PITTSBURG — Jacob Mezera completed 31 of 38 passes for 446 yards and five touchdowns to lead visiting Fort Hays State University to a 54-41 victory over Pittsburg State University Saturday (Oct. 8), spoiling the Gorillas Homecoming in front of 10,238 partisan fans at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.
Pitt State (4-2, 4-2 MIAA) had leads of 7-3 and 14-10 in the first quarter, but FHSU (5-1, 5-1 MIAA) took a 24-20 advantage at the half. The Tigers stretched their lead to 38-20 with a pair of third-quarter scores and the FHSU lead ballooned to 48-27 with 13:40 to play.
John Roderique competed 27 of 43 pases for 301 yards and four touchdowns for the Gorillas. He tossed a pair of TD passes to Brenner Clemons, who had 11 grabs for 138 yards. Michael Rose also carried the ball 14 times for 139 yards, including an 84-yard scoring scamper.
Charles Tigner caught eight passes for 160 yards and a pair of scores for the Tigers, while Shaquille Cooper added seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Mezera added 62 rushing yards on eight carries including a TD run. Brandon Brown booted four field goals for FHSU, connecting from 19, 37, 38 and 49 yards in the contest.
Matt Magee made a career-high 14 tackles in the game for the Gorillas, while Deron Washington added 11 stops.
The Gorillas will return to action next Saturday (Oct. 15) when they travel to St. Joseph, Mo., to face Missouri Western State University at 2 p.m. The Griffons (4-2, 4-2 MIAA) claimed a 37-29 road win over Lindenwood University Saturday.
