just four yards out, but sophomore tight end, Luke Niggeman, fumbled the carry. The defense held, but a failed fake punt by Pitt State turned the ball over on downs. The Tigers were able to shock the Gorilla defense with a 54-yard passing touchdown, giving them the lead.
It wasn’t until the middle of the second quarter before Pitt State could find the scoreboard, with a 49-yard field goal. The game remained deadlocked until the last second of the half, when the Gorillas scored another field goal to make it 7-6.
Fort Hays was held to a quick three-and-out to start the second half, but an interception at the goal line gave the Tigers the ball back. Driving down the field, the Tigers went for it on fourth and 11, scoring a 34-yard passing touchdown to extend their lead 14-6.
Pitt State found another gear the next drive, as Niggeman rushed for a 32-yard touchdown on fourth and 2. A failed two-point conversion led to a 14-12 deficit for the Gorillas. The Tigers would get back on the scoreboard in their first drive of the fourth quarter, scoring field goal to make it 17-12. Things looked grim for the Gorillas as the game went on, with the offense struggling to gain any momentum.
The Gorillas roared to life, however, when senior defensive lineman, Malik Berry, batted up a pass and junior safety, Jordan Rogers, came up with the tip drill interception, returning it 11 yards to the FHSU 21. The Gorillas took six plays, but senior quarterback, Chad Dodson, found senior wide receiver, Jack Roberts, from five yards out to take the lead with an even minute left. The Tigers couldn’t get themselves into field goal position, giving the Gorillas the win.
“They just kept fighting, and I’m so proud of them. It couldn’t have happened to a better team there at the end; Malik Berry batting the ball in the air, Johnny on the spot and snags it. I’m just so happy for Malik and all the work he puts in,” said Anthony.
The Gorillas will return to action Saturday, as they go on the road to face the undefeated #9 Central Oklahoma State Bronchos in what will likely be their last game against a ranked opponent this regular season.
