Collegio Online

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Katie Swatek Kyle Green, senior in communication, expresses his frustration during the second half of last week's game at Arrowhead. The Gorillas suffered their first loss of the season and fell from sixth to 14th in the AFCA Top 25 Poll.

Media Credit: Katie Swatek Jon Gilligan, senior in plastics engineering, typifies the feelings of many Gorilla fans during the Fall Classic at Arrowhead. The game drew over 21,000 fans to watch the last two undefeated teams in the conference face off.

Media Credit: Katie Swatek Defensive line coach Ryan Hellwig tries to motivate his players on the Pitt State sideline.

Kansas City, Mo. - The Pitt State Gorillas (5-1, 3-1) failed to exorcise their past demons at Arrowhead, falling 35-10 to their old nemesis, the Northwest Missouri Bearcats (5-1, 4-0).
The Bearcats scored the first three touchdowns of the game to take a commanding 21-0 lead. After being forced to punt on their first possession, the Bearcats got on the board when LaRon Council carried it in from six yards out to cap a 12-play 71-yard drive that was a harbinger of things to come.
Northwest would score on its next two possessions, a 21-yard pass from Joel Osborn to Nick Rhodes, and another 6-yard run by Council.
The Gorillas would not break into the scoring column until the waning minutes of the first half, when Mark Smith hit Harrison Kush for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
Both teams headed to the locker room with Northwest leading 21-7.
In the second half, the Northwest defense clamped down, allowing the Gorillas just three points and forcing three interceptions on Pitt's final three possessions.
Northwest was 9-of-12 on third downs while the Gorillas were just 2-of-10. The Bearcats outgained the Gorillas 456-228 and ran 19 more offensive plays (71-52).
Northwest quarterback Joel Osborn finished 21-of-28 for 263 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Council, the leading scorer in Division II, ran for 144 yards on 24 carries with four touchdowns. Wide receiver Kendall Wright pulled down 11 passes for 157 yards.
For the Gorillas, the offensive numbers were well below average for one of the nation's top units. Mark Smith was 10-of-17 passing for 117 yards and one touchdown and one interception. He also carried the ball for 69 yards on 13 carries. Tailback Caleb Farabi was held to just 28 yards on nine carries.
The Bearcats face another challenge this week as they travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to take on the 5-1 Central Missouri Mules.
The Gorillas will play host to the resurgent Truman State Bulldogs, who defeated projected powerhouse Nebraska-Omaha 26-20 in double overtime last week. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Carnie Smith Stadium. Gorilla football can be heard live on 860 AM KKOW or 100.7 FM KBZI. Live broadcasts are also available at miaa.tv.

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