Northwest Missouri State Football Game Notes (PDF)

NCAA Division II Playoffs - Second Round
Game No. 12 - No. 18 Northwest Missouri State (10-2) at No. 2 Ferris State (12-0)
Sat., Nov. 24 | 1 p.m. (ET) | Big Rapids, Mich. | Top Taggert Field (6,200)

Video Stream

Live Audio - KXCV
Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Analyst: Matt Gaarder
Sideline: Jenny James

Live Stats

Tickets - Fans can purchase playoff tickets online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.StarTickets.com or call (800) 585-3737. Tickets may also be purchased in person thru the FSU Athletics Ticket Office located inside the Ewigleben Sports Complex.

THIS WEEK'S GAME
Northwest Missouri State will return to the state of Michigan to take on No. 2-ranked Ferris State.
    The Bearcats and Bulldogs will meet in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Division II playoffs on Saturday at Top Taggert Field. Kick is set for Saturday at noon (CT) in Big Rapids, Michigan.

SUPER REGION 3
Four teams remain in Super Region 3 with Northwest, Ferris State and Indianapolis picking up first-round wins on Saturday. Top-seeded Ouachita Baptist had a bye and will play host to Indianapolis this Saturday.
    If Northwest is victorious, the Bearcats would travel to the winner of the Ouachita Baptist-Indianapolis game. If Ferris State wins, the Bulldogs would play host to winner of the Ouachita Bapitist-UIndy game.

2016 SEMIFINAL REMATCH
The only previous meeting between Northwest and Ferris State occurred in the 2016 Division II playoff semifinals in Maryville, Missouri. Northwest secured a 35-20 win over Ferris State. The victory propelled Northwest to the national championship game where the Bearcats completed back-to-back 15-0 national-championship seasons.

THAT 2016 MEETING
Northwest out-gained Ferris State, 415-284 and the Bearcats posted 26 first downs to only 11 for the Bulldogs as Northwest scored a 35-20 win on Dec. 10, 2016.
    Ferris State pulled to within 21-20 with 9:51 left in the third quarter, but Northwest would score a pair of touchdowns to advance to the 2016 national title game.
    Jacob Vollstedt led the defensive effort with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and half a sack.

DIVISION II'S ELITE PROGRAM
Northwest has reached the NCAA Division II national championship game 10 times. Northwest owns six national championships (1998, 1999, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016).
    The Bearcats are 48-16 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    The Bearcats (.750) rank No. 1 in highest winning percentage in the Division II playoffs.

Most Division II Playoff Victories
Northwest Missouri    48-16 (23 years)
Grand Valley State    35-15 (19 years)
North Alabama    35-18 (21 years)

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE
Northwest earned its 15th straight bid and 23rd overall appearance in the Division II playoffs.
    Ferris State is making its 10 playoff appearance and has advanced as far as the semifinals on two occasions.
    Northwest ranks No. 1 all-time in Division II in playoff appearances.

Most Div. II Playoff Appearances
Northwest Missouri    23
North Alabama    21
Grand Valley State    19
Indiana (Pa.)    18
Pittsburg State    18
UC Davis    18

ROAD PLAYOFF WINS
Northwest has tallied a mark of 13-7 all-time in road playoff games.
    The Bearcats have won two or more road playoff games in the same season twice in program history. Northwest won four road playoff games in 2005 as it reached the national title game. The Bearcats won two road games in the 2011 playoffs.
    Northwest is 6-1 on the road this season and have won five straight road games.
    Northwest defeated Grand Valley State on the road on Saturday, 42-17.

Northwest's Road Playoff Wins
1996 - W, 22-21 at Neb.-Omaha
1999 - W, 41-35 at Northern Colo.
2005 - W, 45-14 at Angelo State
2005 - W, 42-32 at Washburn
2005 - W, 21-10 at Pittsburg State
2005 - W, 25-24 at North Alabama
2007 - W, 26-13 at Chadron State
2008 - W, 45-36 at Abilene Christian
2009 - W, 21-10 at Cent. Washington
2010 - W, 35-31 at Texas A&M-Kingsville
2011 - W, 39-35 at Missouri Western
2011 - W, 31-31 at Midwestern State
2018 - W, 42-17 at Grand Valley St.

WHAT HISTORY SHOWS US
Northwest is 3-1 against teams ranked No. 2 in the nation when the Bearcats have faced them in the playoffs.
    The Bearcats scored a 26-13 win at No. 2-ranked Chadron State on Dec. 1, 2007.
    Northwest posted a 45-36 triumph at No. 2-ranked Abilene Christian on Nov. 29, 2008.
    The Bearcats went overtime to take down No. 2 Midwestern State on Nov. 26, 2011.
    Northwest's only loss to a No.2-ranked team in the playoffs came on Nov. 22, 2014, at Minnesota Duluth. UMD scored a 25-21 win in Duluth, Minn.

PLAYOFF RUSHING MARK
Northwest rushed for a playoff program record 356 rushing yards against Grand Valley State. Northwest rushed the ball 43 times for 356 yards (8.3 per carry average) in the 42-17 win at GVSU.
    The previous mark for the Bearcats in postseason play came when Northwest rushed for 332 yards in a 26-13 wiln at Chadron State on Dec. 1, 2007.

