PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State University football team exploded for 21 fourth quarter points to rally for a 31-16 victory over Fort Hays State University Saturday (Sept. 20) before a sellout Family Day crowd of 9,766 fans at Carnie Smith Stadium.

The No. 18 ranked Gorillas (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) trailed 16-10 to the upset minded Tigers (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) before Pitt State quarterback Jackson Berry tossed a 78-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greyson Holbert. The one-play scoring drive came immediately after the Gorillas defense forced FHSU into a quick three-and-out series.

The opportunistic Pitt State defense forced turnovers in each of the next two Tigers offensive possessions to gain separation with cornerback Jaylen Fuksa snaring an interception and defensive end James Smith pouncing on a fumble in plus territory.

The Pit State offense cashed in on both subsequent drives with Luke Niggemann scoring on runs of four and five yards out of the Wildcat formation. Niggemann's final TD run – his third trip to the end zone on the day – came with 1:32 to play in the game, effectively sealing the win.

Berry completed 10 of 22 passes for 179 yards in the contest, with Holbert making a career best six receptions for 121 yards and the long scoring connection. Running back Cleo Chandler Jr. rushed 11 times for 63 yards. Niggemann carried the ball four times for 17 yards, including three touchdown scampers. He staked the Gorillas to a 10-3 lead with a three-yard second quarter scoring jaunt.

Linebacker Steven Ward II and safety Jordan Rogers made eight tackles apiece to pace the Pitt State defense. Cornerback Antione Nunn Jr. recorded a first quarter interception that halted a FHSU drive deep in Pitt State territory. Defensive end Elijah Morton logged 1.5 of the Gorillas 4.0 quarterback sacks in the contest.

The Gorillas will travel to Emporia, Kan., next Saturday (Sept. 27) for a 1 p.m. (CDT) match-up against Emporia State University.