Box Score
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Nineteenth-ranked Pittsburg State University started fast and finished late as the Gorillas rebounded from a tough home loss with a 23-13 road win over Missouri Western State University Saturday (Oct. 4) at Spratt Memorial Stadium.
 
The Gorillas (4-1, 4-1 MIAA) capitalized on a short field thanks to their opportunistic defense to score on their first offensive possession against the Griffons (3-2, 3-2 MIAA), handing Western its third straight loss on its home field to Pitt State.
 
Linebacker Tyler Disney tipped a Skyler Windmiller pass and safety Isaac Maselera intercepted it at the Western 37.
 
Seven players later, Anthony Abenoja tossed a screen pass to running back Jamal Tyler, and he scooted 15 yards into the end zone for a 7-0 Pitt State lead at the 9:13 mark of the opening period.
 
Abenoja added a five-yard touchdown run to extend the margin to 14-0 with 5:08 remaining in the initial period.
 
The Griffons trimmed the margin to 14-0 on a 34-yard John Schmiemeier field goal and a three-yard Windmiller pass to Stephon Weaver with 10:40 to play in the second quarter.
 
Connor Frazell added three field goals for the Gorillas: a 25 yarder late in the second quarter, another 25 yarder in the third period and a 34 yarder to seal the win with 9:37 remaining in the contest.
 
Abenoja completed 15 of 25 passes for 183 yards in the game.
 
Brian Poston led Pitt State's ground gainers with 11 carries for 43 yards, while Dre Holman added 12 carries for 39 yards.
 
The Gorillas finished the game with 354 yards of total offense, including 134 rushing yards on 48 carries.
 
Marquise Cushon caught seven passes for a game-high 111 yards.
 
The Pitt State defense held the Griffons to 38 net yards of offense in the second half. Western gained 78 yards on the ground (on 28 carries) and Windmiller was 12 of 27 for 114 yards through the air.
 
The Gorillas claimed their 17^th consecutive road victory dating back to the 2010 season.
 
Keeston Terry led the Pitt State defense with seven tackles.
 
The Gorillas will return to Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 11) to host MIAA rival Emporia State University for Pitt State's Homecoming Game.