WITH ALL THE RUSHING
GOING ON
While the Northwest rushing game was running wild, the Bearcats didn't even have to use the passing game in the second half of its 42-17 win at No. 7-ranked Grand Valley State.
    Northwest attempted two second-half passes and both were incomplete against the Lakers.
    Northwest passed for 92 yards - the third-lowest total in the program's playoff history.
    Prior to Saturday, the last time Northwest had less than 100 yards passing in a game came when the Bearcats passed for 99 yards against Missouri Western on Nov. 1, 2014.
GROUND HEAVY
The Bearcats carried the ball 11 times for 182 yardsand two touchdowns in the third quarter.
    Northwest followed that up with 15 carries and 118 yards to go along with two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
    Isaiah Strayhorn compiled his second 100-yard game of his career with 171 yards on 11 carries.
    Josh Caldwell tallied his 17th career 100-yard game (second with the Bearcats) with 147 yards on 15 carries.
    Both Strayhorn and Caldwell scored two touchdowns at Grand Valley State.
THE COACHES
Northwest is led by second-year head coach Rich Wright. Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. Wright posted a 19-5 mark for the Bearcats in 2017. Wright arrived at Northwest in 2004 as the defensive line coach and coordinator of special teams. In 2011, Wright was named defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. A native of Hamilton, N.Y., Wright earned his bachelor's degree at Dana College in 1995 and his master's at Northwest in 1996.
    A proven winner at all of his previous coaching stops and highly-regarded across the country, Ferris State head coach Tony Annese took over the Bulldog program following three impressive years as the head coach at Grand Rapids Community College, which came on the heels of a highly successful 25-season stint at the prep level. Annese is in his eighth season at the helm of the Bulldog football program where he has guided Ferris State to a record of 78-19.

MIAA CHAMPS
Northwest earned a share of the program's 29th MIAA regular season title with a 48-21 win at Central Missouri.
    The Bearcats have claimed five of the last six MIAA crowns.
    It is the first MIAA title for head coach Rich Wright.

MEASURE UP WITH BEARCATS
Northwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 48 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 39 playoff games.

MIAA Playoff Records
Northwest Missouri    48-16 (23 years)
Pittsburg State    25-16 (18 years)
Central Oklahoma    3-4 (4 years)
Emporia State    3-4 (4 years)
Northeastern St.    2-2 (2 years)
Central Missouri    2-3 (3 years)
Missouri Western    2-4 (4 years)
Washburn    1-3 (3 years)
Nebraska-Kearney    1-4 (4 years)
Fort Hays State    0-4 (4 years)
Missouri Southern    0-1 (1 year)

BEST IN THE MIAA
Not only is Northwest in the top spot of the MIAA standings, the Bearcats hold down the No. 1 spot in numerous league categories.

Total Defense - 264.8
Sacks - 3.00
Tackles-for-Loss - 8.3
Scoring Offense - 37.9
Scoring Defense - 13.6
Rushing Defense - 69.8
Red Zone Defense - .696
Punt Return Defense - 4.88
Fewest Interceptions Thrown - 7
Kickoff Return - 23.32
Kickoff Return Defense - 16.30
First Downs Defense - 183
3rd Down Conversion Defense - .251
4th Down Conversion Defense - .360
WRIGHT NAMED MIAA FROSH OF YEAR; 17 BEARCATS EARN ALL-MIAA HONORS
Northwest Missouri State quarterback Braden Wright is the MIAA Freshman of Year and the Bearcat football is represented by 17 players on the all-MIAA squads.
    Wright (Elkhorn, Nebraska) has passed for 2,235 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 496 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 11 rushing touchdowns are the most by a freshman quarterback in Division II football. He is also one of eight Division II quarterbacks to pass for 2,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and five or fewer interceptions. 

FIRST TEAM - BEARCAT BIOS
Austen Eskew - leads the MIAA in sacks (10.5) and tackles-for-loss (18.0) ... started all 12 games at defensive end ... part of a Bearcat defense that ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in total defense, sacks, TFLs, scoring defense, rushing defense, red zone defense, first downs defense and third-down conversion defense ... the Bearcat defense ranks No. 6 in the nation in rushing defense ... first-team all-MIAA in 2017.

Zach Flott - started all 11 games at right tackle ... Northwest features the No. 1 scoring offense in the MIAA at 37.9 points per game ... protected quarterback Braden Wright, which allowed him to pass for 2,327 yards and 22 touchdowns ... Northwest rushed for 33 touchdowns and averaged 220.3 yards per game on the ground ... second-team all-MIAA pick in 2017.

Anthony Lane - tied for first on the squad with nine pass breakups ... tied for second on the team in passes defensed (9) ... his 52 total tackles (33 solos) rank second on the Bearcats ... started first three games at cornerback and moved to safety where he has started the last eight games ... two-time second-team all-MIAA pick in 2016 and 2017.

Tanner Owen - started all 12 games at left tackle for the MIAA champions ... Northwest features the No. 1 scoring offense in the MIAA at 37.9 points per game ... protected quarterback Braden Wright, which allowed him to pass for 2,327 yards and 22 touchdowns ... Northwest rushed for 33 touchdowns and averaged 220.3 yards per game on the ground.

Sam Roberts - ranks second on the team with 6.0 sacks and 13.0 TFLs ... registered seven tackles and two sacks in a 41-0 win over Emporia State ... led the squad with eight quarterback hurries ... honorable mention all-MIAA pick in 2017.

