News Summary
In a stunning college football upset, the Pittsburg State Gorillas achieved their first win of the season by defeating the No. 3 ranked Grand Valley State Lakers 17-14. Dominating the first half with a 10-0 lead, the Gorillas saw a fierce comeback from the Lakers. However, a 5-yard touchdown run in the final moments secured the game for Pittsburg State, showcasing their resilience while handing Grand Valley State their first loss this season.
Pittsburg, Kansas – The Pittsburg State Gorillas achieved a remarkable upset as they secured their first victory of the season, defeating the No. 3 ranked Grand Valley State Lakers (NCAA Division II) by a score of 17-14 at Carnie Smith Stadium on Saturday.
The Gorillas’ win not only improved their season record to 1-2 but also ended Grand Valley State’s aspirations for an undefeated season. The Lakers, who were entering the game with a record of 2-0, faced significant challenges throughout the match, contributing to their first setback of the year.
Pittsburg State dominated the first half of the game, leading 10-0 at halftime. The Gorillas opened the scoring with a pivotal 53-yard field goal by Austin Schmitt in the first quarter, followed by a crucial 17-yard touchdown catch from Kuron Parchmon. This performance by Parchmon was instrumental, as he recorded a total of six catches for 81 yards during the game.
However, Grand Valley State came back in the second half, marked notably by a stunning 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Riley Simpson, narrowing the score to 10-7. The momentum shifted further when GVSU sophomore running back Paschal Jolman rushed for a 14-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, putting the Lakers ahead 14-10 for the first time in the game. This turn of events seemed to give GVSU the edge they needed as they attempted to remain unbeaten.
Despite the challenges, Pittsburg State responded decisively. They executed an impressive 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown run by Zahmari Palode-Gary, reclaiming the lead at 17-14. The Gorillas’ ability to respond under pressure highlighted their resilience and determination.
The performance of the Grand Valley State offense was concerning, as they generated only 206 total yards, marking their lowest offensive output since at least 2001. Quarterback Andrew Schuster finished the game completing 14 of 27 passes for 150 yards, but he also threw two interceptions, which hindered the Lakers’ efforts significantly. In addition, the Lakers struggled with discipline, amassing 14 penalties that totaled 89 yards, further complicating their play during critical moments.
This loss for Grand Valley State comes as they look to regroup during a bye week before facing Davenport on October 4. Meanwhile, the Gorillas will celebrate their hard-earned victory and look to build momentum as their season progresses.
In other college football news, the weekend also saw Missouri State fall to SMU with a score of 28-10, while Washburn lost to Colorado School of Mines 41-27 after facing multiple lightning delays. Conversely, Fort Hays State managed to secure victory against Nebraska-Kearney with a final score of 26-7.
The victory for Pittsburg State stands out as a significant moment early in the college football season, illustrating that any team can prevail on game day, regardless of rankings and previous performances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Valley State Lakers Suffer First Loss Against Gorillas
Ferris State Bulldogs Aim for GLIAC Football Championship
WSU Football Strengthens Roster with Transfer Portal Additions
Additional Resources
- Mlive: GVSU Football Upset
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Falls to Pittsburg State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Pittsburg State: Gorillas Win Over No. 3 Lakers
- Google Search: Pittsburg State University Football
- Pittsburg State: King Named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week
- Google News: GVSU Football
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GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
