From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Truman State, jumping in front by scoring the first three touchdowns, never trailed in handing Pittsbug State a 28-21 loss in MIAA football on Saturday in Stokes Stadium.
The Gorillas, who failed to extend their consecutive winning seasons to 32, finished 5-6 overall and 3-6 in the MIAA. Truman State, which had not defeated PSU since 1980, wound up 2-9 overall and 1-8 in the league.
Cardell Clemons’ 8-yard scoring run at 5:57 in the third period — capping an eight-play, 70-yard drive — and the conversion kick by Jared Witter rallied PSU within 21-14.
But Truman State answered in the fourth on Phillip Davis’ 8-yard scoring pass to Vannesss Emokpae. Mickey Masucci kicked the extra point for the Bulldogs’ final points at 9:18.
The Gorillas scored at 7:40 of the fourth on Jeff Smith’s 15-yard pass to tight end Martin Burke on third-and-10 to cap a six-play, 68-yard march.
But the Bulldogs responded — mainly by rushing — with four first downs in running out the clock.
Truman State, thanks to 18-for-21 accuracy in passing for 283 yards, clipped PSU in yardage, 429-395. The Gorillas rushed for 250 yards.
Truman State took its 21-0 lead on TDs by Albert Coker (a 15-yard pass from Phil Kenney), Harnish Ayora (1-yard run) and Coker (19 pass from Davis).
Coker’s second score came with 9:13 left in the second period and the Gorillas battled back for a touchdown at 5:52 on Clemons’ yard run to cap a eight-play, 46-yard drive.
PSU, on its ensuing possession before intermission, drove to the Bulldog 25 before being repulsed. Joplin product Ja’Cobe Britt, an inside linebacker, sacked PSU quarterback John McCoy twice during the stand.
Davis finished 16 of 19 for 243 yards to spark TSU. Clemons rushed for 106 yards on 13 carries to spark PSU.
Leading tacklers for PSU were inside linebacker Caleb Jessup and nose guard Mike Roberts with 13 and 10, respectively.
Britt, who had three tackles for losses, and free safety Demetrius Lavant had seven apiece for TSU.
Lavant also had an interception.
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