MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Pittsburg State University football team built a 21-0 halftime advantage and rode that momentum to a 28-7 victory over Northwest Missouri State University Saturday (Oct. 21) at Bearcat Stadium.

The unbeaten and No. 2 ranked Gorillas improved to 8-0 (8-0 MIAA) on the season with the emphatic victory. Reserve quarterback Ty Pennington capped three Pitt State scoring drives with short touchdown runs, while running back Noah Hernandez added a fourth score for the Gorillas.

Quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. improved to 21-1 as the Gorillas starter after completing 18 of 27 passes for 216 yards. He connected with wide receiver Jake Bogdon six times for 75 yards, while tight end Devon Garrison added five grabs for 70 yards in the contest.

The Pitt State defense forced three turnovers and limited the Bearcats (4-4, 4-4 MIAA) to 290 total yards in the game. The Gorillas also held Northwest on downs three times, including a goal-line stand midway through the third quarter.

Linebackers Luke Jennings and Jack Barkley shared team high honors in tackles with seven apiece. Jennings forced a fumble and was credited with a pass breakup, while Barkley logged 1.5 tackles-for-loss including 1.0 quarterback sack. Safeties Carson Otworth and Bryce Johnson each recorded interceptions against Bearcats quarterback Mike Hohensee.

The Gorillas will return home to Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium to host the University of Sioux Falls for Homecoming next Saturday (Oct. 28).