SECOND TEAM - BEARCAT BIOS
Shawn Bane Jr. -  leads Northwest in receptions (43), receiving yards (743) and receiving touchdowns (6) ... posted a season-high 102 yards receiving vs. Missouri Western ... caught at least two passes in every game ... his 51-yard TD reception gave Northwest a 7-0 lead en route to a 42-17 victory at Grand Valley State in the first round of the playoffs ... returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown against Missouri Southern ... also returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown against Fort Hays State ... scored seven total touchdowns ... second-team all-MIAA pick in 2016 and 2017 ... MIAA freshman of the year in 2015 ... first-team all-MIAA kick/punt returner in 2015.

Nick Hess - Started all 12 games at linebacker ... ranks sixth on the team with 45 total tackles ... has 9.0 TFLs and 2.5 sacks ... season-high nine tackles vs. Nebraska-Kearney ... part of a Bearcat defense that ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in total defense, sacks, TFLs, scoring defense, rushing defense, red zone defense, first downs defense and third-down conversion defense ... the Bearcat defense ranks No. 6 in the nation in rushing defense ... third-team all-MIAA in 2017.

Jack Richards -  started all 12 games at safety .. leads the Bearcats in tackles (89) ... tied for first on the team with four interceptions ... secured two interceptions in the 42-17 win at Grand Valley State in the first round of the playoffs ... part of a Bearcat defense that ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in total defense, sacks, TFLs, scoring defense, rushing defense, red zone defense, first downs defense and third-down conversion defense ... the Bearcat defense ranks No. 3 in the nation in rushing defense.

Braden Wright - ranks first in the nation among freshmen in points responsible for (198) ... his 11 rushing scores is tied for second in the nation among all quarterbacks ... he ranks third in the nation among all freshmen in rushing touchdowns ... one of 12 quarterbacks with 2,000 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and six or fewer interceptions.

THIRD TEAM - BEARCAT BIOS
Chama Pierre - has appeared in 10 games and made eight starts at cornerback ... ranks second on the squad with nine pass breakups ... credited with 14 tackles (12 solos) ... one tackle-for-loss ... tallied four pass breakups vs. Nebraska-Kearney ... posted a season-high four tackles vs. Fort Hays State.

Ryan Spelhaug - started all 12 games at right guard ... Northwest features the No. 1 scoring offense in the MIAA at 37.9 points per game ... protected quarterback Braden Wright, which allowed him to pass for 2,327 yards and 22 touchdowns ... Northwest rushed for 33 touchdowns and averaged 220.3 yards per game on the ground.

HON. MENTION - BEARCAT BIOS
Ben Althoff - Started and played in nine games while battling injuries ... recorded 40 tackles (18 solos) ... 2.5 TFLs and a quarterback sack ... posted a season-high 12 tackles at Grand ValleyState ... a first-team all-MIAA pick in 2017.

Marqus Andrews - ranks tied for second on the team with four touchdown receptions ... ranks tied for third on the squad with 18 receptions ... caught a season-high four passes, including a touchdown at Central Missouri ... tallied a season-high 46 receiving yards, including a 25-yard score at Lindenwood ... his one-yard TD reception at Grand Valley State gave Northwest a 14-7 lead - a lead it would not relinquish.

Josh Caldwell - tied for the team lead with 11 rushing touchdowns ... second on the squad in rushing yards (806) ... caught 12 passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns ... ranks No. 7 among active Div. II running backs with 3,428 rushing yards ... has rushed for 24 career touchdowns ... posted 17 career 100-yard games (15 for Missouri Western and two for Northwest) ... named the MIAA co-offensive player of the week after he rushed for a season-high 182 and three rushing scores, plus two receptions for 24 yards and a receiving touchdown at Central Missouri ... has gone back-to-back with 100-yard rushing games after posting 147 yards on 15 carries at Grand Valley State ... posted a pair of 28-yard rushing TDs against the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

Mike Ehlke - started all 12 games at defensive end ... tallied 31 total tackles (14 solos) ... credited with 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks ... posted a season-high seven tackles vs. Nebraska-Kearney.

Spencer Phillips - started all 12 games at nose guard ... ranks fourth on the team in total tackles (49) ... 23 solo stops ... ranks fourth on the squad with 8.0 tackles-for-loss ... registered 2.5 sacks ... forced a fumble ... credited with five quarterback hurries ... had a season-high seven tackles at Pittsburg State.

Isaiah Strayhorn - leads Northwest in rushing yards (859) ... named the MIAA player of the week after rushing for 147 yards on only 11 carries in a 31-7 win at Pittsburg State ... rushed for two scores in a 38-17 victory at Lindenwood ... notched a career-high 171 yards on only 11 carries in a playoff win at Grand Valley State ... scored on an 84-yard run after GVSU had cut the lead four four at 21-17 in the third quarter ... has scored seven rushing touchdowns.

ESKEW DROPS 'EM
Senior Austen Eskew is the MIAA leader in tackles-for-loss (18) and quarterback sacks (10.5).
    Eskew racked up game-high three sacks in Northwest's 42-17 win at Grand Valley State.

BEST IN DIVISION II
Braden Wright has rushed for the most touchdowns by a freshman quarterback in all of Division II football.
    Wright's 11 rushing scores by a freshman quarterback is second in all NCAA Divisions trailing only Div. III's Cormac Madigan of Ripon College who has 13 rushing scores.

