Pittsburg State University - Kanza Yearbook (Pittsburg, KS)

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David Bart or EVEN WITH EFFORTS from team members such as Willie Brown, Biggs, Okla., senior, who rushed 918 yards, Pitt State still fell 42-36 to Missouri Western in the 1984 Homecoming game. PITT STATE GORILLAS face off against the Griffons of Missouri Western, Steve David, Houston junior, nose tackle, prepares to fight his way to the Griffon quarterback. David Barron Homecoming Game Tradition

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Steven Hauler Floats Tradition

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Gorillas fall 42-34 to Missouri Griffons M issouri Western claimed a 42-34 victory over the Gorillas during the Pittsburg State University Homecoming game. In spite of rain and chilly weather, a large crowd turned out for the game. With only 18 seconds left in the game, it still looked as though Pitt State had a chance. A touchdown and a two point conversion would have tied the game, but a deflected pass on the fourth down ended the game for the Gorillas and left the Griffons the victors. The Griffons drew first blood less than three minutes into the game to take a 7—0 lead. PSU quarterback Gene Stegman, Overland Park freshman, was unable to generate any big offensive plays in his first varsity start, and Pitt State was shut down by a strong Griffon defense. The Gorillas seemed to have stopped the Griffon offensive attack until a third down incomplete pass was ruled as roughing the passer against PSU. The Griffons were then given a first down at the 30. The Griffons completed a pass which took them to the PSU 18, and five plays later scored for the second time in the first quarter. An 83-yard drive capped by a one- yard carry into the endzone by Bruce Stancell, Anderson, Mo., freshman, resulted in PSU's first points of the day with 42 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Pitt State scored again in the second quarter to tie the score, the closest they would ever be to Missouri Western. Minutes later Western retaliated to once again gain the lead during second quarter action. Neither team was able to generate any scoring offense the remainder of the first half, and the Griffons went into the locker room with the halftime lead. In second half action, PSU fumbled on its first two possessions, the second one being recovered by the Griffons on the PSU 21 yard line. Taking advantage of the turnover, Missouri Western quickly scored on a 21—yard touchdown play. Trying to close the Griffon 14 point advantage, PSU hurriedly scored again. The PAT failed, leaving the Gorillas trailing, 28—20. The Gorilla defense held the Griffons for the remainder of the third quarter, but another Gorilla fumble with 30 seconds left on the clock in the third period dashed their hopes of scoring. During the first play of the final quarter the Griffons extended their lead to 15 with a 30-yard touchdown run. Western capitalized on another PSU turnover, a deflected pass at the PSU 37, and widened the lead to 42—20 with only 10:17 left to play. PSU refused to give up the game though, and with about six minutes left scored a one—yard touchdown and a two point conversion to narrow the Griffon lead to 42—28. With about a minute left to play, the Gorillas narrowed the gap even more with a 58—yard touchdown pass. The Gorillas held the Griffons to three plays and regained possession at the Western 37 with 18 seconds left to go. Stegeman's first three pass attempts failed. On his fourth and final chance he aimed for the end zone and it ap- peared the pass was on target until a last second deflection interfered and Missouri Western claimed the win. The game was the eighth time the two schools have met. PSU won the first six meetings and Missouri Western the last two.—by Ron Ausemus David Barton SCRAMBLING FOR THE first down is Cehe Stegeman, Overland Park freshman. Stegeman rushed for thirty-one yards, but Pitt was still not able to pull out a win against the Missouri Western Griffons. AS THE FOOTBALL competition began, the Pittsburg Stale crowd of fans were attempting to do the wave to cheer the Gorillas on. Homecoming Game Tradition