By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Washburn University senior Jace Williams blocked a potential game-winning field goal with 30 seconds to play as the Ichabods survived 10 penalties and three turnovers in a 28-26 win over Pittsburg State Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium.
Washburn improved to 8-2 on the season with the Ichabods stretching their winning streak to five games while winning their fourth straight game over the Gorillas and the fourth in a row in Pittsburg.
After the Ichabods moved the ball to the Pitt State 11, Washburn, nursing its 28-26 lead, lost a fumble with 3:24 to play and Pitt State (7-3) took over and drove down to the WU 16 before Cross Holmes 26-yard field was blocked by Williams, securing the win after one kneel down by the Ichabods.
Washburn University senior Jace Williams blocked a Pittsburg State field goal attempt with 30 seconds remaining, securing the Ichabods' 28-26 win over the Gorillas. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]
The Ichabods took the early lead at 7-0 after an interception by Peyton Lane set up Washburn at the 3-yard line and Zach Willis scored on the next play.
The Gorillas tied the score on a scoop and score with 8:54 to play in the first quarter to wrap up the first-quarter scoring.
Pittsburg State took a 14-7 lead with a 12-play, 71-yard yard drive but the Ichabods came back on their next drive, tying the score at 14 on a Taylon Peters 6-yard run with 6:26 to play in the half.
After a 22-yard field goal by the Gorillas put them up 17-14, Washburn took a 21-17 lead right before the half when Mitch Schurig hit James Letcher Jr. for a 12-yard TD.
Neither team scored in the third quarter and the Ichabods opened the fourth quarter with a 16-play, 93-yard drive finished off by a 5-yard pass and catch from Schurig to Letcher as Washburn went up, 28-17.
Pitt State cut the score to 28-20 with a field goal with 9:05 to play in the game and on the ensuing kickoff by the Gorillas, the Ichabods fumbled the kick.
With 6:58 to go the Gorillas cut the lead back to 28-26 but the 2-point conversion failed.
Washburn senior Zach Willis scores the Ichabods' first touchdown in Saturday's 28-26 win at Pittsburg State. [Photo by Phil Anderson/Special to TSN]
Willis finished with 73 yards on 15 carries and Schurig finished the game 15 of 21 passing with two scores.
Letcher had nine catches for 128 yards and two TDs, tallying 219 all-purpose yards.
Defensively the Ichabods were led by Grant Bruner, who had a career-high 20 tackles with 10 solo stops and adding a tackle for loss. Kevin Neal Jr. had eight tackles as the team finished with four sacks and six tackles for loss.
Washburn was outgained 400 yards to 316 in the game and was flagged for 10 penalties for 106 yards while Pitt State had eight for 73.
The Ichabods will wrap up the regular season next Saturday in Yager Stadium, hosting Missouri Southern on Senior Day.