QB RUSHING LEADERS
Braden Wright's 11 rushing scores rank T-No. 3 in the nation in rushing touchdowns by all quarterbacks.
    Wright's 11 rushing touchdowns trails only Jayru Campbell (Ferris State), who has 20 touchdowns and Harding's Preston Paden, who has 12 touchdowns.

WRIGHT IS RESPONSIBLE
Redshirt freshman quarterback Braden Wright ranks No. 1 in the nation among freshmen for points responsible for with 198.
    Across all divisions of NCAA football, Wright ranks T-No. 2 among freshmen quaterbacks in points responsible for. Drew Saxton (Case Western Reserve - Div. III) is responsible for 212 points, while Zerrick Cooper (Jacksonville State - FCS) is also responsible for 198 points.

THIRD AMONG FROSH RUSH TDS
Wright also ranks No. 3 among all NCAA Division II freshmen in rushing touchdowns with 11.
    Notre Dame (Ohio) freshman running back Jaleel McLaughlin has 17 rushing touchdowns, while Wingate's Nijere Peoples has 14 rushing scores to lead the nation among first-year players.

FRESHMAN QB TERRITORY
Braden Wright is in rare territory for Bearcat freshmen quarterbacks.
    The last Northwest freshman signal caller to pass for more than 1,000 yards and 10-plus touchdowns in a season came in the 2004 campaign when Josh Mathews relieved an injured Josh Lamberson in the eighth game of the season. Mathews passed for 1,263 yards and 11 touchdowns while leading Northwest to the quarterfinals of the 2004 NCAA Div. II playoffs.
    Wright has passed for 2,327 yards and 22 touchdowns. Wright has also rushed for 529 yards and 11 touchdowns.

SPREADING IT AROUND
Quarterback Braden Wright has connected with eight different Bearcats for passing scores in 2018.
    Shawn Bane Jr. (6), Chase White (4), Marqus Andrews (4), Jaime Taylor (2), Alec Tatum (2), Josh Caldwell (2), LaTroy Harper (1) and Cody Massey (1) have all caught touchdowns passes from Wright.

CONSIDER THE COMPANY
Braden Wright is one of 12 Div. II quarterbacks to have thrown for 2,000-plus yards, 20 touchdowns and have five interceptions or less. He is the only freshman among those eight.

Willie Candler, Jr. - West Georgia
2,681 yards; 25 TDs; 4 INTs

Ben Holmes, Sr. - Tarleton State
2,255 yards, 26 TDs, 4 INTs

Reece Metcalf, Sr. - McKendree
2,622 yards; 27 TDs; 4 INTs

Rogan Wells, So. - Valdosta State
2,219 yards; 28 TDs; 4 INTs

Jayru Campbell, Jr. - Ferris State
2,453 yards; 23 TDs; 5 INTs

Reilly Hennessey, Sr. - Central Wash.
2,705 yards; 21 TDs, 5 INTs

A.J. Long, Jr. - West Chester
2,131 yards; 23 TDs, 6 INTs

Takwan Crews-Naylor, Jr. - Fairmont St.
2,370 yards; 23 TDs, 6 INTs

Layton Rabb, Sr. - Midwestern State
3,114 yards; 29 TDs, 6 INTs

Braxton Marstall, Sr. - Emporia State
2,734 yards; 24 TDs, 6 INTs

Bart Williams, Sr. - Grand Valley St.
2,556 yards; 21 TDs; 6 INTs

Braden Wright, Fr. - Northwest Mo.
2,327 yards; 22 TDs; 6 INTs

PUNT RETURN GAME
Northwest has three punt returns for touchdowns this season. Shawn Bane Jr. has returned two for scores (85 yards, 56 yards), while Alec Tatum has one punt return for a touchdown (53 yards).
    Only Fairmont State with five and Notre Dame (Ohio) with four have returned more punt returns for touchdowns this season.

NO. 6 IN SCORING DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring defense by giving up only 13.6 points per game. Ouachita Baptist leads the nation in scoring defense (9.6 ppg).
    The Bearcats have led the nation in scoring defense in each of the previous three seasons. Northwest gave up 12.3 ppg in 2015, 12.0 ppg in 2016 and 9.3 ppg in 2017.

NO. 5 IN RUSH DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 5 in the nation in rushing defense (69.8 yards/game).
    Only four opponents have reached 100 rushing yards this season (Nebraska-Kearney - 132; Missouri Western - 121; Pittsburg State - 118; Grand Valley St. - 111).
Rushing Defense
1. Minnesota-Duluth - 59.2
2. West Chester - 67.5
3. Notre Dame (Ohio) - 68.5
4. Harding - 69.6
5. Northwest Missouri State - 69.8

RARE RUSHING SCORES
The Bearcats have allowed five rushing touchdowns, which ranks T-No. 2 in fewest rushing scores allowed. Minnesota-Duluth has given up two rushing touchdowns, while Harding has also allowed five rushing scores.

LIMITED TOUCHDOWNS ALLOWED
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in fewest touchdowns allowed.

