EMPORIA, Kan. -- The Pittsburg State University football team scored twice in the span of 19 seconds to break open a tie game en route to a 34-13 road victory over Emporia State University Thursday (Sept. 6) at Welch Stadium.

Quarterback John Roderique tossed a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jackson Krull to cap an eight-play, 98-yard drive that staked the Gorillas (2-0, 2-0 MIAA) to a 20-13 lead with 10:45 to play in the game.

KiAnte Hardin intercepted a Braxton Marstall pass on the first play of the Hornets (1-1, 1-1 MIAA) ensuing drive and Roderique delivered a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brenner Clemons immediately afterwards. The quick strike extended Pitt State's margin to 27-13 with 10:26 to go.

Roderique sealed the victory with a seven-yard touchdown scamper with 3:48 to play in the contest.

Roderique completed 11 of 22 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns, while B.J. Bradbury also completed three of four passes including a 15-yard second-quarter touchdown pass to Hardin. Lorenzo West caught five passes for a game-high 120 yards.

Tyler Adkins led the Gorillas ground gainers, rushing 20 times for 98 yards. Pitt State compiled 221 rushing yards in the contest.

The Pitt State defense allowed the Hornets just 63 yards of total offense in the second half after ESU rushed for 152 yards in the opening two stanzas. Marstall completed just seven of 23 passes for 72 yards for the Hornets. Landon Nault rushed 22 times for 177 yards, with 16 carries for 152 yards in the first half.

Marcus Brantley and Darian Taylor were credited with five tackles apiece to lead the Pitt State defense. Morgan Selemaea registered 2.0 of the Gorillas five quarterback sacks in the game.