Pitt State came into this season with lofty expectations, but after two weeks, it’s a grim 0-2 record for the Gorillas. Just a week after facing a tough 34-17 loss against the #1 ranked team in the country Ferris State, Pitt State was on the road yet again, as they faced #19 Central Oklahoma for their first MIAA matchup. The Gorillas battled hard, but a game-tying field goal sailed wide as the Gorillas would lose 24-27.
“I think it’s making us right now; everyone is holding each other accountable. A lot more attention to detail, a lot more focus, a lot less excuses,” said senior defensive end James Smith after their first loss.
The Gorillas would receive the ball first, but they were unable to do anything on offense, similarly to the week before. The Bronchos would make Pitt State pay on just their second play, as the running back scored from 66 yards out. The offense continued to struggle, punting on their second drive.
Disaster would strike on the next drive yet again, as senior safety Jordan Rogers intercepted the Bronchos at the goal line, but fumbled the ball. It was quickly scooped up by the Bronchos as they returned it for an easy touchdown, putting the Gorillas in a 14-0 hole to finish out the quarter.
A forced fumble at the end of the first set up Pitt State for a 22-yard field goal to start the second quarter. Neither team could find any traction on offense until a blocked punt gave Central Oklahoma the opportunity to score a 37-yard field goal. Pitt State would answer quickly, as junior transfer running back Zahmiri Palode-Gary would score a 25-yard touchdown to cut into the lead. A blocked extra point meant the Gorillas were still behind 9-17.
It would not be the end of the comeback for Pitt State, as the Gorillas scored another touchdown to make it 16-17. Senior quarterback Jackson Berry would find junior Kuron Parchmon for a 22-yard touchdown pass, as the Gorillas were now within one point of the Bronchos.
Central Oklahoma would answer midway through the third quarter, scoring another rushing touchdown to make it 24-16. Berry would come roaring right back, as he scored a 16-yard rushing touchdown, marking his first multi-touchdown game as a Gorilla. Going for two, the Gorillas tied it at 24 apiece.
The Bronchos would strike back at the beginning of the fourth quarter, scoring a 37-yard field goal to take the lead in what would be the last points of the game. Both defenses entered lockdown mode in the final minutes, as both offenses traded punts throughout the final quarter. Pitt State would get the ball back with five minutes left and would successfully drive to within field goal range. Junior kicker Austin Schmitt would get a chance to tie the game with just 23 seconds remaining, but his kick would miss, leaving the Gorillas with a 27-24 loss.
“We have one of the best placekickers on our team in the country in Austin Schmitt, so you’re not going to go change your kicker,” said head coach Tom Anthony, showing trust in his player despite a rough start for him with two missed field goals to begin the season.
Pitt State’s ordeal is not over yet, as they face another shot at a premier win next week. #3 Grand Valley state travels to Pittsburg this Saturday, as the Gorillas host their first home game of the season and hope to find their way into the win column.