piTTsburG sTaTe no. 21 CenTral missouri
PITTSBURG STATE (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) vs
No. 21 CENTRAL MISSOURI (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Game 1 • August 31, 2017 • 7 p.M. (CDT) • audrey j. walton Stadium • warrensburg, mo. GAME OffICIALS: craig helser (REFEREE), manu preston (UMPIRE), bob pritchett (HEAD LINESMAN), david burge (LINE JUDGE), isaac broeckelman (SIDE JUDGE), brendon barnes (FIELD JUDGE), michael swoboda (BACK JUDGE), kellen adams (center judge) PITTSBURG STATE (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) A31 S9 S16 S23 S30 O7 O14 N21 O28 N4 N11
at No. 21 Central Missouri *..............7 p.m. CENTRAL OKLAHOMA *..............................7 p.m. at Northeastern State *..............................7 p.m. LINDENWOOD *..........................................7 p.m. WASHBURN *.............................................2 p.m. at Fort Hays State *....................................7 p.m. MISSOURI WESTERN *................................2 p.m. at No. 4 Emporia State *.............................2 p.m. No. 1 NORTHWEST MISSOURI *...................2 p.m. at Nebraska-Kearney *...............................2 p.m. MISSOURI SOUTHERN *..............................2 p.m.
* MIAA game
CENTRAL MISSOURI A31 S9 S16 S23 S30 O7 O14 O21 O28 N4 N11
(0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
PITTSBURG STATE *...........................7 p.m. at Fort Hays State *....................................7 p.m. MISSOURI WESTERN *................................1 p.m. at No. 4 Emporia State *.............................2 p.m. vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri *...................4 p.m. at Nebraska-Kearney *...............................2 p.m. MISSOURI SOUTHERN *.........................1:30 p.m. at Washburn *............................................1 p.m. at Central Oklahoma *................................1 p.m. NORTHEASTERN STATE *.............................1 p.m. at Lindenwood *........................................1 p.m.
* MIAA game
GORILLAS ON RADIO/TV ESPN Radio 100.7 (KSHQ) in Pittsburg is the flag ship station for the Gorilla Sports Network with Eddie Lomshek (play-by-play), former PSU offensive lineman B.J. Harris (color analyst) and former PSU quarterback Zac Dickey (sideline) describing the action. Current Gorilla football affiliates in Kansas are KLKC 95.3 FM in Parsons, and KBIK 102.9 FM in Independence. Select games will also be broadcast on KSEK 1340 AM and its translator, 107.9 FM. In Missouri, fans can listen on KHST 101.7 FM in Lamar/Joplin. Fans can hear ESPN 100.7’s live broadcasts anywhere in the world on the internet at: www.espn1007.com/go The games can also be heard through the ESPN 100.7 or KSHQ app for phones or mobile devices. ESPN 100.7’s pregame show begins one hour prior to kickoff (home and away). The Tim Beck Show also can be heard on ESPN 100.7 each Monday night from 6 to 7 p.m. The show, presented by CDL Electric, is recorded live on location at Two Brothers Mining Company Restaurant within the Kansas Crossing Casino. KSNF TV (Pittsburg cable channel 2) also hosts The Tim Beck Show on Sunday nights following the KSN Hometown News, with KSNF sports director Eric Knecht and Coach Beck recapping the week’s Gorilla football action and previewing upcoming contests. CAPS TV (Pittsburg cable channel 13) also tape delay broadcasts each Pitt State game, home and away, on Tuesday nights.
The Pittsburg State University football team will make its 2017 season debut Thursday (Aug. 31) when the Gorillas travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to meet MIAA rival University of Central Missouri. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (CDT) at Audrey J. Walton Stadium. Pittsburg State, the winningest all-time NCAA Division II program, is embarking upon its 110th season of intercollegiate football at the institution. The Gorillas have accumulated 697 victories, posting a 697-342-48 overall mark. Pitt State returns 18 players who started four or more games (10 offense, eight defense) in 2016, including 10 returning All-MIAA performers and three returning All-Americas. Central Missouri finished the 2016 season with a 9-3 overall overall record. The Mules, who are ranked No. 21 in the AFCA/NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 poll (for complete poll see page 4), return 46 letterwinners and 22 starters (including special teams) from last year’s squad.
The Coaches
Tim Beck enters his eighth season as head coach at Pitt State with a 60-23 (.723) career record. Beck led his alma mater (PSU, ’88) to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship three seasons ago, earning national coach of the year honors from Liberty Mutual, the Don Hansen Football Committee and FieldTurf™. Beck became the school’s 14th all-time head football coach in December 2009, after serving for 23 seasons as an assistant coach for the Gorillas including 16 years as the team’s offensive coordinator from 1994-2009. In his first season leading the Gorillas, Beck guided Pitt State to a 6-6 record and a victory in the 2010 Mineral Water Bowl. In 2011, Beck led the Gorillas to the program’s second NCAA national championship and the school’s fourth national title overall in a 13-1 campaign. Pitt State captured the MIAA Championship and ultimately the NCAA-II National Championship with a 35-21 victory over Wayne (Mich.) State on Dec. 17, 2011. In 2012, the Gorillas opened the season 5-0 before finishing the year 7-3 overall, while in 2013 Pitt State posted the program’s 20th all-time 10-win season during a 10-2 campaign. In 2014, the Gorillas shared the MIAA regular season title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA-II playoffs during an 11-2 campaign. In 2015, a young Pitt State team battled a rash of key injuries to frontline players and the Gorillas had to settle for an uncharacteristic 6-5 season. Last year, the Gorillas battled key injuries once again and Pitt State posted a 7-4 season. During his 16 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Gorilla offense consistently ranked among the finest units in NCAA Division II. In 2008, Beck was selected the inaugural NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com, following a vote of his coaching peers. In 2004, Beck’s offensive unit established itself as the most prolific squad in the history of NCAA football. PSU shattered a 118-year-old scoring record, scoring an amazing 837 points (55.8 ppg). His squad also set the NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards). Beck’s teams led Division II in scoring in two of the last six years (2004, 2006) and ranked in the top two nationally in total offense three times in the last six seasons (2004, 2005, 2006). His squads ranked among the national rushing leaders every season, leading Division II in 1995 (318.8 ypg) and 2004 (354.7 ypg). Beck’s “multiple choice” option attack also compiled 16,483 passing yards (216.9 ypg) and 143 aerial touchdowns during the last six years.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Pitt State averaged a staggering 38.8 points and 442.5 yards of total offense per game during his tenure as offensive coordinator. Prior to assuming the offensive coordinator’s role, Beck served two years as Pitt State’s defensive coordinator (1992-93). He became a full-time assistant on the Pitt State staff in 1989, after serving first as a student assistant (1987) and then as a graduate assistant (1988). This will be Beck’s eighth meeting vs. the Mules. He is 4-3 vs. UCM. Jim Svoboda enters his eighth season directing the Mules program and his 16th year as a collegiate coach. Svoboda (Northwestern College, ’83) has a 56-25-0 (.691) record leading the Mules and a 108-44-0 (.711) career mark. He is 3-4 all-time vs. Pitt State.
MIAA STANDINGS Team MIAA Overall NW Missouri State (1)........................... 0-0....................0-0 Emporia State (4).................................. 0-0....................0-0 Central Missouri (21).....................0-0................. 0-0 Pittsburg State.............................0-0................. 0-0 Central Oklahoma................................. 0-0....................0-0 Fort Hays State...................................... 0-0....................0-0 Lindenwood.......................................... 0-0....................0-0 Missouri Southern................................. 0-0....................0-0 Missouri Western................................... 0-0....................0-0 Nebraska-Kearney................................. 0-0....................0-0 Northeastern State................................ 0-0....................0-0 Washburn ............................................. 0-0....................0-0
The Pitt State-Central Missouri Series
This Week’s Action Thursday, August 31 ESU @ NWMSU, 7 p.m. PSU @ UCM, 7 p.m. FHSU @ MSSU, 7 p.m.
WU @ NSU, 7 p.m. MWSU @ UNK, 7 p.m. LWU @ UCO, 7 p.m.
Next Week’s Action Thursday, September 7 NWMSU @ WSU, 6 p.m. UNK @ ESU, 7 p.m. UCM @ FHSU, 7 p.m.
MSSU @ MWSU, 6 p.m. NSU @ LWU, 7 p.m.
This will be the 54th all-time meeting between the Gorillas and Mules in a series that dates all the way back to the 1916 season. Pitt State holds a decided 41-10-2 (.792) advantage in the series, including a 21-5-2 record against UCM at Warrensburg, Mo. Last year, quarterback Garrett Fugate tossed a 79-yard touchdown strike to Tyler Jones to break a 27-27 tie with 4:28 to play and lift No. 20 Central Missouri to a 34-27 victory over Pitt State in the season opener at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium. The Gorillas scored the game’s first 13 points behind a John Roderique to Levi Copelin 66-yard touchdown pass and a pair of field goals – from 38 and 28 yards – by Chad Levin, but the Mules countered with 27 consecutive points between the second and third quarters to build a 27-13 lead. Roderique completed seven of 10 passes for 113 yards and the touchdown before exiting the game with a hand injury on the final play of the first quarter and the Gorillas leading 10-0.
Gorillas on the Road
Pitt State has posted an 81-25-0 (.764) record in its last 106 road games (including postseason play). The Gorillas are 28-4 (.875) in their last 32 road games dating back to Oct. 23, 2010. Pitt State posted a school and MIAA record 20 straight road wins between the 2010 and 2014 seasons before dropping a 24-21 overtime decision to Minnesota State in the second round of the NCAA-II playoffs on Nov. 29, 2014. During the last 24 years (1994-pres.), the Gorillas are an equally impressive 92-27-1 (.771) on the road.
Saturday, September 9 UCO @ PSU, 7 p.m.
MIAA RECORDS SINCE 1989 Team Record Pct. Northwest Missouri...........................211-48-0............. .815 Pittsburg State........................ 207-50-1.......... .804 Nebraska-Omaha ++.........................17-10-0............. .630 Central Missouri......................158-100-1.......... .612 Missouri Western.............................155-103-1............. .600 Emporia State *...............................123-118-0............. .510 Truman ^........................................108-109-0............. .498 Washburn.......................................117-143-0............. .450 Missouri Southern...........................103-154-0............. .401 Central Oklahoma ***.........................21-32-0............. .396 Fort Hays State #.................................37-65-0............. .363 Lindenwood ***.................................17-34-0............. .333 Northeastern State ***.......................12-41-0............. .226 Southwest Baptist **........................39-151-1............. .205 Nebraska-Kearney ***..........................9-43-0............. .173 Missouri S&T +.................................17-126-2............. .124 Lincoln ##.............................................3-36-0............. .077
PSU’s Regular Season Success
Pitt State has won 288 of its last 346 regular season games, posting a phenomenal 288-56-2 (.835) mark during the past 32 seasons (1985-2016). PSU is 154-22-1 at home, 130-25-1 on the road and 4-9-0 at neutral sites in the regular season during that span.
Gorillas in Season Openers
Pitt State has compiled a 67-37-5 (.638) record in season openers over the program’s 109year history. Since the 1978 campaign, Pitt State has built a 33-5-1 (.859) record in season openers with an 18-2 (.900) record the past 20 seasons. The Gorillas also have won their last nine road season openers dating back to the 1997 season. Pitt State’s last road loss in a season opener was a 41-31 decision to FCS member Eastern Illinois on Sept. 7, 1996.
Pitt State in the AFCA Top 25 Poll
* ESU joined the MIAA in 1991 + MST left the MIAA following 2004 # FHSU joined the MIAA in 2006 ** SBU opted to play an independent schedule from 2007-11 ++ UNO competed in the MIAA from 2008-10 ## LU returned to the MIAA in 2011, after leaving in 1990 *** UCO, LU, UNK & NSU joined the MIAA in 2012 ^ TSU left the MIAA following 2012
Pitt State has been ranked in Division II’s top 10 116 times in the last 227 polls and the Gorillas have been ranked in the top 25 poll in 183 of 227 weeks overall (dating back to the 1999 season). The Gorillas were preseason ranked among “others receiving votes” in the NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 Poll. [for complete poll, see page 4] 2016 Pittsburg State Scoreboard Score By Quarters 1st 2nd Avg.
Pittsburg State Opponents
3rd 4th Avg.
106 124 20.9 101 106 18.8 88 133 20.1 96 88 16.7
2016 Central Missouri Scoreboard Score By Quarters 1st 2nd Avg. 3rd 4th Avg. Central Missouri 104 142 20.5 106 89 16.3 Opponents 65 78 11.9 54 101 12.9
2
OT
7 6
Total
Avg.
