Late rally falls short as MSSU football loses to Pitt State 31-21

(From Missouri Southern Athletics)

For the second straight week, the Lions played on their home turf at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. Visiting Joplin Saturday afternoon was longtime rival Pittsburg State, currently ranked #3 in the nation. 

The Gorillas would hold on for the win 31-21, despite the late push by the Lions. Missouri Southern has now played two top-five nationally ranked teams, first in #5 Northwest Missouri and today's contest with #3 Pittsburg State.

Cashing in on the opening drive, the Gorillas drove 83 yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. The visitors would score again in the first quarter, making the score 14-0 after one.

The defenses were busy on both sides in the second quarter, keeping the same score until the final minute where Missouri Southern scored a touchdown. With 13 seconds left on the clock, Deontay Campbell made a beautiful one-handed catch from Luke Sampson for an 8-yard touchdown. PSU would take a 14-7 lead into the locker room at half.

On their first drive of the third quarter, the Gorillas marched down to the MSSU 9-yard line, but came up empty after a missed field goal attempt. Pittsburg State scored once more before the end of the third, making it 21-7 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter opened with another PSU score, but MSSU started to make a push midway through. With the ball on their own 35-yard line, Pittsburg State's quarterback fumbled the snap and Dylan Wright recovered it, taking it all the way back for a defensive touchdown, 28-14. Following an unsuccessful onside kick attempt, the Gorillas drove down and settled for a field goal. The Lions responded to cut the deficit to 10, Luke Sampson finding Deontay Campbell for the second time on the day, 31-21. Another onside kick attempt was made by MSSU, this one appearing to go in favor of the Lions, but after a PSU challenge it was ruled that the ball was touched before 10 yards, giving the Gorillas possession and ending the game 31-21.

Luke Sampson finished the day 16-32 for 244 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Akeem Gilmore was the leading receiver with 89 yards on 4 receptions. Also with 4 receptions was Deontay Campbell, cashing in on 2 of those for touchdowns, going for 56 yards. Nathan Glades led the ground attack, rushing for 53 yards on 11 attempts.

The defense was led by the Colton's, as Colton Winder finished with 17 total tackles, a pass break up, and a quarterback hit, and Colton Bass had 11 tackles, 0.5 for loss. Winder's 17 total tackles was the most in the MIAA this week. Maurion Clemons had the team's only sack, and Dylan Wright was responsible for the scoop and score touchdown, a 30-yard return.

For their next competition, the Lions will hit the road for a non-conference matchup with the Lincoln Blue Tigers in Jefferson City, Missouri. Kickoff for that contest is scheduled for 2:00 PM.