PITTSBURG — Quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. returned from injury to pass for 282 yards and three touchdowns and the Pittsburg State University defense created three takeaways in a 35-14 victory over the University of Indianapolis in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday (Nov. 18).

The Gorillas (11-1), the No. 3 seed in Super Region Three, advance to the second round to face Grand Valley State University next Saturday (Nov. 25) at Allendale, Mich. The second-seeded Lakers (10-1) defeated Ferris State University, 21-14, Saturday in their first-round match-up.

Dodson tossed a pair of first-half touchdowns to wide receiver Jack Robert and tight end Dallas Bond as the Gorillas led 15-7 at halftime.

Pitt State opened the scoring with linebacker Luke Jennings tackling UIndy running back Jon Lewis in the end zone for a safety. The Greyhounds (9-2) had stopped the Gorillas on four consecutive running plays, the final three form the UIndy 1-yard line, on the previous drive.

Austin Schmitt booted a pair of second-half field goals, from 29 and 37 yards out, and Dodson connected with wide receiver Kolbe Katsis for a 35-yard score.

Linebacker Jack Barkley matched his career high with 14 tackles in the contest. He registered an interception on UIndy's first possession of the game and sacked Greyhounds quarterback Gavin Sukup twice in the game.

Cornerback Rico Payton also logged an interception and Zach Coenen forced a fumble on UIndy kickoff returner Markez Gillam to set up Pitt State's final score, a two-yard touchdown run by Antwan Squire.

Tight end Devon Garrison caught six passes for a game high 93 yards, while Katsis had five grabs for 80 yards. Quarterback Ty Pennington led the Gorillas' ground gainers with eight carries for 76 net yards.