444 40.4 411 37.4
OT Total Avg. 7 448 37.3 13 311 25.9
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
2016 PITT STATE TEAM CAPTAINS At the conclusion of spring drills each year, the Gorillas select captains for the following season by a team vote. Pitt State’s team captains for the 2017 season are:
All-Time Winningest Programs
#5 Carter Anchors, 6-1, 202, SR, LB/P #15 Ethan Fugitt, 6-2, 236, SR, LB #17 Austin Panko, 6-0, 184, SR, WR #19 John Roderique, 6-5, 225, JR, QB #47 Demetrius Bernard, 6-0, 233, JR LB #66 Bo Farrow, 6-3, 261, SR, OL
PSU-UCM OFFENSIVE COMPARISON (2016) Total Offense Yards Pittsburg State 5298 Central Missouri 5646 Rushing Offense Yards Pittsburg State 1937 Central Missouri 1914 Passing Offense Yards Central Missouri 3732 Pittsburg State 3361 Scoring Offense Points Pittsburg State 437 Central Missouri 448 Passing Efficiency C-A-TD-I Yards Central Missouri 279-446-32-9 3732 Pittsburg State 231-409-24-14 3361 Kickoff Returns No/Yards Avg. Pittsburg State 61/1407 Central Missouri 45/981 Third Down Conversions Tot Central Missouri 91/184 Pittsburg State 81/176 Time of Possession Avg Pittsburg State 31:13 Central Missouri 28:23 Penalties Tot/Yds Central Missouri 61/567 Pittsburg State 71/653
Avg. 481.6 470.5 Avg. 176.1 159.5 Avg. 310.8 305.6 Avg. 39.7 37.3 Rat. 152.4 138.0 23.1 21.8 Pct. 49.46% 46.02%
Avg 47.3 59.4
PSU-UCM DEFENSIVE COMPARISON (2015) Total Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Rushing Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Passing Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Scoring Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Passing Eff. Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Punt Returns Pittsburg State Central Missouri Turnover Margin Pittsburg State Central Missouri Net Punting Pittsburg State Central Missouri
C-A-TD-I 226-404-14-14 228-377-26-12 No/Yards 21/221 18/124
Yards 4565 5254 Yards 1878 1742 Yards 2687 3512 Points 311 411 Yards 2687 3512 Avg. 10.5 6.9 Mar -3 +10 Tot/Net 45/1680 51/1781
UCM comes into Thursday’s contest as the preseason No. 21 team in NCAA Division II. The Gorillas have compiled a 57-47 record (.548) against nationally-ranked teams since joining Division II in 1989. Pitt State is 16-20 (.444) in road games against ranked opponents and 33-30 (.524) vs. ranked MIAA foes.
Avg. 380.4 477.6 Avg. 156.5 158.4 Avg. 233.9 319.3 Avg. 25.9 37.4 Rat. 116.3 155.1
Avg -0.27 -0.83 Avg 37.3 34.9
Pittsburg State is the all-time winningest NCAA Division II football program. The Gorillas, who are in their 110th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 697-342-48 overall record, winning 66.3 percent of their 1,087 all-time games. Pittsburg State is one of just five NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 600 all-time victories and the Gorillas are bidding to become just the 33rd program across all levels of college football to reach the 700-win plateau. Tuskegee is second on the Division II all-time list with 677 victories, followed by Hillsdale (622), Carson-Newman (618) and Central Oklahoma (617). UCM has a 551-508-51 (.517) record in 122 seasons of intercollegiate play.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE
The Pitt State offense has exhibited a penchant for being a “quick strike” unit. During the last 12 seasons (2005-16), the Pitt State offense has generated 788 scoring drives (659 TDs, 129 FGs) and averaged just 2:54 of elapsed time per drive. [Overtime scoring drives not included in elapsed time figures.] 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
97 scoring drives (86 TDs, 11 FGs)...........2:40 elapsed time 79 scoring drives (72 TDs, 7 FGs)..............2:14 elapsed time 64 scoring drives (55 TDs, 9 FGs)..............3:02 elapsed time 69 scoring drives (61 TDs, 8 FGs)..............3:23 elapsed time 49 scoring drives (44 TDs, 5 FGs)..............3:21 elapsed time 41 scoring drives (34 TDs, 7 FGs)..............3:04 elapsed time
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
78 scoring drives (60 TDs, 18 FGs)...........2:54 elapsed time 51 scoring drives (40 TDs, 11 FGs)...........2:58 elapsed time 83 scoring drives (70 TDs, 13 FGs)...........2:29 elapsed time 74 scoring drives (53 TDs, 21 FGs)...........3:06 elapsed time 50 scoring drives (41 TDs, 9 FGs)..............2:53 elapsed time 60 scoring drives (48 TDs, 12 FGs)...........2:54 elapsed time
The Gorillas have been highly successful when they are quick out of the gates. Pitt State has scored on its opening drive 69 times (58 TDs, 11 FGs) in the last 143 games, posting a 62-7 (.899) record in those games. By contrast, Pitt State is 41-33 (.554) in games it doesn’t score on its opening drive during the same span.
The Pitt State Offense
The Gorillas will look to junior John Roderique to lead the Pitt State offense for a third season. Roderique, a two-time All-MIAA performer in his first two seasons, passed for 2,496 yards and 19 TDs (277.3 ypg) and rushed for 318 yards (35.3 ypg, 3.7 ypc) and four scores despite missing two-and-a-half games due to injury. The Webb City, Mo., native has passed for 3,760 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 career games for the Gorillas. Up front, the Gorillas return a pair of AllAmerica performers from 2016 in senior center Bo Farrow (6-3, 261) and senior tackle Codey Funk (6-6, 303) as well as a third AllMIAA performer in sophomore tackle Ryan Dodd (6-5, 306). Pitt State also welcomes back a 10-game starter in junior guard Alex Jones (6-5, 313) and a pair of players – seniors Ryan Cipriani (6-5, 281) and Kelly Wortham (6-3, 277) – who started five games apiece at guard in 2016. The veteran offensive line cast also includes junior guard Tyler Stiff (6-5, 311), who has made eight career starts for the Gorillas, and senior tackle Dexton Robertson (6-4, 321), who has made three career starts while battling injuries the past two seasons. The Gorillas top 10 offensive linemen average 6 feet, 4 inches and 295 pounds. In the backfield, the Gorillas are led by senior Michael Rose. Rose rushed for 584 yards (73.0 ypg, 5.2 ypc) and seven touchdowns in 2016 despite missing three games due to injury. He earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors during his junior campaign. Rose, an Albuquerque, N.M., native has 1,258 career rushing with 14 touchdowns.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Sophomores Kiah Kintchen (5-8, 164) and Keynan Scheurich (5-10, 198) also return after gaining valuable game experience in 2016. Junior DeMarcus Edwards (5-11, 208) and redshirt freshmen Tyler Adkins (5-10, 194), D’Vontae Brown (5-11, 234) and Tucker Horak (5-10, 187) all enjoyed solid spring camps and figure to compete for action as well. Senior Austin Panko and sophomore Brenner Clemons lead a talented wide receiving corps. Panko (6-0, 184) caught 41 passes for 755 yards (18.4 ypc) and five touchdowns as a junior in 2016, while Clemons (6-3, 202) hauled in 42 receptions for 559 yards (13.3 ypc) and four scores. Both players garnered honorable mention AllMIAA honors and Clemons was voted the MIAA Freshman of the Year. Panko has 82 career catches for 1,265 yards (15.4 ypc) and nine touchdowns. Senior Ramsey Hamilton (6-2, 202), juniors Slade Nordic (6-1, 179) and Terrence Hoskin (6-2, 220) and sophomore Lorenzo West (5-11, 167) also figure to be impact performers in the wide receivers corps, along with redshirt freshmen Brendon Franklin (6-2, 178) and Kedrick Greene (5-6, 143). At tight end, senior Jovon Wilson (6-5, 249), junior Kohl Slaughter (6-2, 220) and sophomores Jackson Krull (6-7, 241) and Andy Otting (6-4, 238) figure to battle for playing time.
The Pitt State Defense
The Gorillas return eight starters of the defensive side of the ball, led by a pair of All-MIAA linebackers in senior Ethan Fugitt and junior Demetrius Bernard and an All-MIAA defensive lineman in sophomore Simanu’a Thomas.
Fugitt (6-2, 236) earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors in his first season as a starter in 2016, posting 90 tackles (39 solo) with 8.0 tacklesfor-loss, an interception and two pass break-ups on the season. Bernard (6-0, 233), an honorable mention AllMIAA selection as a sophomore in 2015, made 33 tackles (21 solo) last year with 3.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks. Fugitt and Bernard will be joined at the linebacker corps by junior Carter Anchors (6-1, 202) and sophomores Kaden Brannin (6-2, 221), Jacob Carpenter (6-2, 222) and Brett McDonald (6-3, 200). Anchors made 15 tackles (eight solo) with 1.0 tackle-for-loss in a reserve role in 2016, while Carpenter posted 10 stops (four solo) primarily on special teams. McDonald played in four games in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury. Thomas (6-1, 288) garnered All-MIAA recognition in his debut season at defensive tackle in 2016. The Independence, Mo., native made 37 tackles (18 solo) with 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.0 quarterback sacks as a true freshman a year ago. Senior Willie Cooper (6-0, 250), junior Bradley Payne (6-1, 262) and redshirt freshman Gage Kaiser (6-2, 254) will join Thomas on the interior defensive line. Cooper started all 11 games at nose guard as a junior in 2016, posting 32 tackles (12 solo) with 6.0 tackles-for-loss in his first season with the Gorillas. Payne, who joined the Gorillas from William Jewell College a year ago, made 17 tackles (seven solo) with 3.0 TFLs. Senior José Speer (6-3, 246) and sophomore Ned Bingaman (6-4, 231) and redshirt freshmen Levi Wyrick (6-4, 232) and Kyler Ray (6-3, 221) return to the defensive end spots.
2017 NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll [Rel. AUG. 14, 2017] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
School (1st votes) Northwest Missouri (34) Grand Valley State Ferris State Emporia State Texas A&M-Commerce North Alabama Shepherd California (Pa.) Indiana (Pa.) Minnesota Duluth Valdosta State Colorado State-Pueblo Azusa Pacific LIU-Post Harding Colorado Mines Sioux Falls (S.D.) Southwest Baptist North Carolina-Pembroke Minnesota State Central Missouri Southern Arkansas Colorado Mesa Midwestern State Bemidji State
W-L 15-0 12-1 12-3 11-2 10-2 11-2 13-1 11-1 10-2 10-2 8-3 8-3 9-3 12-1 13-1 10-3 12-1 10-2 10-2 8-3 9-3 9-3 9-3 8-3 9-3
Pts. 850 765 716 652 634 622 574 568 500 431 390 349 302 288 281 254 235 227 220 201 189 157 154 138 133
Prev. 1 4 5 10 9 2 3 7 12 14 18 NR 25 11 6 15 8 22 13 NR 21 NR NR 24 NR
Season Opener Aug. 31, vs. No. 4 Emporia State Aug. 31, vs. Indianapolis Sept. 9, vs. Findlay Aug. 31, vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri Aug. 31, at No. 6 North Alabama Aug. 31, vs. No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce Sept. 2, at Notre Dame (Ohio) Aug. 31, at Ohio Dominican Aug. 31, vs. Ashland Aug. 31, vs. No. 17 Sioux Falls Sept. 2, vs. Albany State (Ga.) Aug. 31, vs. No. 16 Colorado Mines Sept. 2, at West Texas A&M Sept. 2, at Virginia Union Aug. 31, at Henderson State Aug. 31, at No. 12 Colorado State-Pueblo Aug. 31, at No. 10 Minnesota Duluth Aug. 31, vs. Eastern New Mexico Aug. 31, at Winston-Salem State Aug. 31, at Mary (N.D.) Aug. 31, vs. Pittsburg State Aug. 31, at Arkansas Tech Aug. 31, at Western State (Colo.) Aug. 31, vs. Quincy Aug. 31, vs. Winona State
Head Coach Rich Wright Matt Mitchell Tony Annese Garin Higgins Colby Carthel Chris Willis Monte Cater Gary Dunn Paul Tortorella Curt Wiese Kerwin Bell John Wristen Victor Santa Cruz Bryan Collins Paul Simmons Gregg Brandon Jon Anderson Robert Clardy Shane Richardson Todd Hoffner Jim Svoboda Bill Keopple Russ Martin Bill Maskill Brent Bolte
Others Receiving Votes: Ashland , 130; Tuskegee, 123; North Greenville (S.C.), 121; Winston-Salem State, 114; Newberry, 107; Ohio Dominican, 86; West Chester, 82; West Georgia, 75; Edinboro, 57; Albany State (Ga.), 45; Florida Tech, 43; Assumption, 38; Texas A&M-Kingsville, 36; Fairmont State, 19; Bowie State, 16; Augustana (S.D.), 14; Carson-Newman , 14; Virginia Union, 12; Arkansas Tech, 11; Central Washington, 10; Pittsburg State, 10; Henderson State, 8; Charleston (W. Va.), 7; Indianapolis, 7; Gannon, 6; Ouachita Baptist, 6; Truman, 5; Fort Valley State, 4; Slippery Rock, 4; Delta State, 3; East Central (Okla.), 3; Humboldt State, 2; Tusculum, 1; Wingate, 1.
