JOPLIN, Mo. -- Running back Antwan Squire rushed for a career best 127 yards and scored twice in leading No. 3 Pittsburg State University to a 31-21 road win over Missouri Southern State University Saturday (Oct. 14).
The unbeaten Gorillas (7-0, 7-0 MIAA) notched their ninth straight victory in the series against the Lions (3-4, 3-4 MIAA) as well as their 14th straight win at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Pitt State has bested MSSUÂ in 35 of 37 meetings since the two teams began competing for the annual Miner's Bowl Trophy.
Squire spotted the Gorillas a 14-0 lead with a 15-yard scoring scamper on the game's opening drive and then a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. with 2:28 to play in the first quarter. He rushed the ball 17 times for 127 yards as Pitt State compiled 265 yards on the ground in the contest.
Running backs Cleo Chandler Jr. and Noah Hernandez added second half touchdown runs as the Gorillas padded their margin to 28-7 with 14:56 to play in the game.
Defensively, Pitt State forced three turnovers and limited the Lions to 60 rushing yards on the day. Cornerback Rico Payton and safety Jasper Ogburn each snared an interception in the contest, while linebacker Jack Barkley forced a fumble. Barkley made a team best seven stops, while Payton and cornerback Jaylen Fuksa registered three pass breakups apiece. Cornerback Dominique Shelmon also posted two PBUs.
Pitt State will travel to Maryville, Mo., next Saturday (Oct. 21) to battle MIAA rival Northwest Missouri State University at 2 p.m. (CDT) at Bearcat Stadium. The Bearcats (4-3, 3-3 MIAA) defeated Missouri Western State University, 27-23, Saturday at St. Joseph, Mo.
