Northwest Missouri State Football Game Notes (PDF)

Game No. 11 - #10 Central Missouri (10-0) at #12 Northwest Missouri State (9-1)
Saturday, Nov. 16 | 1:30 p.m. | Maryville, Mo. | Bearcat Stadium (6,500)
SENIOR DAY | AG DAY

Live Stream - MIAA Network, Facebook, Twitter (NCAA Division II Showcase)
Live Audio - KXCV

Video Play-by-Play: Chuckie Kempf
Video Analyst: Richard Baldinger
Sideline: Bethany Bowman

Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten
Radio Sideline: Logan Weber

Flagship – KXCV (90.5 FM), Maryville
 
Bearcat Radio Network Affiliates:
KRNW (88.9 FM), Chillicothe
KMA (960 AM), Shenandoah, Iowa
KKWK (100.1 FM), Cameron
KCWJ (1030 AM), Kansas City

Live Stats - www.BearcatSports.com
Tickets - www.BearcatSports.com

THIS WEEK'S GAME
Northwest Missouri State will play host to Central Missouri at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Stadium. Northwest will celebrate Senior Day and Ag Day on Saturday.

SENIOR DAY
Northwest will honor 18 seniors prior to Saturday's final home regular season game vs. Central Missouri.

Northwest's 2019 Senior Class
Marqus Andrews (Blue Springs, Mo.)
Mike Ehlke (Little Chute, Wis.)
Jacob Gassman (Kearney, Mo.)
Hunter Gerths (Albia, Iowa)
Jacob Giese (West Branch, Iowa)
Jerrell Green (Sun City, Ariz.)
Andy Hessler (Hartland, Wis.)
Will Obert (Palmyra, Mo.)
Jonathan Ortiz (Eudora, Kan.)
Tim Otting (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Spencer Phillips (Tabor, Iowa)
Zach Pierce (Gladbrook, Iowa)
Chama Pierre (Lake Worth, Fla.)
Justin Rankin (Oberlin, Ohio)
Kyle Raunig (Olathe, Kan.)
Myles Scott (Tampa, Fla.)
Ryan Spelhaug (Bettendorf, Iowa)
Isaiah Strayhorn (Chula Vista, Calif.)

ALL-TIME VS. MULES
Saturday will mark the 98th all-time meeting between Northwest and Central Missouri in the gridiron. Northwest holds a 60-35-2 lead in the series.
    The Bearcats have won six straight matchups against the Mules and 15 of the last 16.
    UCM's last win in the series came Sept. 8, 2012, when the Mules recorded a 31-21 triumph in Warrensburg.
    UCM has lost six consecutive games at Bearcat Stadium.
    UCM head coach Jim Svoboda is 1-9 all-time against the Bearcats.

THE COACHES
Northwest is led by third-year head coach Rich Wright. Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. Wright has posted a 28-7 mark for the Bearcats. 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.
    The 2019 season will mark a decade for coach Jim Svoboda at the helm of Mule Football. In his 10 years, he has led UCM to a 80-34 overall mark, including 72-30 in MIAA play. He has led the Mules to five postseason appearances. He has coached the Mules to seven seasons with at least eight wins, five post season appearances and four post season wins, in two NCAA playoff appearances

SHARE THE CROWN
With a victory on Saturday, Northwest would claim a share of its 30th MIAA regular season title.
    Central Missouri claimed at least a share of its 13th MIAA crown and first since 2003.
    The Bearcats have won five of the last six MIAA crowns.

DEFENSIVE STOPS IN 2ND 1/2
The Northwest defensive unit has allowed five second-half touchdowns in 2019 and three of those scores came in the season opener at Missouri Western (Sept. 5).
    Since the opener, the Bearcat defensive unit has allowed two second-half touchdowns - one in the third quarter at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19) and the other in the first overtime session at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9).
    The only fourth quarter touchdown allowed by the Bearcats since the season opener came on an interception return by Missouri Southern (Sept. 21).
    The Bearcats have not allowed a fourth quarter drive that has resulted in a touchdown in 34 consecutive drives by the opposition.

RED-ZONE SCORING
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring offense. The Bearcats have scored on 30 of their 31 trips inside the red-zone this season for a 96.8 percent scoring percentage.
    The only time Northwest failed to score this season in the red-zone came on the final play of the Bearcats's 45-35 win at Missouri Western when Northwest took a knee.
    Northwest has posted 24 touchdowns and has made six field goals in its 30 red-zone scores.