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Speer made 10 tackles (six solo) with 2.0 TFLs in 2016, while Bingaman posted 29 tackles (10 solo) with 2.5 TLFs and 2.0 quarterback sacks while starting nine games for the Gorillas. Senior Ciyre Simmons (6-0, 181), juniors Matt Magee (6-0, 192) and Darian Taylor (6-3, 206) and sophomore Creighton Sanders (6-1, 186) bring veteran experience to Pitt State’s safety positions. Simmons made 14 tackles (six solo) in 2016 after joining the Pitt State squad from Mesa Community College. Magee started six games in his first season moving from cornerback to safety. He made 30 tackles (24 solo) with two pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. Taylor started nine games, posting 49 tackles (30 solo) with 5.0 tackles-for-loss, an interception and two pass break-ups. Sanders made 14 tackles (10 solo) with one interception and one pass break-up as a true freshman in 2016. Junior transfer Marcus Brantley (5-10, 182), an honorable mention NJCAA All-America who joined the Gorillas from Mesa Community College, also will look to be an impact performer at safety, along with sophomore Josh Hornback (6-2, 177) and redshirt freshman Alex Derryberry (6-0, 189). At cornerback, redshirt junior Juanté Baldwin (5-11, 188) and sophomore Keeyon Incle (5-11, 176) return. Baldwin redshirted in 2016 after transferring from NAIA member Friends University. Incle started four games a year ago, making 28 tackles (15 solo) and three pass break-ups. Freshman transfer Tyshawn Johnson (5-11, 175), from Hutchinson Community College, also will look to make an immediate impact for the Gorillas.
Pitt State Special Teams
Junior Carter Anchors returns for a third season to handle Pitt State’s punting duties. Anchors (6-1, 202) earned third-team All-America and first-team All-MIAA honors in 2016, punting 43 times for a 43.9-yard average with 14 kicks inside the opponents 20 yard line. Sophomore Jared Vincent (5-10, 183) and redshirt freshman Todd Morrow (5-10, 184) entered fall camp battling to handle the Gorillas’ place kicking chores. Sophomore transfer Conner Kaifes (6-0, 195) and redshirt freshman Keegan Duncan (6-0, 201) are expected to battle to handle Pitt State’s deep snapping chores this fall. Panko garnered second-team All-MIAA and third-team All-Super Region Three honors as a return specialist in 2016. Panko returned 27 punts for an 11.9-yard average. Sophomore Lorenzo West averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return last year, while junior Slade Nordic also averaged 22.2 yards per kickoff return in 2016.
THE LAST TIME…
PSU shut out an opponent: 9/20/14, at Washburn (42-0) PSU was shut out: 11/24/01, at North Dakota (38-0) PSU rallied from a 4th quarter deficit: 10/3/15, vs. Missouri Western (trailed 27-21; won 31-27) PSU lost 4th quarter lead, game: 10/10/15, vs. Emporia State (led 35-32 & 42-39; lost 46-42) PSU committed 2 or fewer penalties: 9/8/16, vs. Central Oklahoma (1 penalty - 10 yards) PSU eclipsed 400 yards rushing: 10/24/09, vs. Fort Hays State (406 yards) PSU eclipsed 500 yards rushing: 10/2/04, at Washburn (538 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 100 yards rushing: 10/15/16, Michael Rose (175) vs. Missouri Western A Gorilla eclipsed 200 yards rushing: 11/15/08, Mark Smith vs. Nebraska-Omaha (212) A Gorilla eclipsed 300 yards rushing: 11/11/05, Germaine Race vs. Central Missouri (309) A Gorilla rushed for 4 TDs: 11/22/08, Brandon Clark vs. Northwest Missouri (4 TDs) PSU eclipsed 300 yards passing: 10/22/16, vs. Emporia State (492 yards) PSU eclipsed 400 yards passing: 10/22/16, vs. Emporia State (492 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 300 yards passing: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (473 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 350 yards passing: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (473 yards) A Gorilla passed for 4 TDs: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (4 TDs) PSU eclipsed 600 yards of total offense: 10/15/16, vs Missouri Western (659 yards) PSU eclipsed 700 yards of total offense: 9/28/13, at Lincoln (787 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 350 yards of total offense: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (488 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 400 yards of total offense: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (488 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 100 yards receiving: 11/5/16, Levi Copelin (106 yds) vs. Nebraska-Kearney A Gorilla eclipsed 200 yards receiving: 11/8/14, Marquise Cushon (221 yards) vs. Central Missouri A Gorilla caught 2 TDs: 10/22/16, Levi Copelin, vs. Emporia State (3 TDs) A Gorilla caught 3 TDs: 10/22/16, Levi Copelin, vs. Emporia State (3 TDs) PSU returned a punt for a TD: 9/24/16, Austin Panko, 73 yards vs. Lindenwood * PSU returned a kickoff for a TD: 10/1/16, Lorenzo West, 93 yards vs. Washburn PSU returned an interception for a TD: 11/12/16, William Bazzle IV, 65 yards vs. Missouri Southern PSU returned a fumble for a TD: 11/22/14, Heath Wilson, 28 yards vs. Harding PSU had a punt returned for a TD: 9/1/16, Jaylen Zachery, Central Missouri (73 yards) * PSU had a kickoff returned for a TD: 10/30/10, Camren Torneden, Nebraska-Omaha (94 yards) PSU had an interception returned for a TD: 10/29/16, Jack Richards, Northwest Missouri (59 yards) PSU had a fumble returned for a TD: 11/7/15, Josh Powell, Central Missouri (33 yards) * excluding blocks
Scouting the Mules
Redshirt junior quarterback Brook Bolles is expected to lead the UCM offense in 2017, after serving as a back-up for the Mules the past two seasons. Bolles (6-3, 205) appearend in all 12 games for UCM in 2016, completing three of nine passes for 43 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball 11 times for 67 yards. Senior wide receiver Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185) caught 67 passes for 948 yards (14.1 ypc) and 11 scores a year ago, while senior wide receiver Kyle Echols (6-2, 185) caught 46 passes for 672 yards (14.6 ypc) and five TDs. Junior tight end Seth Hebert (6-4, 245) also posted 34 catches for 445 yards (13.1 ypc) and two scores. The Mules averaged 37.3 points and 470.5 total yards per game in 2016. Senior cornerback Monteze Latimore made 73 tackles (57 solo) with two interceptions and nine PBUs in 2016, while junior safety Jackson Newman posted 72 tackles (50 solo) with four INTS. UCM limited its opposition to 25.9 points and 380.4 total yards per game in 2016.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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PITT STATE “Gorillas” 2-Deep PITTSBURG STATE OFFENSE
PITTSBURG STATE DEFENSE
WR TE LT LG C RG RT WR WR QB RB
18 1 6 89 79 70 64 74 66 68 77 60 73 72 17 7 8 9 19 10 30 24
Brenner Clemons (6-3, 202, So.) Slade Nordic (6-1, 179, Jr.) Jovon Wilson (6-5, 249, Sr.) Andy Otting (6-4, 238, So.-RS) Codey Funk (6-6, 303, Sr.) Tyler Stiff (6-5, 311, Jr.) Alex Jones (6-5, 313, Jr.) Zach Thomas (6-3, 300, Fr.-RS) Bo Farrow (6-3, 261, Sr.) Benton Sinclair (6-1, 280, So.) Kelly Wortham (6-3, 279, Sr.) Tanner Gulick (6-3, 282, Fr.-RS) Ryan Dodd (6-5, 306, So.) Ryan Cipriani (6-5, 281, Sr.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.) Ramsey Hamilton (6-2, 202, Sr.) Lorenzo West (5-11, 167, So.) Brendon Franklin (6-2, 178, Fr.-RS) John Roderique (6-5, 225, Jr.) Thomas LePage (6-3, 204, Sr.) Michael Rose (5-11, 185, Sr.) Keynan Scheurich (5-10, 198, So.)
DE DT DT DE LB LB CB S S S CB
91 67 96 94 92 63 90 48 15 5 47 57 4 12 2 20 11 25 38 35 21 26
Ned Bingaman (6-4, 231, So.) Kyler Ray (6-3, 221, Fr.-RS) Willie Cooper (6-0, 250, Sr.) Bradley Payne (6-1, 262, Jr.) Simanu’a Thomas (6-1, 288, So.) Gage Kaiser (6-2, 254, Fr.-RS) José Speer (6-3, 246, Sr.) Levi Wyrick (6-4, 232, Fr.-RS) Ethan Fugitt (6-2, 236, Sr.) Carter Anchors (6-1, 202, Jr.) Demetrius Bernard (6-0, 233, Jr.) Jacob Carpenter (6-2, 222, So.) Juanté Baldwin (5-11, 188, Jr.) Tyshawn Johnson (5-11, 175, Fr.) Matt Magee (6-0, 192, Jr.) Creighton Sanders (6-1, 186, So.) Darian Taylor (6-3, 206, Jr.) Ciyre Simmons (6-0, 181, Sr.) Josh Hornback (6-2, 177, So.) Alex Derryberry (6-0, 189, Fr.-RS) Keeyon Incle (5-11, 176, So.) Jonathan Gilkey (5-9, 179, So.)
PK LS H
27 49 17
Jared Vincent (5-10, 183, So.) Conner Kaifes (6-0, 195, So.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.)
P PR KR
5 17 1 8
Carter Anchors (6-1, 202, Jr.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.) Slade Nordic (6-1, 179, Jr.) Lorenzo West (5-11, 167, So.)
CENTRAL MISSOURI OFFENSE
CENTRAL MISSOURI DEFENSE
WR TE LT LG C RG RT WR WR QB RB
1 80 85 7 78 68 54 74 60 59 67 76 71 66 19 3 15 8 2 4 10 11
Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Tyus Franks (6-4, 195, So.) Seth Hebert (6-4, 245, Jr.) Justus McMullen (6-4, 240, Sr.) Nick Warren (6-4, 275, Jr.) Connor Hill (6-4, 275, So.) Chris Gomez (6-3, 310, Sr.) Kyle Linville (6-4, 275, Fr.) Jake Heckler (6-4, 270, Fr.-RS) Nate Farnsworth (6-3, 260, So.) Dylan Scheirich (6-3, 265, Fr.-RS) Jesus Mota (6-3, 280, Jr.) Kane Barker (6-3, 280, Sr.) Jesse Brookins, Jr. (6-3, 275, Fr.-RS) Kyle Echols (6-2, 185, Sr.) JoVante Siglar (6-2, 180, Sr.) Wesley Thomas (6-0, 210, Sr.) Kyrion Parker (6-4, 200, Jr.) Brook Bolles (6-3, 205, Jr.) Kyle Bradley (6-4, 205, Fr.-RS) Xavier Washpun (5-10, 205, Sr.) Koby Wlkerson (6-0, 175, Fr.-RS)
DE NG DE LB LB LB LB CB FS SS CB
98 52 90 58 44 56 5 37 39 22 45 40 49 21 26 13 29 42 23 32 24 41
Wyatt Hendrix (6-5, 230, So.) Michael Moana (6-3, 260, Jr.) Triphinue Taylor (6-3, 300, Sr.) Ubong Udom (6-3, 275, So.) Connor Flagel (6-5, 280, Sr.) Jeff Holsinger (6-2, 260, Jr.) Dylan Albertson (6-2, 205, Jr.) Carter Nicoli (6-1, 210, Fr.-RS) Alex Lackey (6-1, 235, Sr.) Mark Cushing (6-0, 230, Sr.) Michael Tannerhill (6-2, 225, Jr.) John Embrey (6-1, 220, So.) Austin Miller (6-0, 235, Jr.) Kolesen Crane (6-0, 200, So.) Monteze Latimore (6-0, 195, Sr.) Blake Cooper (6-1, 180, So.) Codie Bell (5-10, 170, Fr.-RS ) Jackson Newman (6-1, 195, Jr.) Diaron Rhodes (5-9, 180, Sr.) Damon Jackson, Jr. (6-2, 185, Fr.-RS) Josh Terry (6-1, 170, Fr.-RS) Duane Clayton II (6-0, 170, Fr.-RS)
PK LS H
92 46 2
Alex Langer (5-10, 195, Jr.) Garrett Cline (6-4, 220, Sr.) Brook Bolles (6-3, 205, So.)
