Washburn Ichabods fall to Pittsburg State Gorillas 39-31

The Washburn Ichabods fell just short in their bid top upset 10th-ranked Pittsburg State Saturday afternoon, falling 39-31 in MIAA action. That’s two weeks in a row Washburn has lost by just one possession to a team ranked in the top 10 nationally (the Ichabods fell to the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers a week ago).

Washburn trailed for most of the game, but had a chance to tie the contest on its final drive of the game. Quarterback Hayden Clark led the Ichabods into Gorillas territory with under a minute left, but a fourth-down pass from the 31-yard line to tight end Cole Keller was knocked away to effectively end the game.

Saturday’s game started in dramatic fashion, with Washburn fumbling the opening kickoff and Pitt State scoring three plays later. The Ichabods answered on the ensuing kickoff, however, when the Gorillas attempted a surprise onside kick, only for senior wide receiver Tyce Brown to catch it and return it for a touchdown.

That was one of three kick or punt return touchdowns on the day; Washburn cornerback Jaquez White returned a punt by Pitt State quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. for a score as well, while Gorillas returner Jaylen Fuksa took a free kick to the house immediately following a blocked punt safety.

All in all, Washburn and Pittsburg State scored 37 points in the first quarter and 47 points in the first half, including 30 total points in the first 5:18 of game time.

Clark started for Washburn at quarterback for the second game in a row in place of the injured Sam Van Dyne, who is still recovering from a leg injury. He went 10-of-22 passing for 159 yards in the losing effort. Fellow redshirt freshman Keller Hurla rotated in at quarterback as well and completed 9-of-12 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown pass, plus another score on the ground.

D.J. Bell led all receivers with six catches for 114 yards, while Topeka native Tre Richardson had four receptions for 107 yards and a score on Saturday.

The Ichabods will hit the road next weekend for a meeting with the Missouri Western Griffons. That game is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff in St. Joseph, Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 28.

For coverage and play-by-play of every Washburn football game, tune in to Country 106.9.