The Missouri Western football team lost at home Saturday night at Spratt Stadium to Pittsburg State 23-13.

Missouri Western trailed by just four at halftime, 17-13 but two Connor Frazell field goals in the second half and a second half shutout by the Gorilla defense proved too much for Missouri Western.

Trailing 14-10 halfway through the second quarter, Josh Walker nearly gave the Griffons a boost with a 57 yard punt return but Skylarr Gaston chased Walker down from behind an poked the ball out giving the Gorillas the ball at the Missouri Western four yard line. Pittsburg State turned the fumble into three points and gave the Gorillas a 17-13 halftime lead.

The Gorillas outgained Missouri Western 354 to 192. Pittsburg State rushed 48 times for 134 yards. The Griffons 13 points were the most allowed by Pittsburg State this season.

Raphael Spencer came up short of another 100 yard game rushing 17 times for 83 yards. Skyler Windmiller finished 12-27 passing for 114 yards with one interception and Missouri Western’s lone touchdown. Windmiller hit Stephon Weaver for a three yard strike in the second quarter to pull the Griffons within four.

Meshack Kennedy had seven solo tackles and 12 total. Cody Lindsay had the Griffons only sack on the night. The Griffons drop to 3-2 on the season and 3-2 in the MIAA.

Missouri Western hits the road next Saturday for a matchup with Fort Hays State on Oct. 11.

— MWSU Sports Information —