P PR KR
34 1 1 42
Logan Offner (6-0, 185, So.) Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Jackson Newman (6-1, 195, Jr.)
6
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Pitt State Numerical Roster
NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
NAME POS Slade Nordic WR Matt Magee S Kiah Kintchen RB Juante Baldwin CB Carter Anchors LB/P Jovon Wilson TE Ramsey Hamilton WR Lorenzo West WR Brendon Franklin WR
HT 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-2
WT 179 192 164 188 202 249 202 167 178
CL JR JR SO JR JR SR SR SO FR
EXP 2L 2L 1L TR 2L 1L 3L 1L RS
HOMETOWN Bartlesville, Okla. Carl Junction, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Detroit, Mich. Beggs, Okla. Lawton, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Thomas LePage Darian Taylor Tyshawn Johnson Cole Schaller Quez Allen Ethan Fugitt Paul Davis Austin Panko Brenner Clemons John Roderique
QB S CB QB QB LB CB WR WR QB
6-3 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-5
204 206 175 210 223 236 175 184 202 225
SR JR FR FR FR SR JR SR SO JR
3L 2L TR RS RS 3L TR 3L 1L 2L
Jefferson City, Mo. Manhattan, Kan. Pinewood, S.C. Tampa, Fla. Paris, Texas Oak Grove, Mo. Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Webb City, Mo.
S CB RB RB RB S CB PK/P RB LB
6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-3
186 176 187 208 198 181 179 183 194 200
SO SO FR JR SO SR SO SO FR SO
1L 1L RS SQ 1L 1L 1L SQ RS 1L
Wichita, Kan. Blue Springs, Mo. Rossville, Kan. Lee Summit, Mo. Carl Junction, Mo. Phoenix, Ariz. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Claremore, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla. Lamar, Mo.
RB S RB CB S S S S S
5-11 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-2
185 167 234 187 182 189 189 182 177
SR SR FR JR JR FR FR SR SO
3L 2L RS TR TR RS RS TR 1L
Albuquerque, N.M. Holton, Kan. Independence, Mo. Raleigh, N.C. Tempe, Ariz. Carthage, Mo. Pittsburg, Kan. Arkansas City, Kan. Wichita, Kan.
S DE TE S LB PK/P K LB DE LS
5-11 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-0
197 210 220 190 225 184 213 233 232 195
JR JR JR FR FR FR JR JR FR SO
SQ TR 1L HS TR RS TR 2L RS TR
New Cambria, Kan. Gilbert, Ariz. Webb City, Mo. Harrisonville, Mo. Webb City, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Hutchinson, Kan. O’Fallon, Mo. Elk City, Kan. Shawnee, Kan.
20 Creighton Sanders 21 Keeyon Incle 22 Tucker Horak 23 DeMarcus Edwards 24 Keynan Scheurich 25 Ciyre Simmons 26 Jonathan Gilkey 27 Jared Vincent 28 Tyler Adkins 29 Brett McDonald
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Michael Rose Jaxon Wright D’Vontae Brown Carnell Lewis Marcus Brantley Alex Derryberry Zack Roark Derrick Banks Josh Hornback
40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49
Nick Wuthnow Elijah Jeffcoat Kohl Slaughter Morgan Selemaea Kaden Roy Todd Morrow Kassidy Lemons Demetrius Bernard Levi Wyrick Connor Kaifes
50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
Nate Brown Kyle Brown Garrett Normand Jon Meyer Dylan Scheer Jarod Toogood Anders Vance Jacob Carpenter Dylan Smith Kaden Brannin
LB LB LB DE LB DE OL LB LB LB
5-10 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2
210 218 215 256 221 247 262 222 222 221
FR SR FR FR SO FR FR SO FR SO
RS TR RS RS RS RS RS 1L RS RS
Pittsburg, Kan. Blue Springs, Mo. Pittsburg, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Valley Center, Kan. Salina, Kan. Louisburg, Kan. Savonburg, Kan. Stilwell, Kan. Carl Junction, Mo.
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
Tanner Gulick Keegan Duncan Dexton Robertson Gage Kaiser Alex Jones Will Stringer Bo Farrow Kyler Ray Benton Sinclair Trenton Mooney
OL LS OL DL OL OL OL DE OL DL
6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-6
282 201 321 254 313 276 261 221 280 269
FR FR SR FR JR FR SR FR SO SO
RS RS 1L RS 2L RS 3L RS 1L SQ
Harrisonville, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Cashion, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla. Lawrence, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Broken Arrow, Okla. Kuna, Idaho Lee’s Summit, Mo. Lamar, Mo.
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79
Tyler Stiff Cody Hastings Ryan Cipriani Ryan Dodd Zach Thomas Jaden Helms Jared Green Kelley Wortham Codey Funk
OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL
6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-6
311 291 281 306 300 279 335 279 303
JR FR SR SO FR SO FR SR SR
2L RS 2L 1L RS SQ RS 2L 1L
Liberty, Mo. Carbondale, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Lee’s Summit, Mo. McKinney, Texas Anthony, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Yukon, Okla. Gridley, Ill.
NO 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
NAME Bryce Barto Jackson Krull Dash Cameron Sam Randall Colter Hullings Terrence Hoskin Grayson Handel Sam Gibson Kedrick Greene Andy Otting
POS TE TE WR WR WR WR WR TE WR TE
HT 6-3 6-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-5 5-6 6-4
WT 225 241 181 194 178 220 172 238 143 238
CL FR SO SO SO FR JR JR FR FR So
EXP RS 1L RS RS RS RS SQ RS RS 1L
HOMETOWN Frontenac, Kan. Smithville, Mo. Herman, Neb. Stilwell, Kan. Wichita, Kan. St. Louis, Mo. Lee Summit, Mo. Woodstock, Ill. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Topeka, Kan.
90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98 99
José Speer Ned Bingaman Simanu’a Thomas Bradley Payne Joe Riggins Willie Cooper Danny Williams Braxton Early Norris Floyd, Jr.
DE DE DL DL DE DL DL DE DL
6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0
246 231 288 262 210 250 296 258 331
SR SO SO JR FR SR SO JR FR
2L 1L 1L 1L TR 1L RS 2L RS
Webb City, Mo. Overland Park, Kan. Independence, Mo. Cheney, Kan. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Savannah, Ga. Wentzville, Mo. Grove Hill, Ala. Forney, Texas
TE CB QB CB LB S WR WR LB WR DE WR QB WR WR S DE OL DL S S CB S WR CB S OL LB WR S LB QB TE CB DL TE DL DE
6-6 225 6-2 182 6-0 190 5-11 170 6-2 220 6-0 175 6-3 175 5-10 175 6-1 212 6-0 180 6-4 220 6-0 185 6-2 202 5-9 160 5-9 175 6-2 205 6-0 230 6-3 285 6-2 290 6-1 178 5-11 207 6-1 170 5-11 175 6-1 185 5-11 159 5-10 180 6-4 260 6-1 200 5-9 170 5-10 175 5-11 200 6-0 193 6-4 235 5-10 175 6-1 265 6-6 240 6-4 230 6-0 240
SO SO FR FR FR FR FR FR JR SO FR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR
TR 1L HS HS HS HS HS HS 2L TR HS HS HS HS TR HS HS HS HS RS HS HS HS HS HS TR HS HS HS HS HS RS HS HS HS RS HS HS
Cedar Park, Texas Kansas City, Mo. Adair, Okla. Carl Junction, Mo. Pea Ridge, Ark. Raymore, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Grand Prairie, Texas Kansas City, Mo. Fort Scott, Kan. Columbia, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Cashion, Okla. Pittsburg, Kan. Wichita, Kan. Kansas City, Mo Sand Springs, Okla. Duncanville, Texas Neodesha, Kan. Denison, Texas Royal Oak Township, Mich. Fort Smith, Ark. Frontenac, Kan. Neosho, Mo. Broken Arrow, Okla. Kansas City, Kan. Denison, Texas Galena, Kan. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Atchison, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Pittsburg, Kan. Monett, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Belleville, Ill. Paola, Kan. Pittsburg, Kan. Goddard, Kan.
ADDITIONAL SQUAD MEMBERS Cole Baughman William Bazzle IV B.J. Bradbury Zay’shawn Carter-Weston Britton Caudill Nick Cook Cristian Cox Lawrence Dixon Tanner Eikenbary Alex Fink Keiondre Hall Luke Hardman Matt Harman Elijah Harris Garrett Haskins Jai’len Jones Delvin Jordan Justin Knighton-Smith Jordin Linn Brendon Luper Malcolm Mayes Biyron McGrew Brandon Mlekus Bryce Murphy C.J. Myers Jared Paulakovich Antoine Robison P.J. Sarwinski Zach Shanholtzer Adam Smith Tomas Stringer Spencer Turnbull Alex Turner Anthony Wilkerson Christian Wills Alex Wilson Nathan Woods Ethan Wright
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 3 Kiah Kintchen… KY kint-CHEN 4 Juanté Baldwin… jun-TAY 13 Cole Schaller… SHALL-uhr 15 Ethan Fugitt… FEW-git 17 Austin Panko… PAIN-ko 19 John Roderique… ROD-er-rick 21 Keeyon Incle… KEE-on INK-uhl 24 Keynan Scheurich… SURE-ick 25 Ciyre Simmons… KY-ree 43 Morgan Selemaea… sell-uh-MAY-uh 49 Conner Kaifes… KAY-fuss 63 Gage Kaiser… KY-ser 66 Bo Farrow… FAR-row 92 Simanu’a (Sima) Thomas… SEE-muh
COACHING STAFF: Tim Beck, Head Coach; Dave Wiemers, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator; Steve Rampy, Offensive Coordinator; Nate Dreiling, Safeties; Ryan Hellwig, Defensive Line; Matt Karleskint, Wide Receivers; Luke Miller, Tight Ends; John Pierce, Running Backs; Carl Roth, Linebackers; Steve Wells, Offensive Line; Larry Garman, In-Season Recruiting; Matt Nelson, Strength Training/Nutrition; Damani Mosby, Graduate Assistant; Andrews Nichols, Graduate Assistant; Keeston Terry, Graduate Assistant; Matt Clements, Student Assistant; Travis Young, Student Assistant.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
7
2016 FINAL SEASON STATISTICS
8
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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10
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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12
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
2016 Starting Lineups OFFENSE Northeastern State Central Oklahoma Northeastern State Lindenwood Washburn Fort Hays State Missouri Western Emporia State Northwest Missouri Nebraska-Kearney Missouri Southern DEFENSE Central Missouri Central Oklahoma Northeastern State Lindenwood Washburn Fort Hays State Missouri Western Emporia State Northwest Missouri Nebraska-Kearney Missouri Southern
WR Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin DE Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson
WR/TE Slaughter Swartz A. Taylor Swartz Swartz Slaughter Swartz Swartz Swartz Kintchen Swartz NG Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper
LT Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk DT/LB S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas
LG Cipriani Cipriani Robertson Cipriani Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham DE Dr. White Bingaman Bingaman Dr. White Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman
C Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow LB Bernard Bernard Bernard Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt
RG A. Jones Stiff A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones LB S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown
RT Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Robertson CB Da. White Jefferson Jefferson Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
WR/TE Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko SS (Gorilla) D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor Magee Magee D. Taylor D. Taylor
WR/FB/TE Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons FS Terry Terry Ware Terry Ware Magee Terry Terry Terry Magee Magee
QB Roderique LePage LePage Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique S (Bandit) Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Magee Washington Washington Washington Washington
TB/WR Rose Rose Holman Holman Rose Rose Rose Rose Rose Holman Holman CB Bazzle Bazzle Bazzle Bazzle Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Incle Incle Incle Incle
13
No. 21 CENTRAL MISSOURI (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Game 1 • August 31, 2017 • 7 p.M. (CDT) • audrey j. walton Stadium • warrensburg, mo. GAME OffICIALS: craig helser (REFEREE), manu preston (UMPIRE), bob pritchett (HEAD LINESMAN), david burge (LINE JUDGE), isaac broeckelman (SIDE JUDGE), brendon barnes (FIELD JUDGE), michael swoboda (BACK JUDGE), kellen adams (center judge) PITTSBURG STATE (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) A31 S9 S16 S23 S30 O7 O14 N21 O28 N4 N11
at No. 21 Central Missouri *..............7 p.m. CENTRAL OKLAHOMA *..............................7 p.m. at Northeastern State *..............................7 p.m. LINDENWOOD *..........................................7 p.m. WASHBURN *.............................................2 p.m. at Fort Hays State *....................................7 p.m. MISSOURI WESTERN *................................2 p.m. at No. 4 Emporia State *.............................2 p.m. No. 1 NORTHWEST MISSOURI *...................2 p.m. at Nebraska-Kearney *...............................2 p.m. MISSOURI SOUTHERN *..............................2 p.m.
