PITTSBURG, Kan. — Pittsburg State scored late in the fourth to cut the Nebraska-Kearney lead to one score and had a chance in the waning stages of the game to take the lead before the Lopers ultimately held off the Gorillas 31-26 in the season opener on Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium.
The Gorillas scored on a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mak Sexton to Jalen Martin at the 11:50 mark of the final quarter to trim the Lopers’ lead to 24-20.
PSU forced a three-and-out on the ensuing defensive possession before a three-and-out possession on offense led to a loss of 13 yards on Dominik Stadlman’s punt attempt, giving the Lopers solid field position deep in PSU territory.
Nebraska-Kearney took advantage less than two minutes later when TJ Davis crossed the goal lime from a yard out to push UNK’s margin to 30-20.
The Gorillas drove down into UNK territory before a 20-yard field goal attempt by Jaden Snyder was blocked to give the Lopers possession.
Pittsburg State forced Kearney into a punt before the offense orchestrated a seven-play 61-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 31-yard touchdown pass from Sexton to Christian Carter to bring PSU within five of the lead, 31-26, with 1:47 remaining.
On the Lopers’ first play of the ensuing drive, PSU’s Luke Jennings fried Dayton Sealey into a fumble, with Jennings recovering the loose ball to give Pittsburg State possession with 1:42 left in the game.
A 9-yard completion to Dylan White and a 17-yard run from Tyler Adkins sent the Gorillas to the UNK 21, where the drive stalled with four straight incompletions for a turnover-on-downs, sealing the win for Kearney.
STATS
Pittsburg State picked up 132 rushing yards on 29 attempts, while passing 46 times for 398 yards. Sexton completed 25-of-46 passes for 398 yards and three touchdowns. Adkins rushed 15 times for 73 yards and a score. Carter had eight receptions for 153 yards and a score, while White, a Pittsburg High product, caught five passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Martin added seven receptions for 58 yards and a score.
Brandon Mlekus, a Frontenac native, led PSU with 10 tackles, while Jennings had eight solo tackles, 10 total, and a forced fumble and recovery. Kaden Roy, a Webb City graduate, had eight tackles.
UNK rushed 66 times for 287 yards and passed 10 times for 154 yards. Sealey led Kearney with 118 yards on 21 carries, while Davis had 21 carries for 93 yards and four touchdowns. Montrez Jackson added 51 rushing yards on 11 carries. Blake Bubak led UNK with nine total tackles.
UP NEXT
Pittsburg State travels to Missouri Western for a 3 p.m. matchup on Nov. 7.
