PITTSBURG — Kaden Roy picked up a blocked punt and returned it 25 yards for a fourth quarter touchdown that helped propel Pittsburg State University to a 31-28 victory over the University of Central Oklahoma Saturday (Sept. 9) at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium.

The Gorillas (1-1) led 24-21 when Josh Hornback blocked Jay Tedesco's punt attempt at the UCO 36 yard line. Roy's ensuing touchdown scamped put the Gorillas up 31-21 with 9:35 to play in the game.

UCO (1-1) hit a desperation 86-yard touchdown pass from Chas Stallard to J.T. Luper with 2:39 remaining to give the Bronchos a final chance, but Pitt State picked up a critical first down on a Thomas LePage 17-yard keeper and the Gorillas ran out the remainder of the clock to preserve the win.

LePage, starting in place of injured quarterback John Roderique, completed 12 of 21 passes for 174 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown pass to Brenner Clemons. He also rushed the ball seven times for a career-high 97 yards as the Gorillas piled up 229 yards on the ground in the contest.

Michael Rose, who missed game one with a foot injury, carried the ball 21 times for a game-high 102 yards. Tucker Horak and D'Vontae Brown each scored short rushing touchdowns for the Gorillas.

The Pitt State defense limited UCO to 87 net rushing yards on 31 carries. The Gorillas sacked Stallard four times.

Carnell Lewis, making his Pitt State debut at cornerback, intercepted Stallard on the second play of the game, and the Gorillas converted the turnover into seven points. Pitt State forced a pair of UCO turnovers in the contest.

Hornback and Ned Bingaman paced the Gorillas with eight tackles apiece.

Pitt State will return to action next Saturday (Sept. 16) when the Gorillas travel to Tahlequah, Okla., to face Northeastern State University at 7 p.m.