* MIAA game
CENTRAL MISSOURI A31 S9 S16 S23 S30 O7 O14 O21 O28 N4 N11
(0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
PITTSBURG STATE *...........................7 p.m. at Fort Hays State *....................................7 p.m. MISSOURI WESTERN *................................1 p.m. at No. 4 Emporia State *.............................2 p.m. vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri *...................4 p.m. at Nebraska-Kearney *...............................2 p.m. MISSOURI SOUTHERN *.........................1:30 p.m. at Washburn *............................................1 p.m. at Central Oklahoma *................................1 p.m. NORTHEASTERN STATE *.............................1 p.m. at Lindenwood *........................................1 p.m.
* MIAA game
GORILLAS ON RADIO/TV ESPN Radio 100.7 (KSHQ) in Pittsburg is the flag ship station for the Gorilla Sports Network with Eddie Lomshek (play-by-play), former PSU offensive lineman B.J. Harris (color analyst) and former PSU quarterback Zac Dickey (sideline) describing the action. Current Gorilla football affiliates in Kansas are KLKC 95.3 FM in Parsons, and KBIK 102.9 FM in Independence. Select games will also be broadcast on KSEK 1340 AM and its translator, 107.9 FM. In Missouri, fans can listen on KHST 101.7 FM in Lamar/Joplin. Fans can hear ESPN 100.7’s live broadcasts anywhere in the world on the internet at: www.espn1007.com/go The games can also be heard through the ESPN 100.7 or KSHQ app for phones or mobile devices. ESPN 100.7’s pregame show begins one hour prior to kickoff (home and away). The Tim Beck Show also can be heard on ESPN 100.7 each Monday night from 6 to 7 p.m. The show, presented by CDL Electric, is recorded live on location at Two Brothers Mining Company Restaurant within the Kansas Crossing Casino. KSNF TV (Pittsburg cable channel 2) also hosts The Tim Beck Show on Sunday nights following the KSN Hometown News, with KSNF sports director Eric Knecht and Coach Beck recapping the week’s Gorilla football action and previewing upcoming contests. CAPS TV (Pittsburg cable channel 13) also tape delay broadcasts each Pitt State game, home and away, on Tuesday nights.
The Pittsburg State University football team will make its 2017 season debut Thursday (Aug. 31) when the Gorillas travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to meet MIAA rival University of Central Missouri. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (CDT) at Audrey J. Walton Stadium. Pittsburg State, the winningest all-time NCAA Division II program, is embarking upon its 110th season of intercollegiate football at the institution. The Gorillas have accumulated 697 victories, posting a 697-342-48 overall mark. Pitt State returns 18 players who started four or more games (10 offense, eight defense) in 2016, including 10 returning All-MIAA performers and three returning All-Americas. Central Missouri finished the 2016 season with a 9-3 overall overall record. The Mules, who are ranked No. 21 in the AFCA/NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 poll (for complete poll see page 4), return 46 letterwinners and 22 starters (including special teams) from last year’s squad.
The Coaches
Tim Beck enters his eighth season as head coach at Pitt State with a 60-23 (.723) career record. Beck led his alma mater (PSU, ’88) to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship three seasons ago, earning national coach of the year honors from Liberty Mutual, the Don Hansen Football Committee and FieldTurf™. Beck became the school’s 14th all-time head football coach in December 2009, after serving for 23 seasons as an assistant coach for the Gorillas including 16 years as the team’s offensive coordinator from 1994-2009. In his first season leading the Gorillas, Beck guided Pitt State to a 6-6 record and a victory in the 2010 Mineral Water Bowl. In 2011, Beck led the Gorillas to the program’s second NCAA national championship and the school’s fourth national title overall in a 13-1 campaign. Pitt State captured the MIAA Championship and ultimately the NCAA-II National Championship with a 35-21 victory over Wayne (Mich.) State on Dec. 17, 2011. In 2012, the Gorillas opened the season 5-0 before finishing the year 7-3 overall, while in 2013 Pitt State posted the program’s 20th all-time 10-win season during a 10-2 campaign. In 2014, the Gorillas shared the MIAA regular season title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA-II playoffs during an 11-2 campaign. In 2015, a young Pitt State team battled a rash of key injuries to frontline players and the Gorillas had to settle for an uncharacteristic 6-5 season. Last year, the Gorillas battled key injuries once again and Pitt State posted a 7-4 season. During his 16 seasons as offensive coordinator, the Gorilla offense consistently ranked among the finest units in NCAA Division II. In 2008, Beck was selected the inaugural NCAA Division II Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com, following a vote of his coaching peers. In 2004, Beck’s offensive unit established itself as the most prolific squad in the history of NCAA football. PSU shattered a 118-year-old scoring record, scoring an amazing 837 points (55.8 ppg). His squad also set the NCAA all division records for rushing (5,320 yards) and total offense (8,976 yards). Beck’s teams led Division II in scoring in two of the last six years (2004, 2006) and ranked in the top two nationally in total offense three times in the last six seasons (2004, 2005, 2006). His squads ranked among the national rushing leaders every season, leading Division II in 1995 (318.8 ypg) and 2004 (354.7 ypg). Beck’s “multiple choice” option attack also compiled 16,483 passing yards (216.9 ypg) and 143 aerial touchdowns during the last six years.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Pitt State averaged a staggering 38.8 points and 442.5 yards of total offense per game during his tenure as offensive coordinator. Prior to assuming the offensive coordinator’s role, Beck served two years as Pitt State’s defensive coordinator (1992-93). He became a full-time assistant on the Pitt State staff in 1989, after serving first as a student assistant (1987) and then as a graduate assistant (1988). This will be Beck’s eighth meeting vs. the Mules. He is 4-3 vs. UCM. Jim Svoboda enters his eighth season directing the Mules program and his 16th year as a collegiate coach. Svoboda (Northwestern College, ’83) has a 56-25-0 (.691) record leading the Mules and a 108-44-0 (.711) career mark. He is 3-4 all-time vs. Pitt State.
MIAA STANDINGS Team MIAA Overall NW Missouri State (1)........................... 0-0....................0-0 Emporia State (4).................................. 0-0....................0-0 Central Missouri (21).....................0-0................. 0-0 Pittsburg State.............................0-0................. 0-0 Central Oklahoma................................. 0-0....................0-0 Fort Hays State...................................... 0-0....................0-0 Lindenwood.......................................... 0-0....................0-0 Missouri Southern................................. 0-0....................0-0 Missouri Western................................... 0-0....................0-0 Nebraska-Kearney................................. 0-0....................0-0 Northeastern State................................ 0-0....................0-0 Washburn ............................................. 0-0....................0-0
The Pitt State-Central Missouri Series
This Week’s Action Thursday, August 31 ESU @ NWMSU, 7 p.m. PSU @ UCM, 7 p.m. FHSU @ MSSU, 7 p.m.
WU @ NSU, 7 p.m. MWSU @ UNK, 7 p.m. LWU @ UCO, 7 p.m.
Next Week’s Action Thursday, September 7 NWMSU @ WSU, 6 p.m. UNK @ ESU, 7 p.m. UCM @ FHSU, 7 p.m.
MSSU @ MWSU, 6 p.m. NSU @ LWU, 7 p.m.
This will be the 54th all-time meeting between the Gorillas and Mules in a series that dates all the way back to the 1916 season. Pitt State holds a decided 41-10-2 (.792) advantage in the series, including a 21-5-2 record against UCM at Warrensburg, Mo. Last year, quarterback Garrett Fugate tossed a 79-yard touchdown strike to Tyler Jones to break a 27-27 tie with 4:28 to play and lift No. 20 Central Missouri to a 34-27 victory over Pitt State in the season opener at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium. The Gorillas scored the game’s first 13 points behind a John Roderique to Levi Copelin 66-yard touchdown pass and a pair of field goals – from 38 and 28 yards – by Chad Levin, but the Mules countered with 27 consecutive points between the second and third quarters to build a 27-13 lead. Roderique completed seven of 10 passes for 113 yards and the touchdown before exiting the game with a hand injury on the final play of the first quarter and the Gorillas leading 10-0.
Gorillas on the Road
Pitt State has posted an 81-25-0 (.764) record in its last 106 road games (including postseason play). The Gorillas are 28-4 (.875) in their last 32 road games dating back to Oct. 23, 2010. Pitt State posted a school and MIAA record 20 straight road wins between the 2010 and 2014 seasons before dropping a 24-21 overtime decision to Minnesota State in the second round of the NCAA-II playoffs on Nov. 29, 2014. During the last 24 years (1994-pres.), the Gorillas are an equally impressive 92-27-1 (.771) on the road.
Saturday, September 9 UCO @ PSU, 7 p.m.
MIAA RECORDS SINCE 1989 Team Record Pct. Northwest Missouri...........................211-48-0............. .815 Pittsburg State........................ 207-50-1.......... .804 Nebraska-Omaha ++.........................17-10-0............. .630 Central Missouri......................158-100-1.......... .612 Missouri Western.............................155-103-1............. .600 Emporia State *...............................123-118-0............. .510 Truman ^........................................108-109-0............. .498 Washburn.......................................117-143-0............. .450 Missouri Southern...........................103-154-0............. .401 Central Oklahoma ***.........................21-32-0............. .396 Fort Hays State #.................................37-65-0............. .363 Lindenwood ***.................................17-34-0............. .333 Northeastern State ***.......................12-41-0............. .226 Southwest Baptist **........................39-151-1............. .205 Nebraska-Kearney ***..........................9-43-0............. .173 Missouri S&T +.................................17-126-2............. .124 Lincoln ##.............................................3-36-0............. .077
PSU’s Regular Season Success
Pitt State has won 288 of its last 346 regular season games, posting a phenomenal 288-56-2 (.835) mark during the past 32 seasons (1985-2016). PSU is 154-22-1 at home, 130-25-1 on the road and 4-9-0 at neutral sites in the regular season during that span.
Gorillas in Season Openers
Pitt State has compiled a 67-37-5 (.638) record in season openers over the program’s 109year history. Since the 1978 campaign, Pitt State has built a 33-5-1 (.859) record in season openers with an 18-2 (.900) record the past 20 seasons. The Gorillas also have won their last nine road season openers dating back to the 1997 season. Pitt State’s last road loss in a season opener was a 41-31 decision to FCS member Eastern Illinois on Sept. 7, 1996.
Pitt State in the AFCA Top 25 Poll
* ESU joined the MIAA in 1991 + MST left the MIAA following 2004 # FHSU joined the MIAA in 2006 ** SBU opted to play an independent schedule from 2007-11 ++ UNO competed in the MIAA from 2008-10 ## LU returned to the MIAA in 2011, after leaving in 1990 *** UCO, LU, UNK & NSU joined the MIAA in 2012 ^ TSU left the MIAA following 2012
Pitt State has been ranked in Division II’s top 10 116 times in the last 227 polls and the Gorillas have been ranked in the top 25 poll in 183 of 227 weeks overall (dating back to the 1999 season). The Gorillas were preseason ranked among “others receiving votes” in the NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 Poll. [for complete poll, see page 4] 2016 Pittsburg State Scoreboard Score By Quarters 1st 2nd Avg.
Pittsburg State Opponents
3rd 4th Avg.
106 124 20.9 101 106 18.8 88 133 20.1 96 88 16.7
2016 Central Missouri Scoreboard Score By Quarters 1st 2nd Avg. 3rd 4th Avg. Central Missouri 104 142 20.5 106 89 16.3 Opponents 65 78 11.9 54 101 12.9
2
OT
7 6
Total
Avg.
