Gorillas prepare for tough test against #2 Northwest Missouri

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Pittsburg State Gorillas will hit the road this weekend to face the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.

Pitt State is 4-1 in their first five games, while the Bearcats are 4-0 to start the season. Northwest Missouri’s week two game against Lincoln was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Lincoln program.

Saturday’s game will be a big test for the Gorilla offense. Northwest Missouri State’s defense has been outstanding to begin the season, allowing just 21 total points in their first four games.

“They’re a big challenge, that’s for sure. They have the personnel and they have a great scheme on defense,” says Pitt State head coach Brian Wright, “They do a great job. They’ve given up two touchdowns on defense the entire year and they average about one yard per carry. Our guys and our football team will have their work cut out for them, but we’re up for that challenge. I believe in our guys and I believe in the things we’re putting together in the game plan.”

The Gorillas have won three straight games heading into the weekend. Their last two wins have been close contests, beating Emporia State 30-28 and Missouri Southern 20-16.

While it wasn’t always pretty for PSU, Wright says he’s proud of the way his team was able to finish those games strong.

“Good teams find ways to win. There are all types of different ways to do that,” Wright says, “I was proud of how our team handled some of that adversity last week and how we hung in there, even when we weren’t playing our best football. We found a way to make some plays at the end to win the ball game.”

“I think a lot of teams can take pride in something like that,” says safety Brandon Mlekus on finishing back-to-back close games, “To know if you don’t have your best stuff one day, you’re going to have the guys that want to make that play and really come out and do that.”

Saturday’s game begins at 1:30 PM in Maryville, Missouri.

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