Box Score
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Pittsburg State University football team blocked two punts, scored on a long punt return and added a defensive score as the Gorillas rolled to a 68-21 victory over Northeastern State University Saturday (Sept. 16) at Doc Wadley Stadium.

The Gorillas (2-1, 2-1 MIAA) scored the game's first 31 points against the RiverHawks (0-3, 0-3 MIAA).

Marcus Brantley returned a fumble 29 yards for a touchdown and Paul Davis returned a blocked punt 17 yards for a score in the second quarter as Pitt State broke open a 10-0 game. Austin Panko also scampered 73 yards for a fourth quarter punt return touchdown.

Juante Baldwin registered both blocked punts for the Gorillas, while Demetrius Bernard forced the fumble Brantley returned for a score.

Quarterback Thomas LePage passed for 174 yards and three touchdowns. He tossed a 10-yard strike to Sade Nordic for the game's first points and added a 23-yard connection to Panko and a 37-yard score to Lorenzo West.

Nordic also scored on a nine-yard run and running back D'Vontae Brown added a one-yard scoring plunge. Keynan Scheurich capped the Gorillas' scoring with a nine-yard run late in the fourth quarter, while Jared Vincent added field goals of 28 and 24 yards for the Gorillas.

Pitt State compiled 419 yards of offense in the game, including 230 yards on the ground. Michael Rose rushed for a game-high 88 yards, while Tucker Horak added 57 yards rushing.

NSU's Dom McKinzey passed for 323 yards and three touchdowns, including seven passes to Gary McKnight, Jr. for 200 yards and a pair of scores.

The Pitt State defense limited the RiverHawks to 60 net rushing yards, registering five quarterback sacks. Josh Hornback led the Gorillas with eight tackles. Simanu'a Thomas made a pair of quarterback sacks in the contest.

The Gorillas will return to action next Saturday (Sept. 23) when the host Lindenwood University for Family Day at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.