444 40.4 411 37.4
OT Total Avg. 7 448 37.3 13 311 25.9
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
2016 PITT STATE TEAM CAPTAINS At the conclusion of spring drills each year, the Gorillas select captains for the following season by a team vote. Pitt State’s team captains for the 2017 season are:
All-Time Winningest Programs
#5 Carter Anchors, 6-1, 202, SR, LB/P #15 Ethan Fugitt, 6-2, 236, SR, LB #17 Austin Panko, 6-0, 184, SR, WR #19 John Roderique, 6-5, 225, JR, QB #47 Demetrius Bernard, 6-0, 233, JR LB #66 Bo Farrow, 6-3, 261, SR, OL
PSU-UCM OFFENSIVE COMPARISON (2016) Total Offense Yards Pittsburg State 5298 Central Missouri 5646 Rushing Offense Yards Pittsburg State 1937 Central Missouri 1914 Passing Offense Yards Central Missouri 3732 Pittsburg State 3361 Scoring Offense Points Pittsburg State 437 Central Missouri 448 Passing Efficiency C-A-TD-I Yards Central Missouri 279-446-32-9 3732 Pittsburg State 231-409-24-14 3361 Kickoff Returns No/Yards Avg. Pittsburg State 61/1407 Central Missouri 45/981 Third Down Conversions Tot Central Missouri 91/184 Pittsburg State 81/176 Time of Possession Avg Pittsburg State 31:13 Central Missouri 28:23 Penalties Tot/Yds Central Missouri 61/567 Pittsburg State 71/653
Avg. 481.6 470.5 Avg. 176.1 159.5 Avg. 310.8 305.6 Avg. 39.7 37.3 Rat. 152.4 138.0 23.1 21.8 Pct. 49.46% 46.02%
Avg 47.3 59.4
PSU-UCM DEFENSIVE COMPARISON (2015) Total Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Rushing Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Passing Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Scoring Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Passing Eff. Defense Central Missouri Pittsburg State Punt Returns Pittsburg State Central Missouri Turnover Margin Pittsburg State Central Missouri Net Punting Pittsburg State Central Missouri
C-A-TD-I 226-404-14-14 228-377-26-12 No/Yards 21/221 18/124
Yards 4565 5254 Yards 1878 1742 Yards 2687 3512 Points 311 411 Yards 2687 3512 Avg. 10.5 6.9 Mar -3 +10 Tot/Net 45/1680 51/1781
UCM comes into Thursday’s contest as the preseason No. 21 team in NCAA Division II. The Gorillas have compiled a 57-47 record (.548) against nationally-ranked teams since joining Division II in 1989. Pitt State is 16-20 (.444) in road games against ranked opponents and 33-30 (.524) vs. ranked MIAA foes.
Avg. 380.4 477.6 Avg. 156.5 158.4 Avg. 233.9 319.3 Avg. 25.9 37.4 Rat. 116.3 155.1
Avg -0.27 -0.83 Avg 37.3 34.9
Pittsburg State is the all-time winningest NCAA Division II football program. The Gorillas, who are in their 110th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 697-342-48 overall record, winning 66.3 percent of their 1,087 all-time games. Pittsburg State is one of just five NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 600 all-time victories and the Gorillas are bidding to become just the 33rd program across all levels of college football to reach the 700-win plateau. Tuskegee is second on the Division II all-time list with 677 victories, followed by Hillsdale (622), Carson-Newman (618) and Central Oklahoma (617). UCM has a 551-508-51 (.517) record in 122 seasons of intercollegiate play.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE
The Pitt State offense has exhibited a penchant for being a “quick strike” unit. During the last 12 seasons (2005-16), the Pitt State offense has generated 788 scoring drives (659 TDs, 129 FGs) and averaged just 2:54 of elapsed time per drive. [Overtime scoring drives not included in elapsed time figures.] 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
97 scoring drives (86 TDs, 11 FGs)...........2:40 elapsed time 79 scoring drives (72 TDs, 7 FGs)..............2:14 elapsed time 64 scoring drives (55 TDs, 9 FGs)..............3:02 elapsed time 69 scoring drives (61 TDs, 8 FGs)..............3:23 elapsed time 49 scoring drives (44 TDs, 5 FGs)..............3:21 elapsed time 41 scoring drives (34 TDs, 7 FGs)..............3:04 elapsed time
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
78 scoring drives (60 TDs, 18 FGs)...........2:54 elapsed time 51 scoring drives (40 TDs, 11 FGs)...........2:58 elapsed time 83 scoring drives (70 TDs, 13 FGs)...........2:29 elapsed time 74 scoring drives (53 TDs, 21 FGs)...........3:06 elapsed time 50 scoring drives (41 TDs, 9 FGs)..............2:53 elapsed time 60 scoring drives (48 TDs, 12 FGs)...........2:54 elapsed time
The Gorillas have been highly successful when they are quick out of the gates. Pitt State has scored on its opening drive 69 times (58 TDs, 11 FGs) in the last 143 games, posting a 62-7 (.899) record in those games. By contrast, Pitt State is 41-33 (.554) in games it doesn’t score on its opening drive during the same span.
The Pitt State Offense
The Gorillas will look to junior John Roderique to lead the Pitt State offense for a third season. Roderique, a two-time All-MIAA performer in his first two seasons, passed for 2,496 yards and 19 TDs (277.3 ypg) and rushed for 318 yards (35.3 ypg, 3.7 ypc) and four scores despite missing two-and-a-half games due to injury. The Webb City, Mo., native has passed for 3,760 yards and 28 touchdowns in 15 career games for the Gorillas. Up front, the Gorillas return a pair of AllAmerica performers from 2016 in senior center Bo Farrow (6-3, 261) and senior tackle Codey Funk (6-6, 303) as well as a third AllMIAA performer in sophomore tackle Ryan Dodd (6-5, 306). Pitt State also welcomes back a 10-game starter in junior guard Alex Jones (6-5, 313) and a pair of players – seniors Ryan Cipriani (6-5, 281) and Kelly Wortham (6-3, 277) – who started five games apiece at guard in 2016. The veteran offensive line cast also includes junior guard Tyler Stiff (6-5, 311), who has made eight career starts for the Gorillas, and senior tackle Dexton Robertson (6-4, 321), who has made three career starts while battling injuries the past two seasons. The Gorillas top 10 offensive linemen average 6 feet, 4 inches and 295 pounds. In the backfield, the Gorillas are led by senior Michael Rose. Rose rushed for 584 yards (73.0 ypg, 5.2 ypc) and seven touchdowns in 2016 despite missing three games due to injury. He earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors during his junior campaign. Rose, an Albuquerque, N.M., native has 1,258 career rushing with 14 touchdowns.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Sophomores Kiah Kintchen (5-8, 164) and Keynan Scheurich (5-10, 198) also return after gaining valuable game experience in 2016. Junior DeMarcus Edwards (5-11, 208) and redshirt freshmen Tyler Adkins (5-10, 194), D’Vontae Brown (5-11, 234) and Tucker Horak (5-10, 187) all enjoyed solid spring camps and figure to compete for action as well. Senior Austin Panko and sophomore Brenner Clemons lead a talented wide receiving corps. Panko (6-0, 184) caught 41 passes for 755 yards (18.4 ypc) and five touchdowns as a junior in 2016, while Clemons (6-3, 202) hauled in 42 receptions for 559 yards (13.3 ypc) and four scores. Both players garnered honorable mention AllMIAA honors and Clemons was voted the MIAA Freshman of the Year. Panko has 82 career catches for 1,265 yards (15.4 ypc) and nine touchdowns. Senior Ramsey Hamilton (6-2, 202), juniors Slade Nordic (6-1, 179) and Terrence Hoskin (6-2, 220) and sophomore Lorenzo West (5-11, 167) also figure to be impact performers in the wide receivers corps, along with redshirt freshmen Brendon Franklin (6-2, 178) and Kedrick Greene (5-6, 143). At tight end, senior Jovon Wilson (6-5, 249), junior Kohl Slaughter (6-2, 220) and sophomores Jackson Krull (6-7, 241) and Andy Otting (6-4, 238) figure to battle for playing time.
The Pitt State Defense
The Gorillas return eight starters of the defensive side of the ball, led by a pair of All-MIAA linebackers in senior Ethan Fugitt and junior Demetrius Bernard and an All-MIAA defensive lineman in sophomore Simanu’a Thomas.
Fugitt (6-2, 236) earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors in his first season as a starter in 2016, posting 90 tackles (39 solo) with 8.0 tacklesfor-loss, an interception and two pass break-ups on the season. Bernard (6-0, 233), an honorable mention AllMIAA selection as a sophomore in 2015, made 33 tackles (21 solo) last year with 3.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks. Fugitt and Bernard will be joined at the linebacker corps by junior Carter Anchors (6-1, 202) and sophomores Kaden Brannin (6-2, 221), Jacob Carpenter (6-2, 222) and Brett McDonald (6-3, 200). Anchors made 15 tackles (eight solo) with 1.0 tackle-for-loss in a reserve role in 2016, while Carpenter posted 10 stops (four solo) primarily on special teams. McDonald played in four games in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury. Thomas (6-1, 288) garnered All-MIAA recognition in his debut season at defensive tackle in 2016. The Independence, Mo., native made 37 tackles (18 solo) with 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.0 quarterback sacks as a true freshman a year ago. Senior Willie Cooper (6-0, 250), junior Bradley Payne (6-1, 262) and redshirt freshman Gage Kaiser (6-2, 254) will join Thomas on the interior defensive line. Cooper started all 11 games at nose guard as a junior in 2016, posting 32 tackles (12 solo) with 6.0 tackles-for-loss in his first season with the Gorillas. Payne, who joined the Gorillas from William Jewell College a year ago, made 17 tackles (seven solo) with 3.0 TFLs. Senior José Speer (6-3, 246) and sophomore Ned Bingaman (6-4, 231) and redshirt freshmen Levi Wyrick (6-4, 232) and Kyler Ray (6-3, 221) return to the defensive end spots.
2017 NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll [Rel. AUG. 14, 2017] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
School (1st votes) Northwest Missouri (34) Grand Valley State Ferris State Emporia State Texas A&M-Commerce North Alabama Shepherd California (Pa.) Indiana (Pa.) Minnesota Duluth Valdosta State Colorado State-Pueblo Azusa Pacific LIU-Post Harding Colorado Mines Sioux Falls (S.D.) Southwest Baptist North Carolina-Pembroke Minnesota State Central Missouri Southern Arkansas Colorado Mesa Midwestern State Bemidji State
W-L 15-0 12-1 12-3 11-2 10-2 11-2 13-1 11-1 10-2 10-2 8-3 8-3 9-3 12-1 13-1 10-3 12-1 10-2 10-2 8-3 9-3 9-3 9-3 8-3 9-3
Pts. 850 765 716 652 634 622 574 568 500 431 390 349 302 288 281 254 235 227 220 201 189 157 154 138 133
Prev. 1 4 5 10 9 2 3 7 12 14 18 NR 25 11 6 15 8 22 13 NR 21 NR NR 24 NR
Season Opener Aug. 31, vs. No. 4 Emporia State Aug. 31, vs. Indianapolis Sept. 9, vs. Findlay Aug. 31, vs. No. 1 Northwest Missouri Aug. 31, at No. 6 North Alabama Aug. 31, vs. No. 5 Texas A&M-Commerce Sept. 2, at Notre Dame (Ohio) Aug. 31, at Ohio Dominican Aug. 31, vs. Ashland Aug. 31, vs. No. 17 Sioux Falls Sept. 2, vs. Albany State (Ga.) Aug. 31, vs. No. 16 Colorado Mines Sept. 2, at West Texas A&M Sept. 2, at Virginia Union Aug. 31, at Henderson State Aug. 31, at No. 12 Colorado State-Pueblo Aug. 31, at No. 10 Minnesota Duluth Aug. 31, vs. Eastern New Mexico Aug. 31, at Winston-Salem State Aug. 31, at Mary (N.D.) Aug. 31, vs. Pittsburg State Aug. 31, at Arkansas Tech Aug. 31, at Western State (Colo.) Aug. 31, vs. Quincy Aug. 31, vs. Winona State
Head Coach Rich Wright Matt Mitchell Tony Annese Garin Higgins Colby Carthel Chris Willis Monte Cater Gary Dunn Paul Tortorella Curt Wiese Kerwin Bell John Wristen Victor Santa Cruz Bryan Collins Paul Simmons Gregg Brandon Jon Anderson Robert Clardy Shane Richardson Todd Hoffner Jim Svoboda Bill Keopple Russ Martin Bill Maskill Brent Bolte
Others Receiving Votes: Ashland , 130; Tuskegee, 123; North Greenville (S.C.), 121; Winston-Salem State, 114; Newberry, 107; Ohio Dominican, 86; West Chester, 82; West Georgia, 75; Edinboro, 57; Albany State (Ga.), 45; Florida Tech, 43; Assumption, 38; Texas A&M-Kingsville, 36; Fairmont State, 19; Bowie State, 16; Augustana (S.D.), 14; Carson-Newman , 14; Virginia Union, 12; Arkansas Tech, 11; Central Washington, 10; Pittsburg State, 10; Henderson State, 8; Charleston (W. Va.), 7; Indianapolis, 7; Gannon, 6; Ouachita Baptist, 6; Truman, 5; Fort Valley State, 4; Slippery Rock, 4; Delta State, 3; East Central (Okla.), 3; Humboldt State, 2; Tusculum, 1; Wingate, 1.
