September 27th, 2025 2:30pm
EMPORIA, Kan. — Zahmari Palode-Gary and Cleo Chandler Jr. combined to rush for 353 yards and four touchdowns to help power the Pittsburg State University football team to a 42-29 road win over Emporia State University Saturday (Sept. 27) at Francis G. Welch Stadium.
The No. 18 ranked Gorillas (3-2, 2-1 MIAA) rushed out to a 14-0 lead in the contest and then withstood a 16-point flurry that saw the Hornets (1-3, 0-2 MIAA) push in front, 16-14. Pitt State rallied for a 21-16 halftime advantage and the Gorillas never trailed again in the contest.
Chandler scored on runs of 68 and seven yards. His 68-yard TD scamper on the game's second scrimmage play, staking Pitt State to an early 7-0 lead 49 seconds into the game. He posted a career best 168 yards on 13 carries on the afternoon.
Palode-Gary also posted a breakout game, rushing 16 times for 183 yards and scoring on runs of 16 and 74 yards in the fourth quarter.
All told, the Gorillas piled up 395 rushing yards on 47 attempts.