The Joplin Globe
September 17, 2006 01:08 am
—
From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - No. 7 Pittsburg State University suffered its first setback of the season Saturday as No. 23 Missouri Western University rolled 48-35 in both teams' MIAA football opener.
The Griffons, who outgained PSU in total yards 465-411, led 14-7 after the first quarter before opening up a comfortable 38-21 advantage at the half.
The Gorillas' Germaine Race gained 125 yards on 23 carries, while quarterback Mark Smith, a St. Mary's-Colgan graduate, was 15-of-21 passing for 236 yards. Smith was intercepted twice.
Smith also scored touchdowns on runs of 9, 1 and 10 yards while gaining 57 yards rushing on 10 carries.
Race found the end zone on a 2-yard run in the second quarter. Teammate Marques Nelson accounted for the Gorillas' other touchdown on a 24-yard reception from Smith.
PSU's Bryan Pray led all receivers with nine receptions for 168 yards.
Missouri Western (3-0) picked up 268 yards on the ground on 47 carries. Jay White led the way for the Griffons with 23 rushes and 117 yards.
PSU (2-1) entertains Missouri Southern at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.