WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The Pittsburg State University defense thwarted a potential game-winning 2-point conversion try with 25 seconds remaining in regulation as the No. 3 ranked Gorillas fended off upset-minded University of Central Missouri, 38-37, Saturday (Sept. 16) at Audrey J. Walton Stadium.
 
Pitt State (3-0, 3-0 MIAA) took the lead, 38-31, on quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mario Kirby Jr. with 1:48 to play in the game.
 
The Mules (2-1, 2-1 MIAA) promptly drove 65 yards in eight play with running back Marcellous Hawkins scoring on a one-yard plunge to draw the Mules within a point. After a timeout, UCM tried to power Hawkins into the end zone on a sweep on the 2-point try, but a host of Gorillas met him short of the goal-line.
 
Dodson passed for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the contest. He teamed with wide receiver Kolbe Katsis nine times for 200 yards, including a 27-yard scoring connection. Katsis became just the sixth Pitt State receiver to record a 200-yard receiving game.
 
Antwan Squire rushed 18 times for 78 yards and a touchdown for the Gorillas, while Cleo Chandler Jr. added 38 ground yards and a score. Tight end Devon Garrison added a 27-yard touchdown grab and placekicker Austin Schmitt booted a 24-yard field goal in the game.
 
Linebacker Jack Barkley made a team-leading eight tackles for Pitt State, while cornerback Rico Payton and linebacker Alex Gaskill added seven stops apiece. Safety Jordan Rogers recorded his third interception on the season in the contest.
 
Pitt State will return to the friendly confines of Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium to host the University of Nebraska-Kearney for Family Day next Saturday (Sept. 23) at 2 p.m. (CDT).