EMPORIA, Kan. — Zahmari Palode-Gary and Cleo Chandler Jr. combined to rush for 353 yards and four touchdowns to help power the Pittsburg State University football team to a 42-29 road win over Emporia State University Saturday (Sept. 27) at Francis G. Welch Stadium.

The No. 18 ranked Gorillas (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) rushed out to a 14-0 lead in the contest and then withstood a 16-point flurry that saw the Hornets (1-3, 0-2 MIAA) push in front, 16-14. Pitt State rallied for a 21-16 halftime advantage and the Gorillas never trailed again in the contest.

Chandler scored on runs of 68 and seven yards. His 68-yard TD scamper on the game's second scrimmage play, staking Pitt State to an early 7-0 lead 49 seconds into the game. He posted a career best 168 yards on 13 carries on the afternoon.

Palode-Gary also posted a breakout game, rushing 16 times for 183 yards and scoring on runs of 16 and 74 yards in the fourth quarter.

All told, the Gorillas piled up 395 rushing yards on 47 attempts.

Quarterback Jackson Berry complete 14 of 22 passes for 88 yards, including a 10-yard TD pass to wide receiver Jaelon Travis. Backup QB Jake Wolff also tossed his first career touchdown on a four-yard first quarter connection to wide receiver Greyson Holbert.

Safety Ryan Medeiros made a team-leading six tackles and added two of the Gorillas nine pass breakups in the contest. Quincy Miner added three PBUs. Antione Nunn Jr. made a pair of tackles and recovered an onside kickoff attempt on the opening play of the second half.

Pitt State will return to the friendly confines of Carnie Smith Stadium to face the University of Nebraska-Kearney next Saturday (Oct. 4) at 2 p.m. (CDT).