NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State football scored the game’s final 16 points to break open a three-point margin on the way to a 26-7 victory over Pittsburg State on Saturday at Homer Bryce Stadium.
The NCAA FCS-member Lumberjacks improved to 6-3 with the victory, while the Gorillas slipped to 1-2 on their abbreviated 2020 season.
SFA built a 10-0 first quarter lead after driving the ball 60 yards in 15 plays to open the game before settling for a 32-yard field goal from kicker Chris Campos. Quarterback Trae Self added a 2-yard touchdown run with six seconds remaining in the initial period, after the Lumberjacks twice converted on fourth down plays to extend the drive.
Pittsburg State struck back with an eight-play, 91-yard drive of its own. Quarterback Mak Sexton connected with wide receiver Christian Carter for a 43-yard touchdown to trim the margin to 10-7 with 11:31 remaining in the second quarter.
The Lumberjacks closed out the first half scoring with a 41-yard field goal from Campos. The Gorillas had a chance to trim the margin with 1:15 to play in the half, but Jaden Snyder’s 45-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar.
SFA gained separation early in the third period after a Pittsburg State fumble on the first play of the third quarter gave the Lumberjacks the ball at the Gorillas’ 35-yard line. Three plays later, Self tossed a 23-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Xavier Gipson to extend their margin to 20-7.
The Lumberjacks closed out the scoring with 10-play, 76-yard drive that was culminated by Self firing a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Remi Simmons with 13:50 remaining in the game.
Sexton finished the game completing 21-of-34 passes for 199 yards. Wide receiver Jalen Martin caught seven passes for a game-high 118 yards. Running back Tyler Adkins carried the ball 11 times for 74 yards. The Gorillas finished the game with 346 yards of total offense.
SFA forced three turnovers in the contest and held Pittsburg State on downs four times in the contest, including three times inside the Lumberjacks’ 30-yard line.
Linebacker Morgan Selemaea made a team leading eight tackles to lead the Pittsburg State defense.
The Gorillas will close out their 2020 season next Saturday (Nov. 21) when they travel to Canyon, Texas, to face NCAA Division II member West Texas A&M University.