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Speer made 10 tackles (six solo) with 2.0 TFLs in 2016, while Bingaman posted 29 tackles (10 solo) with 2.5 TLFs and 2.0 quarterback sacks while starting nine games for the Gorillas. Senior Ciyre Simmons (6-0, 181), juniors Matt Magee (6-0, 192) and Darian Taylor (6-3, 206) and sophomore Creighton Sanders (6-1, 186) bring veteran experience to Pitt State’s safety positions. Simmons made 14 tackles (six solo) in 2016 after joining the Pitt State squad from Mesa Community College. Magee started six games in his first season moving from cornerback to safety. He made 30 tackles (24 solo) with two pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. Taylor started nine games, posting 49 tackles (30 solo) with 5.0 tackles-for-loss, an interception and two pass break-ups. Sanders made 14 tackles (10 solo) with one interception and one pass break-up as a true freshman in 2016. Junior transfer Marcus Brantley (5-10, 182), an honorable mention NJCAA All-America who joined the Gorillas from Mesa Community College, also will look to be an impact performer at safety, along with sophomore Josh Hornback (6-2, 177) and redshirt freshman Alex Derryberry (6-0, 189). At cornerback, redshirt junior Juanté Baldwin (5-11, 188) and sophomore Keeyon Incle (5-11, 176) return. Baldwin redshirted in 2016 after transferring from NAIA member Friends University. Incle started four games a year ago, making 28 tackles (15 solo) and three pass break-ups. Freshman transfer Tyshawn Johnson (5-11, 175), from Hutchinson Community College, also will look to make an immediate impact for the Gorillas.
Pitt State Special Teams
Junior Carter Anchors returns for a third season to handle Pitt State’s punting duties. Anchors (6-1, 202) earned third-team All-America and first-team All-MIAA honors in 2016, punting 43 times for a 43.9-yard average with 14 kicks inside the opponents 20 yard line. Sophomore Jared Vincent (5-10, 183) and redshirt freshman Todd Morrow (5-10, 184) entered fall camp battling to handle the Gorillas’ place kicking chores. Sophomore transfer Conner Kaifes (6-0, 195) and redshirt freshman Keegan Duncan (6-0, 201) are expected to battle to handle Pitt State’s deep snapping chores this fall. Panko garnered second-team All-MIAA and third-team All-Super Region Three honors as a return specialist in 2016. Panko returned 27 punts for an 11.9-yard average. Sophomore Lorenzo West averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return last year, while junior Slade Nordic also averaged 22.2 yards per kickoff return in 2016.
THE LAST TIME…
PSU shut out an opponent: 9/20/14, at Washburn (42-0) PSU was shut out: 11/24/01, at North Dakota (38-0) PSU rallied from a 4th quarter deficit: 10/3/15, vs. Missouri Western (trailed 27-21; won 31-27) PSU lost 4th quarter lead, game: 10/10/15, vs. Emporia State (led 35-32 & 42-39; lost 46-42) PSU committed 2 or fewer penalties: 9/8/16, vs. Central Oklahoma (1 penalty - 10 yards) PSU eclipsed 400 yards rushing: 10/24/09, vs. Fort Hays State (406 yards) PSU eclipsed 500 yards rushing: 10/2/04, at Washburn (538 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 100 yards rushing: 10/15/16, Michael Rose (175) vs. Missouri Western A Gorilla eclipsed 200 yards rushing: 11/15/08, Mark Smith vs. Nebraska-Omaha (212) A Gorilla eclipsed 300 yards rushing: 11/11/05, Germaine Race vs. Central Missouri (309) A Gorilla rushed for 4 TDs: 11/22/08, Brandon Clark vs. Northwest Missouri (4 TDs) PSU eclipsed 300 yards passing: 10/22/16, vs. Emporia State (492 yards) PSU eclipsed 400 yards passing: 10/22/16, vs. Emporia State (492 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 300 yards passing: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (473 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 350 yards passing: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (473 yards) A Gorilla passed for 4 TDs: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (4 TDs) PSU eclipsed 600 yards of total offense: 10/15/16, vs Missouri Western (659 yards) PSU eclipsed 700 yards of total offense: 9/28/13, at Lincoln (787 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 350 yards of total offense: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (488 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 400 yards of total offense: 10/22/16, John Roderique, vs. Emporia State (488 yards) A Gorilla eclipsed 100 yards receiving: 11/5/16, Levi Copelin (106 yds) vs. Nebraska-Kearney A Gorilla eclipsed 200 yards receiving: 11/8/14, Marquise Cushon (221 yards) vs. Central Missouri A Gorilla caught 2 TDs: 10/22/16, Levi Copelin, vs. Emporia State (3 TDs) A Gorilla caught 3 TDs: 10/22/16, Levi Copelin, vs. Emporia State (3 TDs) PSU returned a punt for a TD: 9/24/16, Austin Panko, 73 yards vs. Lindenwood * PSU returned a kickoff for a TD: 10/1/16, Lorenzo West, 93 yards vs. Washburn PSU returned an interception for a TD: 11/12/16, William Bazzle IV, 65 yards vs. Missouri Southern PSU returned a fumble for a TD: 11/22/14, Heath Wilson, 28 yards vs. Harding PSU had a punt returned for a TD: 9/1/16, Jaylen Zachery, Central Missouri (73 yards) * PSU had a kickoff returned for a TD: 10/30/10, Camren Torneden, Nebraska-Omaha (94 yards) PSU had an interception returned for a TD: 10/29/16, Jack Richards, Northwest Missouri (59 yards) PSU had a fumble returned for a TD: 11/7/15, Josh Powell, Central Missouri (33 yards) * excluding blocks
Scouting the Mules
Redshirt junior quarterback Brook Bolles is expected to lead the UCM offense in 2017, after serving as a back-up for the Mules the past two seasons. Bolles (6-3, 205) appearend in all 12 games for UCM in 2016, completing three of nine passes for 43 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball 11 times for 67 yards. Senior wide receiver Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185) caught 67 passes for 948 yards (14.1 ypc) and 11 scores a year ago, while senior wide receiver Kyle Echols (6-2, 185) caught 46 passes for 672 yards (14.6 ypc) and five TDs. Junior tight end Seth Hebert (6-4, 245) also posted 34 catches for 445 yards (13.1 ypc) and two scores. The Mules averaged 37.3 points and 470.5 total yards per game in 2016. Senior cornerback Monteze Latimore made 73 tackles (57 solo) with two interceptions and nine PBUs in 2016, while junior safety Jackson Newman posted 72 tackles (50 solo) with four INTS. UCM limited its opposition to 25.9 points and 380.4 total yards per game in 2016.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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PITT STATE “Gorillas” 2-Deep PITTSBURG STATE OFFENSE
PITTSBURG STATE DEFENSE
WR TE LT LG C RG RT WR WR QB RB
18 1 6 89 79 70 64 74 66 68 77 60 73 72 17 7 8 9 19 10 30 24
Brenner Clemons (6-3, 202, So.) Slade Nordic (6-1, 179, Jr.) Jovon Wilson (6-5, 249, Sr.) Andy Otting (6-4, 238, So.-RS) Codey Funk (6-6, 303, Sr.) Tyler Stiff (6-5, 311, Jr.) Alex Jones (6-5, 313, Jr.) Zach Thomas (6-3, 300, Fr.-RS) Bo Farrow (6-3, 261, Sr.) Benton Sinclair (6-1, 280, So.) Kelly Wortham (6-3, 279, Sr.) Tanner Gulick (6-3, 282, Fr.-RS) Ryan Dodd (6-5, 306, So.) Ryan Cipriani (6-5, 281, Sr.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.) Ramsey Hamilton (6-2, 202, Sr.) Lorenzo West (5-11, 167, So.) Brendon Franklin (6-2, 178, Fr.-RS) John Roderique (6-5, 225, Jr.) Thomas LePage (6-3, 204, Sr.) Michael Rose (5-11, 185, Sr.) Keynan Scheurich (5-10, 198, So.)
DE DT DT DE LB LB CB S S S CB
91 67 96 94 92 63 90 48 15 5 47 57 4 12 2 20 11 25 38 35 21 26
Ned Bingaman (6-4, 231, So.) Kyler Ray (6-3, 221, Fr.-RS) Willie Cooper (6-0, 250, Sr.) Bradley Payne (6-1, 262, Jr.) Simanu’a Thomas (6-1, 288, So.) Gage Kaiser (6-2, 254, Fr.-RS) José Speer (6-3, 246, Sr.) Levi Wyrick (6-4, 232, Fr.-RS) Ethan Fugitt (6-2, 236, Sr.) Carter Anchors (6-1, 202, Jr.) Demetrius Bernard (6-0, 233, Jr.) Jacob Carpenter (6-2, 222, So.) Juanté Baldwin (5-11, 188, Jr.) Tyshawn Johnson (5-11, 175, Fr.) Matt Magee (6-0, 192, Jr.) Creighton Sanders (6-1, 186, So.) Darian Taylor (6-3, 206, Jr.) Ciyre Simmons (6-0, 181, Sr.) Josh Hornback (6-2, 177, So.) Alex Derryberry (6-0, 189, Fr.-RS) Keeyon Incle (5-11, 176, So.) Jonathan Gilkey (5-9, 179, So.)
PK LS H
27 49 17
Jared Vincent (5-10, 183, So.) Conner Kaifes (6-0, 195, So.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.)
P PR KR
5 17 1 8
Carter Anchors (6-1, 202, Jr.) Austin Panko (6-0, 184, Sr.) Slade Nordic (6-1, 179, Jr.) Lorenzo West (5-11, 167, So.)
CENTRAL MISSOURI OFFENSE
CENTRAL MISSOURI DEFENSE
WR TE LT LG C RG RT WR WR QB RB
1 80 85 7 78 68 54 74 60 59 67 76 71 66 19 3 15 8 2 4 10 11
Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Tyus Franks (6-4, 195, So.) Seth Hebert (6-4, 245, Jr.) Justus McMullen (6-4, 240, Sr.) Nick Warren (6-4, 275, Jr.) Connor Hill (6-4, 275, So.) Chris Gomez (6-3, 310, Sr.) Kyle Linville (6-4, 275, Fr.) Jake Heckler (6-4, 270, Fr.-RS) Nate Farnsworth (6-3, 260, So.) Dylan Scheirich (6-3, 265, Fr.-RS) Jesus Mota (6-3, 280, Jr.) Kane Barker (6-3, 280, Sr.) Jesse Brookins, Jr. (6-3, 275, Fr.-RS) Kyle Echols (6-2, 185, Sr.) JoVante Siglar (6-2, 180, Sr.) Wesley Thomas (6-0, 210, Sr.) Kyrion Parker (6-4, 200, Jr.) Brook Bolles (6-3, 205, Jr.) Kyle Bradley (6-4, 205, Fr.-RS) Xavier Washpun (5-10, 205, Sr.) Koby Wlkerson (6-0, 175, Fr.-RS)
DE NG DE LB LB LB LB CB FS SS CB
98 52 90 58 44 56 5 37 39 22 45 40 49 21 26 13 29 42 23 32 24 41
Wyatt Hendrix (6-5, 230, So.) Michael Moana (6-3, 260, Jr.) Triphinue Taylor (6-3, 300, Sr.) Ubong Udom (6-3, 275, So.) Connor Flagel (6-5, 280, Sr.) Jeff Holsinger (6-2, 260, Jr.) Dylan Albertson (6-2, 205, Jr.) Carter Nicoli (6-1, 210, Fr.-RS) Alex Lackey (6-1, 235, Sr.) Mark Cushing (6-0, 230, Sr.) Michael Tannerhill (6-2, 225, Jr.) John Embrey (6-1, 220, So.) Austin Miller (6-0, 235, Jr.) Kolesen Crane (6-0, 200, So.) Monteze Latimore (6-0, 195, Sr.) Blake Cooper (6-1, 180, So.) Codie Bell (5-10, 170, Fr.-RS ) Jackson Newman (6-1, 195, Jr.) Diaron Rhodes (5-9, 180, Sr.) Damon Jackson, Jr. (6-2, 185, Fr.-RS) Josh Terry (6-1, 170, Fr.-RS) Duane Clayton II (6-0, 170, Fr.-RS)
PK LS H
92 46 2
Alex Langer (5-10, 195, Jr.) Garrett Cline (6-4, 220, Sr.) Brook Bolles (6-3, 205, So.)