Fewest TDs Allowed
1. Ouachita Baptist - 12
2. Minnesota-Duluth - 18
    Harding - 18
    LIU Post - 18
5. Colorado State-Pueblo - 19
6. Northwest Missouri State - 20

SOME DEFENSIVE NUMBERS
The Northwest defense has not allowed an individual runner to surpass 100 yards in the last 53 games. That came in the 2014 NCAA playoff game against Minnesota Duluth (Drew Bauer -  131). In fact, the last MIAA runner to go for more than 100 yards on the Bearcats was Missouri Southern's Chris Barnwell (104) back on Oct. 26, 2013, a span of 67 games.

100 WINS THIS DECADE
Northwest and Minnesota-Duluth are the only NCAA Div. II school to have captured 100 wins in this decade.
    The Bearcats have posted a record of 107-15 since the start of the 2010 season.
    Minnesota-Duluth ranks second with a mark of 100-16 since the start of the 2010 season.

FIRST HALF ATTACK
Northwest has jumped out early on the competition this season and owns a 115-38 advantage in the first quarter and a 151-33 scoring lead in the second quarter.
    All told, Northwest has scored 266 first-half points while giving up 71 points.

7 SHUTOUTS UNDER WRIGHT
Northwest has recorded seven shutouts under the direction of head coach Rich Wright.
    The Bearcats posted five shutouts in 2017 and have added two more in 2018.

CALDWELL REACHES 100
Senior running back Josh Caldwell was named the MIAA co-offensive player of the week after he rushed for 182 yards and scored four touchdowns in Northwest's 48-21 road victory over Central Missouri.
    Caldwell recorded his first 100-yard rushing game for the Bearcats after posting 15 for Missouri Western from 2015-2017.
    Caldwell rushed 15 times for 182 yards and three rushing scores.
    On the first drive of the game, Caldwell carried three times for 52 yards and eventually scored on a 1-yard run with 12:58 left in the first quarter.
    Caldwell scored his second touchdown of the game on a 20-yard screen pass from Braden Wright with 7:19 left in the second quarter.
    Caldwell burst through for a 34-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give Northwest a 31-0 lead over UCM.
    Caldwell scored his final touchdown of the game on a 22-yard run with 1:41 left in the third quarter giving the Bearcats a commanding 45-0 lead over the Mules.
    Caldwell tallied 206 all-purpose yards vs. the Mules.

3,000-PLUS FOR CALDWELL
Caldwell has rushed for 3,717 career rushing yards and ranks No. 7 among all active NCAA Division II players. Caldwell has rushed for 35 career touchdowns.

BANE AMONG LEADERS
Shawn Bane Jr. ranks No. 5 among active NCAA Div. II players in receiving yards. Bane has posted 3,332 yards in 47 career games. Bane is tied for No. 12 on the NCAA active career leaders touchdown receptions list with 30.
    Bane ranks No. 5 among active players in all-purpose yards with 5,462. Bane has accumulated 51 rushing yards, 866 punt return yards, 1,213 kick return yards and 3,332 receiving yards.

BANE LOOKS TO MOVE UP THE CHARTS
Senior wide receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (Sarasota, Fla.) is looking to move up the career receiving charts in 2018.
    Bane ranks No. 6 in Bearcat history with 207 receptions.
    He became only the eighth Northwest receiver to surpass 3,000 career yards. Bane has tallied 3,332 receiving yards, which ranks No. 4 on the all-time Northwest receiving yards chart.
    His 30 career touchdown receptions rank No. 5 in program history. Bane found the end zone 19 times in his first two seasons, but was limited to six scores in 2017 while still earning second-team All-MIAA honors.

Career Pass Receptions
1.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    289
2.    Kendall Wright (2005-2008)    243
3.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        235
4.    Jake Soy (2008-2011)        222
5.    Andre Rector (2002-2005)    213
6.    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pr.)    205
7.    Dan Anderson (1982-1985)    198
8.    Steve Hansley (1983-1985)    196
9.    Tyler Shaw (2009-2012)        166
10.    Jordan Simmons (2009-2012)    162

Career Receiving Yards
1.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    4,497
2.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        3,890
3.    Jake Soy (2008-2011)        3,687
4.    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pr.)    3,332
5.    Kendall Wright (2005-2008)    3,253
6.    Steve Hansley (1983-1985)    3,118
7.    Andre Rector (2002-2005)    3,049
8.    Tyler Shaw (2009-2012)        3,021
9.    Dan Anderson (1982-1985)    2,651
10.    Mike Peterson (2004-2007)    1,987

Career Touchdown Receptions
1.    Jake Soy (2008-2011)        45
2.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    38
3.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        37
4.    Tyler Shaw (2009-2012)        32
5.    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pr.)    30
6.    Steve Hansley (1983-1985)    26
7.    Kendall Wright (2005-2008)    21
8.    Wade Hanson (1994-1997)    19
9.    Andre Rector (2002-2005)    18
10.    Mike Peterson (2004-2007)    17

Career Punt Returns
1.    Kendall Wright (2005-2008)    115
2.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    112
3.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        104
4.    Jason Melnick (1994-1996)    90
5.    Joe Spinello (1965-1968)        73
    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pres.)    73
7.    Jordan Simmons (2009-2012)    66
8.    Heath Parker (1988-1990)        65
9.    Joe Wingate (1970-1973)        62
10.    Wayne Allen (1978)        58