NCAA Div. II Red-Zone Scoring
1. Northwest Mo. State    .968
2. Central Oklahoma        .951
3. Southern Arkansas        .949
4. Mississippi College        .929
5. Fort Valley State        .923
6. Carson-Newman        .917
7. Fort Hays State        .915
8. Truman State        .909
9. Arkansas Tech        .906
    Pace                .906

MULES NO. 1, BEARCATS NO. 4 IN SCORING OFFENSE
Saturday's matchup will feature two of the top four scoring teams in the nation in 2019.
    Central Missouri leads the nation in scoring at 51.2 points per game. Northwest ranks No. 4 in the nation in scoring offense at 46.8 points per game.
    Northwest has scored 50 or more points four times this season.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Offense
1. Central Missouri    51.2 ppg
2. Tarleton State    48.3 ppg
3. Slippery Rock    47.9 ppg
4. Northwest Mo. St.    46.8 ppg
5. Indianapolis        46.8 ppg
6. Minnesota State    46.4 ppg
7. Indiana (Pa.)        44.9 ppg
8. Bowie State        44.4 ppg
9. Colorado Mines    43.7 ppg
10. Tiffin        43.6 ppg

BEARCATS STOP THE RUN
Northwest is tops in the MIAA in rushing defense by giving up only 84.7 yards per game. Northwest's run defense ranks No. 12 in the nation.
    Northwest limited Fort Hays State to 33 rushing yards on 26 attempts. FHSU gained only first down via rushing.

NO LAUNDRY ON THE FIELD
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest penalties (50), fewest penalties per game (5.0), fewest penalty yards (471) and fewest penalty yards per game (47.1).

EFFICIENT PASS DEFENSE
The numbers don't lie as Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in team passing efficiency defense (106.21).
    Bearcat opponents have completed a league-low 45.9 percent of their passes.

10TH OVERTIME GAME FOR NW
Northwest played in its 10th overtime game in program history in its 36-33 double-overtime victory at Fort Hays State.
    It was the sixth regular season overtime in Bearcat history.
    It was only the third time that Northwest has played two or more overtimes in a game.
    Northwest is 7-3 in overtime contests.

Northwest's Overtime Games
11/09/2019 at Fort Hays State - W, 36-33 (2OT)
11/24/2012 at Minnesota State - L, 38-35 (2OT)
11/26/2001 at Midwestern State - W, 38-31
10/24/2009 vs. Washburn - W, 22-19
10/06/2007 vs. Pittsburg State - W, 37-34
08/25/2005 vs. Minnesota State - W, 24-21
10/25/2003 at Missouri Western - L, 30-27
11/01/2001 vs. Missouri Western - L, 37-30
12/11/1999 vs. Carson-Newman - W, 58-52 (4OT)
11/29/1999 vs. North Dakota - W, 20-13

LAST COMEBACK FROM 17+
Northwest rallied from a 17-point second-quarter deficit Saturday at Fort Hays State for a 36-33 double-overtime victory.
    Prior to Saturday, the last time Northwest came back from 17 points down came Sept. 19, 2015, when Central Missouri held a 23-6 lead in the third quarter in Warrensburg. Northwest would rally to score a 34-30 road victory. Brady Bolles scored the game-winning touchdown from seven yards out with 34 seconds left against the Mules.

SAMPSON HANDLES SPECIAL TEAMS DUTIES
Junior kicker Parker Sampson earned his second MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week award on Nov. 11.
    Sampson handled all the special teams kicking duties and booted a 38-yard game-winning walk-off field goal to defeat Fort Hays State, 36-33.
    Sampson was 2-for-2 on field goals - 41 yards, 38 yards. His 41-yarder in the second quarter evened up the matchup after Fort Hays State had jumped out to a 17-0 lead. The 38-yard field goal came after Northwest has forced a FHSU fumble in the second overtime. After three running plays set up the ball near the left hash mark, Sampson split the uprights from 38 yards away for the 36-33 victory.
    Sampson punted seven times for a 39.7 average. Three of his punts were downed inside the 20. Sampson had a 64-yard punt that was downed at the 1-yard line and on the next play by the FHSU offense, Northwest's Spencer Phillips and Brody Buck recorded a safety by tackling running back Te'Corery Tutson in the end zone giving Northwest its first lead of the game at 19-17 with 4:15 left i the second quarter.
    Sampson had five kickoffs in the game and all five resulted in touchbacks.