P PR KR
34 1 1 42
Logan Offner (6-0, 185, So.) Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Jaylen Zachery (6-0, 185, Sr.) Jackson Newman (6-1, 195, Jr.)
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Pitt State Numerical Roster
NO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
NAME POS Slade Nordic WR Matt Magee S Kiah Kintchen RB Juante Baldwin CB Carter Anchors LB/P Jovon Wilson TE Ramsey Hamilton WR Lorenzo West WR Brendon Franklin WR
HT 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-2
WT 179 192 164 188 202 249 202 167 178
CL JR JR SO JR JR SR SR SO FR
EXP 2L 2L 1L TR 2L 1L 3L 1L RS
HOMETOWN Bartlesville, Okla. Carl Junction, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Detroit, Mich. Beggs, Okla. Lawton, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Thomas LePage Darian Taylor Tyshawn Johnson Cole Schaller Quez Allen Ethan Fugitt Paul Davis Austin Panko Brenner Clemons John Roderique
QB S CB QB QB LB CB WR WR QB
6-3 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-5
204 206 175 210 223 236 175 184 202 225
SR JR FR FR FR SR JR SR SO JR
3L 2L TR RS RS 3L TR 3L 1L 2L
Jefferson City, Mo. Manhattan, Kan. Pinewood, S.C. Tampa, Fla. Paris, Texas Oak Grove, Mo. Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Webb City, Mo.
S CB RB RB RB S CB PK/P RB LB
6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-3
186 176 187 208 198 181 179 183 194 200
SO SO FR JR SO SR SO SO FR SO
1L 1L RS SQ 1L 1L 1L SQ RS 1L
Wichita, Kan. Blue Springs, Mo. Rossville, Kan. Lee Summit, Mo. Carl Junction, Mo. Phoenix, Ariz. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Claremore, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla. Lamar, Mo.
RB S RB CB S S S S S
5-11 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-2
185 167 234 187 182 189 189 182 177
SR SR FR JR JR FR FR SR SO
3L 2L RS TR TR RS RS TR 1L
Albuquerque, N.M. Holton, Kan. Independence, Mo. Raleigh, N.C. Tempe, Ariz. Carthage, Mo. Pittsburg, Kan. Arkansas City, Kan. Wichita, Kan.
S DE TE S LB PK/P K LB DE LS
5-11 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-0
197 210 220 190 225 184 213 233 232 195
JR JR JR FR FR FR JR JR FR SO
SQ TR 1L HS TR RS TR 2L RS TR
New Cambria, Kan. Gilbert, Ariz. Webb City, Mo. Harrisonville, Mo. Webb City, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Hutchinson, Kan. O’Fallon, Mo. Elk City, Kan. Shawnee, Kan.
20 Creighton Sanders 21 Keeyon Incle 22 Tucker Horak 23 DeMarcus Edwards 24 Keynan Scheurich 25 Ciyre Simmons 26 Jonathan Gilkey 27 Jared Vincent 28 Tyler Adkins 29 Brett McDonald
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Michael Rose Jaxon Wright D’Vontae Brown Carnell Lewis Marcus Brantley Alex Derryberry Zack Roark Derrick Banks Josh Hornback
40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49
Nick Wuthnow Elijah Jeffcoat Kohl Slaughter Morgan Selemaea Kaden Roy Todd Morrow Kassidy Lemons Demetrius Bernard Levi Wyrick Connor Kaifes
50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
Nate Brown Kyle Brown Garrett Normand Jon Meyer Dylan Scheer Jarod Toogood Anders Vance Jacob Carpenter Dylan Smith Kaden Brannin
LB LB LB DE LB DE OL LB LB LB
5-10 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2
210 218 215 256 221 247 262 222 222 221
FR SR FR FR SO FR FR SO FR SO
RS TR RS RS RS RS RS 1L RS RS
Pittsburg, Kan. Blue Springs, Mo. Pittsburg, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Valley Center, Kan. Salina, Kan. Louisburg, Kan. Savonburg, Kan. Stilwell, Kan. Carl Junction, Mo.
60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
Tanner Gulick Keegan Duncan Dexton Robertson Gage Kaiser Alex Jones Will Stringer Bo Farrow Kyler Ray Benton Sinclair Trenton Mooney
OL LS OL DL OL OL OL DE OL DL
6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-6
282 201 321 254 313 276 261 221 280 269
FR FR SR FR JR FR SR FR SO SO
RS RS 1L RS 2L RS 3L RS 1L SQ
Harrisonville, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Cashion, Okla. Broken Arrow, Okla. Lawrence, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Broken Arrow, Okla. Kuna, Idaho Lee’s Summit, Mo. Lamar, Mo.
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79
Tyler Stiff Cody Hastings Ryan Cipriani Ryan Dodd Zach Thomas Jaden Helms Jared Green Kelley Wortham Codey Funk
OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL
6-5 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-6
311 291 281 306 300 279 335 279 303
JR FR SR SO FR SO FR SR SR
2L RS 2L 1L RS SQ RS 2L 1L
Liberty, Mo. Carbondale, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Lee’s Summit, Mo. McKinney, Texas Anthony, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. Yukon, Okla. Gridley, Ill.
NO 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
NAME Bryce Barto Jackson Krull Dash Cameron Sam Randall Colter Hullings Terrence Hoskin Grayson Handel Sam Gibson Kedrick Greene Andy Otting
POS TE TE WR WR WR WR WR TE WR TE
HT 6-3 6-7 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-5 5-6 6-4
WT 225 241 181 194 178 220 172 238 143 238
CL FR SO SO SO FR JR JR FR FR So
EXP RS 1L RS RS RS RS SQ RS RS 1L
HOMETOWN Frontenac, Kan. Smithville, Mo. Herman, Neb. Stilwell, Kan. Wichita, Kan. St. Louis, Mo. Lee Summit, Mo. Woodstock, Ill. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Topeka, Kan.
90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98 99
José Speer Ned Bingaman Simanu’a Thomas Bradley Payne Joe Riggins Willie Cooper Danny Williams Braxton Early Norris Floyd, Jr.
DE DE DL DL DE DL DL DE DL
6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0
246 231 288 262 210 250 296 258 331
SR SO SO JR FR SR SO JR FR
2L 1L 1L 1L TR 1L RS 2L RS
Webb City, Mo. Overland Park, Kan. Independence, Mo. Cheney, Kan. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Savannah, Ga. Wentzville, Mo. Grove Hill, Ala. Forney, Texas
TE CB QB CB LB S WR WR LB WR DE WR QB WR WR S DE OL DL S S CB S WR CB S OL LB WR S LB QB TE CB DL TE DL DE
6-6 225 6-2 182 6-0 190 5-11 170 6-2 220 6-0 175 6-3 175 5-10 175 6-1 212 6-0 180 6-4 220 6-0 185 6-2 202 5-9 160 5-9 175 6-2 205 6-0 230 6-3 285 6-2 290 6-1 178 5-11 207 6-1 170 5-11 175 6-1 185 5-11 159 5-10 180 6-4 260 6-1 200 5-9 170 5-10 175 5-11 200 6-0 193 6-4 235 5-10 175 6-1 265 6-6 240 6-4 230 6-0 240
SO SO FR FR FR FR FR FR JR SO FR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR SO FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR
TR 1L HS HS HS HS HS HS 2L TR HS HS HS HS TR HS HS HS HS RS HS HS HS HS HS TR HS HS HS HS HS RS HS HS HS RS HS HS
Cedar Park, Texas Kansas City, Mo. Adair, Okla. Carl Junction, Mo. Pea Ridge, Ark. Raymore, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Grand Prairie, Texas Kansas City, Mo. Fort Scott, Kan. Columbia, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Cashion, Okla. Pittsburg, Kan. Wichita, Kan. Kansas City, Mo Sand Springs, Okla. Duncanville, Texas Neodesha, Kan. Denison, Texas Royal Oak Township, Mich. Fort Smith, Ark. Frontenac, Kan. Neosho, Mo. Broken Arrow, Okla. Kansas City, Kan. Denison, Texas Galena, Kan. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Atchison, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Pittsburg, Kan. Monett, Mo. Lamar, Mo. Belleville, Ill. Paola, Kan. Pittsburg, Kan. Goddard, Kan.
ADDITIONAL SQUAD MEMBERS Cole Baughman William Bazzle IV B.J. Bradbury Zay’shawn Carter-Weston Britton Caudill Nick Cook Cristian Cox Lawrence Dixon Tanner Eikenbary Alex Fink Keiondre Hall Luke Hardman Matt Harman Elijah Harris Garrett Haskins Jai’len Jones Delvin Jordan Justin Knighton-Smith Jordin Linn Brendon Luper Malcolm Mayes Biyron McGrew Brandon Mlekus Bryce Murphy C.J. Myers Jared Paulakovich Antoine Robison P.J. Sarwinski Zach Shanholtzer Adam Smith Tomas Stringer Spencer Turnbull Alex Turner Anthony Wilkerson Christian Wills Alex Wilson Nathan Woods Ethan Wright
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 3 Kiah Kintchen… KY kint-CHEN 4 Juanté Baldwin… jun-TAY 13 Cole Schaller… SHALL-uhr 15 Ethan Fugitt… FEW-git 17 Austin Panko… PAIN-ko 19 John Roderique… ROD-er-rick 21 Keeyon Incle… KEE-on INK-uhl 24 Keynan Scheurich… SURE-ick 25 Ciyre Simmons… KY-ree 43 Morgan Selemaea… sell-uh-MAY-uh 49 Conner Kaifes… KAY-fuss 63 Gage Kaiser… KY-ser 66 Bo Farrow… FAR-row 92 Simanu’a (Sima) Thomas… SEE-muh
COACHING STAFF: Tim Beck, Head Coach; Dave Wiemers, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator; Steve Rampy, Offensive Coordinator; Nate Dreiling, Safeties; Ryan Hellwig, Defensive Line; Matt Karleskint, Wide Receivers; Luke Miller, Tight Ends; John Pierce, Running Backs; Carl Roth, Linebackers; Steve Wells, Offensive Line; Larry Garman, In-Season Recruiting; Matt Nelson, Strength Training/Nutrition; Damani Mosby, Graduate Assistant; Andrews Nichols, Graduate Assistant; Keeston Terry, Graduate Assistant; Matt Clements, Student Assistant; Travis Young, Student Assistant.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
7
2016 FINAL SEASON STATISTICS
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
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Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
2016 Starting Lineups OFFENSE Northeastern State Central Oklahoma Northeastern State Lindenwood Washburn Fort Hays State Missouri Western Emporia State Northwest Missouri Nebraska-Kearney Missouri Southern DEFENSE Central Missouri Central Oklahoma Northeastern State Lindenwood Washburn Fort Hays State Missouri Western Emporia State Northwest Missouri Nebraska-Kearney Missouri Southern
WR Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin Copelin DE Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson
WR/TE Slaughter Swartz A. Taylor Swartz Swartz Slaughter Swartz Swartz Swartz Kintchen Swartz NG Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper Cooper
LT Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk Funk DT/LB S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas S. Thomas
LG Cipriani Cipriani Robertson Cipriani Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham Wortham DE Dr. White Bingaman Bingaman Dr. White Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman Bingaman
C Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow Farrow LB Bernard Bernard Bernard Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt Fugitt
RG A. Jones Stiff A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones A. Jones LB S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown S. Brown
RT Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Dodd Robertson CB Da. White Jefferson Jefferson Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White Da. White
Game #1 • Gorillas VS. muleS • aug. 31, 2017 • warrensburg, mo.
WR/TE Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko Panko SS (Gorilla) D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor D. Taylor Magee Magee D. Taylor D. Taylor
WR/FB/TE Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons Clemons FS Terry Terry Ware Terry Ware Magee Terry Terry Terry Magee Magee
QB Roderique LePage LePage Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique Roderique S (Bandit) Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Magee Washington Washington Washington Washington
TB/WR Rose Rose Holman Holman Rose Rose Rose Rose Rose Holman Holman CB Bazzle Bazzle Bazzle Bazzle Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Incle Incle Incle Incle
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