Career Punt Return Yards
1.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    1,494
2.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        1,490
3.    Kendall Wright (2005-2008)    1,233
4.    Joe Spinello (1965-1968)        963
5.    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pres.)    866
6.    Jordan Simmons (2009-2012)    825
7.    Jason Melnick (1994-1996)    782
8.    Jeff Linden (1981-1984)        634
9.    Joe Wingate (1970-1973)        561
10.    Heath Parker (1988-1990)        406

Career Kickoff Returns
1.    Joe Wingate (1970-1973)        99
2.    Jarvis Redmond (1985-1989)    78
3.    Jordan Simmons (2009-2012)    68
    Tyler Shaw (2009-2012)        68
5.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        59
6.    Joseph Johnson (1989-1992)    56
7.    Joe Spinello (1965-1968)        54
    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pres.)    54
9.    Charlie Pugh (1996-1999)        53
10.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    52

Career Kickoff Return Yards
1.    Joe Wingate (1970-1973)        2,291
2.    Jordan Simmons (2009-2012)    1,896
3.    Jarvis Redmond (1985-1989)    1,682
4.    Tyler Shaw (2009-2012)        1,596
5.    Tony Miles (1997-2000)        1,452
6.    Charlie Pugh (1996-1999)        1,235
7.    Shawn Bane Jr. (2015-pres.)    1,213
8.    E.J. Falkner (2004-2007)        1,193
9.    Jamaica Rector (2001-2004)    1,138
10.    Joe Spinello (1965-68)        1,082

HOMETOWN LOCKDOWN
In its last 10 home games, Northwest has allowed 59 total points (5.9) points per game). Northwest has pitched five shutouts in that eight-game stretch.
    Northwest has allowed six touchdowns to be scored over the last 40 quarters at Bearcat Stadium.

Last 10 Home Games
L, 17-16 vs. Fort Hays State
W, 27-13 vs. Nebraska-Kearney
W, 41-0 vs. Emporia State
W, 63-0 vs. Missouri Southern
W, 28-6 vs. Missouri Western
L, 13-12 vs. Fort Hays State
W, 19-0 vs. Lindenwood
W, 17-10 vs. Central Oklahoma
W, 63-0 vs. Missouri Southern
W, 34-0 vs. Emporia State

SAMPSON NAMED MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF WEEK
Sophomore placekicker Parker Sampson has been honored as the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Northwest Missouri State's 62-17 win at Northeastern State.
    Sampson (Kansas City, Mo.) booted a career-long 50-yard field goal and accounted for 14 points with two field goals and eight extra points in the win over the RiverHawks. Sampson's 50-yard field goal gave Northwest a 31-3 lead in the second quarter. His 32-yard field goal capped the scoring for the Bearcats in the third quarter. Sampson kicked off 11 times and had four touchbacks.


50-YARD FGS FROM BEARCATS
Parker Sampson's 50-yard field goal was the first 50-plus made field goal by a Bearcat kicker since Luis Berlanga drilled a 51-yarder vs. Pittsburg State on Nov. 27, 2004.

WRIGHT SPARKS VICTORY OVER NEBRASKA-KEARNEY
Quarterback Braden Wright accounted for 232 yards of total offense and led Northwest to a 27-13 victory over Nebraska-Kearney.
    With Northwest facing a 3rd-and-18 in its first possession of the game, Wright completed a 50-yard pass to Shawn Bane Jr. to keep the drive alive. Four plays later, Wright connected with tight end Marqus Andrews for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 12:06 left in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.
    Wright rushed for his team-leading seventh touchdown on Northwest's next drive on a 1-yard score to give the Bearcats a 14-0 lead.
    Wright's 24-yard scramble in the fourth quarter set up a 21-yard field goal by Parker Sampson that gave Northwest a two-score lead at 24-13 with 7:15 left in the game.

HARPER'S VERSATILITY
LaTroy Harper is showing his versatility as a true freshman.
    Two weeks ago, Harper caught his first touchdown pass, a 13-yard score, in a 31-7 win at Pittsburg State.
    This past weekend he threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Brody McMcMahon in a 27-13 victory over Nebraska-Kearney.

NALLY NABS TWO PICKS
Junior safety Trent Nally cemented a 27-13 homecoming win over Nebraska-Kearney with two interceptions in the final 6:26 of the fourth quarter.
    With Northwest leading 24-13, Nally intercepted a Alex McGinnis 3rd-and-5 pass at the UNK 36. Nally picked off his second interception at the Northwest 18-yard line with 2:35 left to clinch the victory.
    He is the first Bearcat to intercept two passes in a game this season. The last Northwest player to pick off two passes in a game was Chance Hall in the 2017 NCAA Div. II playoff game at Ashland.

RICHARDS HONORED AS DON BLACK AWARD WINNER
Senior safety Jack Richards was honored as the Don Black Award winner in Saturday's homecoming victory over Nebraska-Kearney. Richards led the Bearcat defense with 12 tackles in the triumph.

RUSHING TOUCHDOWN STREAK ENDS
Northwest gave up two rushing scores against Nebraska-Kearney snapping a streak of 19 straight games without allowing a rushing touchdown.
    Northwest had not allowed a rushing touchdown since Dec. 10, 2016 in the NCAA semifinal playoff matchup against Ferris State.
    Northwest was the only NCAA school (FBS, FCS, II, III) to not allow a rushing touchdown in 2017.
    Northwest's offense scored 38 rushing touchdowns of its own during the defensive streak of allowing no rushing scores.

