Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Football team opened their season against the No. 3 Pittsburg State University Gorillas. The Lions were defeated by the Gorillas, 42-17, and move to 0-2 on the season and 0-1 in the MIAA.
Missouri Southern (0-2; 0-1) vs. Pittsburg State (2-0; 1-0)
Quarter 1: Missouri Southern 10 | Pittsburg State 14
Missouri Southern's
Colton Bass intercepted Pittsburg States pass, giving the offense a chance to take the field again. The Lions capitalized on the drive with a 46-yard touchdown pass from
Luke Sampson to
Draper Parker.
Drake Reese added the extra point, giving Missouri Southern a 7-0 lead at the 14:00 minute mark.
Pittsburg State would answer to even the score (7-7). The Gorillas then surged ahead with a rushing touchdown at the 9-minute mark (14-7).
The Lions advanced from their own 30-yard line to the goal, narrowing the gap to four points with a 20-yard field goal by Reese. At the end of the first quarter, Pitt State held a 14-10 lead.
Quarter 2: Missouri Southern 10 | Pittsburg State 28
The Gorillas would extend their lead with two touchdowns, taking a 28-10 lead heading into the half.
Quarter 3: Missouri Southern 10 | Pittsburg State 28
Both teams held each other to a scoreless third quarter, and deadlocked the score at 28-10.
Quarter 4: Missouri Southern 17 | Pittsburg State 42
After more than 17 scoreless minutes, the Gorillas scored with a run at the 13:34 mark to lead 35-10. The Lions responded with a touchdown as
Luke Sampson connected with
Deontay Campbell. Pittsburg State capped their scoring with a touchdown at the 5-minute mark. The Gorillas would take the 42-17 victory.
Defense:
Zack Bergmann would pace the Lions defense with 11 tackles and
Colton Bass would hold a tackle-for-loss with the first quarter interception.
Leaders:
Tackles: Zach Bergmann (MSSU) – 11 (3 – solo / 8 – assists)
Receptions: Deontay Campbell (MSSU) – 8
Receiving Yards: Draper Parker (MSSU) – 121
Rushing Yards: Noah Hernandez (PSU) – 73
Passing Yards: Luke Sampson (MSSU) – 285
Up Next:
The Lions will be back on the road when they travel to St. Joseph, Mo., on Saturday, September 14, to take on the Missouri Western State University Griffins. Kick-off is set for 6:00 PM.
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