The Northwest Missouri State University football team fell to Pittsburg State, 20-10, on Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kan.
– Northwest falls to 8-1 on the year while the Gorillas improve to 5-4.
– The Bearcats out-gained the Gorillas, 265-236, in total yardage.
– Pittsburg State had 11 first downs and were just 3-of-16 on third down conversions.

Key Northwest Defensive Statistics
– Northwest held the Gorillas to 100 yards of passing and 136 yards rushing.
– Anthony Lane had a team-high eight tackles.
– Bobby Gruenloh had a sack, finishing the day with five tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
– Jarrod Bishop had seven tackles and an assisted sack.
– Nick Hess added seven tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss.
– Punter Matt Thorman had three punts for 124 yards. He averaged 41.3 yards per kick with a long of 51 yards. He landed one inside the 20.
– The Bearcats held the Gorillas to a three-and-out early in the fourth quarter. Pitt State lined up to punt at the Northwest 40. Blake Bayer was able to get a hand on the kick and Northwest recovered at the 42 yard line.
– In the fourth quarter, Northwest was forced to punt from its own 47. Thorman’s punt was fielded a the two yard line and Najeem Hosein forced a fumble that Austen Eskew recovered at the Gorilla 14 yard line.

Key Northwest Offensive Statistics
– Shawn Bane caught five passes for 67 yards.
– Shane Williams had four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter.
– Chase White had five carries for 31 yards on the ground.
– Brody McMahon carried the ball 10 times for 29 yards.
– Zach Martin threw for 187 yards and a touchdown.

Northwest Scoring Drives
– On Pittsburg State’s first possession, the Gorillas went for it on fourth down and denied by the Bearcat defense. Northwest took over on the Pitt State 35 yard line. On third down, Martin found Jordan Bishop for a five yard first down, moving the chains to the 24 yard line. On the next play, Martin found Williams for a 24 yard strike to make it 7-0 Bearcats after the made PAT.

– After the Northwest defense held the Gorilla offense to a seven yard drive to begin the second half, Pitt State hit a five-yard punt to give the Bearcats great field position at the 33 yard line. Northwest would get the ball up to the Gorilla 23 yard line before Brett Garner hit a 40 yard field goal to make it 17-10 Pittsburg State with 11 minutes to play in the third quarter.

Up Next
– Northwest returns home for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m. against Fort Hays State University at Bearcat Stadium.

— Northwest Athletics —