STRAYHORN NAMED MIAA
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
Junior running back Isaiah Strayhorn was named the MIAA's co-offensive player of the week.
    Strayhorn recorded his first 100-yard rushing game of his Bearcat career when he ran for 147 yards in a 31-7 win at Pittsburg State.
    He carried the ball 11 times and averaged 13.4 yards per carry against the Gorillas. Five of his 11 carries resulted in Bearcat first downs.
    Strayhorn put the Bearcats on the board in the first quarter on a 1-yard score. Five of his 11 carries went for first downs against the Gorillas. Strayhorn ripped off a 67-yard burst with the Bearcats backed up at their own 3-yard line in the first quarter. Strayhorn had a 31-yard scamper on a 2nd-and-5 from the Bearcat 10-yard line in the second quarter.
    
PIERCE-ING BLOCK
Junior Zach Pierce blocked a punt in Northwest's 31-7 win at Pittsburg State. It was Northwest's first blocked kick of the season.
    Prior to Pierce's block, the last Northwest player to block a punt was Bobby Gruenloh against Missouri Western (11/11/2017).

26 IN A ROW OVER HORNETS
Northwest scored a 41-0 win over Emporia State giving the Bearcats their 26th straight win over the Hornets in the series.

MOST POINTS UNDER WRIGHT
The 31 points scored by Central Oklahoma are the most given up by Northwest under head coach Rich Wright.
    The last time Northwest gave up 30 points in a game came Sept. 19, 2015, in a Bearcat victory over Central Missouri, 34-30.
    The last team to score 31 or more points against Northwest came in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Div. II playoffs when Minnesota State, Mankato posted a 38-35 win over the Bearcats.

500 YARDS OF OFFENSE
Northwest has posted back-to-back games of 500 yards or more of total offense. It's the first time since the 2016 season that Northwest has done that.
    The Bearcats piled up 509 yards at Washburn and followed that up with 588 yards against Missouri Southern.
    In 2016, Northwest had a streak of four straight games of 500 or more yards of total offense.

BANE TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE
Shawn Bane Jr. returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in Northwest's 63-0 win over Missouri Southern.
    It was the Northwest's first punt return for a touchdown (non-blocked) since Jordan Wright returned a punt 46 yards for a score against Emporia State on Nov. 12, 2011.

BANE'S FIRST-HALF SHOW
Bane put on a quite a show in the first half against Missouri Southern. Bane scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Braden Wright in the first quarter.
    Bane then ended the first half with an electrifying 88-yard punt return for a touchdown to give Northwest a 35-0 lead at the break.
    Bane tallied 193 all-purpose yards -- all in the first half against Missouri Southern.

WRIGHT NAMED OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Redshirt freshman quarterback Braden Wright was named the MIAA offensive player of the week after leading Northwest Missouri State to a 38-17 victory at Washburn.
    Wright (Elkhorn, Nebraska) rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns, while passing for 233 yards and another score against the Ichabods at Yager Stadium.
    Wright scored on a 27-yard run with 7:11 left in the second quarter to knot the game at 14-14. Wright then put Northwest ahead for good in the third quarter when he scored again on the ground from 17 yards out. Wright was 23-of-35 passing, including a 14-yard scoring strike to Chase White in the fourth quarter.

TWO GRADUATES ON THE FIELD
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame released a list of 1,200 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing college football this fall while pursuing second diplomas. Northwest Missouri State has a pair of graduates playing this year in Michael Sorfonden (Harlan, Iowa) and Josh Caldwell (Lee's Summit, Mo.).
    "The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "And highlighting the 1,200 student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing additional diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken full advantage of the opportunities created by college football."
    The NFF compiled the list with the help of athletics directors, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors from all divisions who identified the players on their 2018 fall rosters who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. A total of 235 schools responded, creating the list of 1,200 student-athletes who are slated to play this year while pursuing additional diplomas.

PRESEASON FAVORITES
Northwest was picked as the preseason favorite by both the media and coaches to win the 2018 MIAA football championship. The Bearcats received 14 first-place votes and 382 points in the media poll. Northwest had four first-place votes and 103 points in the coaches poll.

DOMINANT DEFENSE
The Northwest defense continued to be dominating in 2017. The Bearcats ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (9.3 ppg), total defense (212.8 yards/game), blocked punts (7) and third down conversion defense (19.9 percent).

FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS OF NO. 1-RANKED DEFENSE
Northwest has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense in each of the past four seasons. The Bearcats have ranked No. 1 in scoring defense in each of last three seasons. Northwest has been ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in rushing defense since 2014.

FIVE CAPTAINS
Head coach Rich Wright as designated five captains for the 2018 football season. Wright has named defensive back Anthony Lane (Riviera Beach, Fla.), linebacker Nick Hess (Liberty, Mo.), defensive end Austen Askew (Lawson, Mo.), linebacker Ben Althoff (Palmyra, Mo.) and offensive lineman Zach Flott (Ralston, Neb.) as the captains for the upcoming year.
    Eskew and Althoff were named to the first-team all-MIAA squad in 2017. Lane and Flott garnered second-team all-MIAA honors, while Hess notched third-team all-MIAA accolades.

