ST. JOSEPH – Five costly turnovers spoiled an otherwise impressive performance by the Griffon Football team against Pittsburg State (7-2), Saturday. Missouri Western (5-4) out-gained the Gorillas by 126 yards, but fell 34-14 in the Rogers Pharmacy Hall of Fame Game.
 
NOTABLES

• The Griffon defense limited what was the MIAA's top rushing team coming into Saturday to 125 yards on 46 carries, a 2.7-yard per carry average
• Missouri Western averaged nearly seven yards per carry, rushing 39 times for 265 on the MIAA's third-ranked rush defense
• A four-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard Shamar Griffith touchdown on the Griffons first drive of the second half cut the Gorilla lead to 24-14. Pittsburg State answered with a 95-yard return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff
• The kickoff return touchdown was the only TD for the Gorillas in the second half
• Missouri Western entered having thrown four interceptions and six lost fumbles, but threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles to Pittsburg State
• The Griffons were penalized nine times for 122 yards with Pittsburg State losing 96 yards on 11 penalties

 
LEADERS

• Shamar Griffith led the Griffon running game with 78 yards on five carries for a 15.6-yard average per carry
• Dom Marino rushed for 69 yards and threw for 87 yards
• Wyatt Steigerwald completed 6-of-15 passes for 53 yards and had a touchdown pass taken away due to a penalty
• Anthony Williams led the defense with 12 total tackles

 
UP NEXT

• The Griffons travel to Nebraska Kearney (4-5) Nov. 3 for an 11 a.m. kickoff
• The Lopers scored 28 second half points in a 42-35 loss at Central Missouri, Saturday