PITTSBURG, Kan. — Missouri Southern Football (3-6, 1-6 MIAA) fell to No. 9-ranked Pittsburg State (7-2, 6-1 MIAA), 30-10, Saturday afternoon at Carnie Smith Stadium as the Lions' offense was limited to just one touchdown and a field goal.
MSSU now holds a 3-6 overall record and is 1-6 in conference play. PSU stands at 7-2 overall and 6-1 in the league.
Tillman Martin completed 22 of 40 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown.
Draper Parker contributed with 72 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches. On defense,
Zach Bergmann led the team with a career-best 14 total tackles to go with a pass breakup.
Peyton McKee added seven tackles to the defensive effort.
The game began with MSSU starting their first possession at its own 11-yard line. The drive struggled to gain momentum, resulting in a punt after a short completion and a loss on a rush attempt. The Gorillas capitalized quickly on the ensuing possession, beginning from Missouri Southern's 36-yard line, and completed a series of short passes and rushes to score, taking a 7-0 lead.
Missouri Southern's next drive was halted again, forcing another punt. PSU extended its lead to 14-0 following a touchdown drive that saw multiple first downs achieved through both the air and on the ground.
As the first quarter neared its end, the Lions showed resilience, with Martin connecting on several passes, including a 19-yard completion to
Isaiah Green, to advance to Pittsburg State's 8-yard line. The first quarter ended with Missouri Southern down 14-0 and threatening within the red zone.
The second quarter began with MSSU converting a 25-yard field goal by
Asher Huffman, narrowing the deficit to 14-3. Following a defensive stop, Martin led a crucial drive, completing a 27-yard pass to
Ayden Robinson-Wayne and a 20-yard pass to
Isaiah Padello, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass to Parker, closing the gap to 14-10.
PSU responded with a field goal, extending its lead to 17-10. MSSU mounted another drive, highlighted by a 28-yard completion to Robinson-Wayne, but it ended on a turnover on downs. PSU added a final field goal as the half ended, leading 20-10.
The third quarter opened with the Gorillas initiating their drive from their own 41-yard line but was quickly thwarted by strong defensive efforts from Bergmann and
Keylan Mitchell, resulting in a loss of yards and a punt. Southern's Martin made a notable 16-yard rush for a first down, but it was negated by a penalty, and a subsequent sack led to a change of possession.
Pittsburg State managed a 30-yard field goal after a methodical drive, extending its lead. Southern's following drive was hampered by a false start penalty and ended with a punt. PSU maintained possession to close out the third period, leading 23-10.
In the fourth quarter, Missouri Southern opened with a promising drive as Martin connected with Green for a 17-yard gain, advancing to the Lions' own 44-yard line. However, the momentum shifted when Martin was sacked for a 7-yard loss, leading to a punt. PSU capitalized on the opportunity, completing a series of short gains before a defensive stand by Southern forced the Gorillas to punt.
Southern's next possession saw Martin complete a notable 18-yard pass to Parker, but an interception halted the drive. The Gorillas took advantage, scoring with a touchdown pass from Jackson Berry to TyJuan Atkins Jr., extending their lead. Southern attempted a comeback with a 30-yard pass completion to Parker, but another sack and incomplete passes ended the Lions' drive on downs.
PSU controlled the remaining time with a series of rushes to close out the game, 30-10.
MSSU next heads to Central Oklahoma for its final road contest of the season on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., CT at Chad Richison Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma.