100-YARD GAMES FOR BANE
Shawn Bane tallied his 12th 100-yard receiving game in Northwest's 28-6 win over Missouri Western.
    Bane latched on to four passes for 102 yards and a score. Bane's touchdown came on a 60-yard toss from Braden Wright in the second quarter to give Northwest a 14-3 lead.
    Bane notched five 100-yard games in 2015, four in 2016 and two in 2017.

WRIGHT STUFF
Redshirt freshman quarterback Braden Wright put on a quite a show in his debut as the starter in a 28-6 victory over Missouri Western.
    Wright was responsible for all four Northwest touchdowns in the victory. Wright passed for three scores and ran in a 34-yard touchdown to cap the scoring.
    Wright connected on touchdown passes to Jaime Taylor (52 yards), Shawn Bane Jr. (60 yards) and Josh Caldwell (3 yards).
    Wright also led the Bearcats in rushing with 63 yards on only seven carries.

24 CONSECUTIVE WINS OVER THE LIONS
Northwest scored a 63-0 win over Missouri Southern for the 24th consecutive victory over the Lions.
    Northwest owns a 26-4 lead over Missouri Southern in the all-time series.

14 STRAIGHT OVER WASHBURN
Northwest defeated Washburn for the 14th straight time with a 38-17 victory at Yager Stadium on Sept. 6. Northwest has won 24 of the last 25 meetings between the two teams

SIX IN A ROW OVER GRIFFONS
Northwest scored a 28-6 win over Missouri Western to record the Bearcats's sixth straight victory over the Griffons.
    Northwest has held Missouri Western without a touchdown in 15 consecutive quarters dating back to the first quarter in the 2015 matchup.

PROGRAM OF THE DECADE
Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2017. Northwest is 97-13 for an .882 winning percentage since 2010. The Bearcats have been ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Div. II Top 25 poll 38 times since the start of the 2010 season.

By Wins (Since 2010)
1.    Northwest Missouri State    97
2.    Minnesota-Duluth    88
3.    Shepherd    84
    Colorado State-Pueblo    84
    Minnesota State, Mankato    84

By Winning Percentage (Since 2010)
1.    Northwest Missouri State    .882 (97-13)
2.    Shepherd    .866 (84-13)
    Colorado State-Pueblo    .866 (84-13)
4.    Minnesota-Duluth    .846 (88-16)
5.    Minnesota State, Mankato    .832 (84-17)

HOME COOKING IN PLAYOFFS
Northwest has compiled a 29-3 all-time record at home in the NCAA Div. II playoffs. In fact heading into the 2018 season, the Bearcats have won 22 consecutive home playoff games at Bearcat Stadium.

SIX-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS
Northwest has captured six NCAA Div. II national championship – the most national titles by any Division II program. Northwest won national championships in 1998, 1999, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.
    The Bearcat have played in the NCAA Div. II national championship game 10 times in the last 21 years. Northwest has played for the crown in 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

29 MIAA TITLES
Northwest has captured 29 MIAA football regular season titles.

GPA DECALS
Every Northwest football player with a 3.0 or higher grade point average will have a special decal on their helmet with their GPA, major and advisor. Student-athletes with a 4.0 GPA will have a gold decal on their helmet.

HUGHES FAMILY FIELDHOUSE
Located just northwest of College Park and Bearcat Stadium on the Northwest campus, the Carl & Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse will serve as a host site for a wide range of University and community activities. The project represents the single largest public-private partnership in Northwest's 112-year history – and one of the largest public-private partnerships ever in the region.

The Hughes Fieldhouse features:
• 137,250 square-foot recreation and multipurpose facility featuring recreation and exhibition space,
• indoor flooring system,
• 90-yard practice turf,
• 300-meter indoor track,
• spectator seating and
• tiered meeting rooms
    The Hughes Fieldhouse is an estimated $20 million project with multiple financing sources, including commitments from the University, private support and community support. The facility is named for the Carl and Cheryl Hughes family, who committed a significant gift to the project through the Hughes Family Foundation.

VICIS ZERO1 HELMET
Northwest Missouri State will outfit the football team with VICIS ZERO1 Helmets.
    "The VICIS ZERO1 is a game-changer and is delivering a completely new approach to player safety," head coach Rich Wright said. "We've been extremely impressed with the research we've seen on the ZERO1, and we're excited to have our players wearing the helmet this year."
"Northwest Missouri State University is a powerhouse program, winning six NCAA Division II titles in the last two decades," VICIS CEO and co-founder Dave Marver said. "We're honored to protect them in their pursuit for number seven."
Ranked as the best helmet in the National Football League and surpassing all expectations of the NFL Players Association helmet performance tests, VICIS ZERO1 Helmets are currently equipping athletes on over 400 high school teams. Additionally, more than 110 professional and collegiate teams have committed to the ZERO1 Helmet coming into the 2018 season.
"Our team has worked hard to bring the ZERO1's breakthrough protective technology to players across the country," says Marver.
VICIS designs the ZERO1 with a unique structure compared to other helmets on the market. A deformable outer shell and columnar layer slows and reduces impact forces in a similar function to the bumper of a car. The helmet is also priced to be accessible to college and high school programs.

BEARCATS IN THE NFL
Northwest is represented in the National Football League by tight end Clayton Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) and defensive lineman Matt Longacre (Los Angeles Rams).
    Wilson signed a free agent deal with the Seahawks after completing his collegiate career in 2017 for the Bearcats. Wilson caught 80 passes for 694 yards and six touchdowns in 50 career games for the Bearcats.