WRIGHT ENGINEERS 17-POINT COMEBACK
Sophomore quarterback Braden Wright notched his second MIAA Offensive Player of the Week award for his play vs. Fort Hays State.
    Wright engineered a 17-point comeback and then led Northwest to a 36-33 double-overtime victory at Fort Hays State. Wright was responsible for all four Bearcat touchdowns in the road triumph.
    Wright rushed for a game-high 96 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown, while going 23-of-43 passing for 279 yards and three touchdown tosses.
    Wright's 1-yard run in the second quarter got Northwest on the board trailing 17-7 with 12:31 left in the second quarter. He then connected with Imoni Donadelle on a 42-yard touchdown pass to pull Northwest to within three points with 10:32 left in the second.
    Wright's nine-yard touchdown shovel pass to Justin Rankin gave Northwest a 26-20 lead with 8:24 remaining in the third quarter.
    In the first session of overtime, Wright again hooked with Donadelle on a 5-yard scoring strike to give the Bearcats a 33-26 advantage.
    In the second overtime, Wright guided Northwest for three plays and then cleared the way for a 38-yard game-winning field goal from Parker Sampson.

PHILLIPS TABBED DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
Senior Spencer Phillips was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 11.
    Phillips secured four tackles, 2.5 TFLs, a quarterback sack and a safety in helping Northwest to a 36-33 double-overtime victory on the road against Fort Hays State.
    Phillips and Brody Buck combined on a safety with 4:15 left in the second quarter when they stuffed FHSU running back TeCorey Tutson in the end zone to give Northwest a 19-17 lead. It was Northwest's first lead of the game after trailing 17-0 early in the second quarter.
    Phillips leads the MIAA in tackles-for-loss (12.0). Phillips has posted at least one TFL in nine of the 11 games this season.

11 MIAA PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS IN 2019
The Bearcat football team has had 11 MIAA player of the week award winners in 2019.

Northwest's MIAA Players of Week - 2019
Sam Phillips, LB - Defensive (Sept. 9)
Braden Wright, QB - Offensive (Sept. 16)
Jerrell Green, DB - Defensive (Sept. 23)
Imoni Donadelle, RET - Special Teams (Sept. 30)
Parker Sampson, PK - Special Teams (Oct. 7)
Marqus Andrews, TE - Offensive (Oct. 14)
Sam Phillips, LB - Defensive (Oct. 14)
Zach Pierce, DL - Defensive (Nov. 4)
Braden Wright, QB - Offensive (Nov. 11)
Spencer Phillips, DL - Defensive (Nov. 11)
Parker Sampson, PK - Special Teams (Nov. 11)

WALK-OFF WINNER
Parker Sampson kicked a walk-off 38-yard field goal to defeat Fort Hays State in double-OT, 36-33.
    The last walk-off field goal winner for the Bearcats prior to Saturday's victory came when Todd Adolf hit a 45-yarder as time expired to lift Northwest to a 17-16 win over Central Missouri on Nov. 6, 2010.

IMONI = BIG PLAYS
Junior wide receiver Imoni Donadelle scored two touchdown receptions in Northwest's 36-33 win at Fort Hays State.
    Donadelle nabbed a 42-yard score from Braden Wright in the second quarter. Donadelle caught a five-yard scoring strike from Wright in the first overtime session.
    Donadelle ranks tied for No. 5 in the MIAA with eight touchdown receptions.
    Donadelle ranks second on the team with 10 total touchdowns.Donadelle has scored via receiving (8), rushing (1) and kick return (1).
    Donadelle is the top receiver on the squad with 30 receptions for 571 yards.
    Donadelle is averaging 19.0 yards per catch, 16.0 yards per rush and 38.9 yards per kick return. He has touched the ball 44 times for 955 yards. Donadelle is averaging 21.7 yards per touch in 2019.
    Donadelle ranks No. 15 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (95.3).

GETTING PICKY ON DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA and No. 13 in the nation in passes intercepted. The Bearcats have tallied 15 interceptions and nine different players have recorded picks.
    Sophomore cornerback Trey Washington is tied for second in the MIAA in interceptions with four.
    Washington is tops in the MIAA in passes defensed (15).

SIX DEFENSIVE SCORES
The Bearcats rank tied for fourth in the nation with six defensive touchdowns in 2019.
    Sam Phillips recorded a fumble return and an interception returns for touchdowns in the season opener at Missouri Western. The win against Missouri Southern produced defensive scores from Jerrell Green (INT) and Braden Day (INT).
    Northwest added two more defensive touchdowns against Northeastern State with an 18-yard fumble return by Mike Ehlke and a 52-yard interception return by Jacob Gassman.

Defensive Touchdowns
1. South Dakota Mines        7
    Colorado State-Pueblo    7
    Tarleton St.            7
4. Northwest Mo. St.        6
    Glenville St.            6
6. Truman St.            5
    California (Pa.)        5
    Harding            5
    Savannah State        5
    Bowie State            5

19 DIFFERENT BEARCATS FIND END ZONE
Through 10 games, 19 different Northwest players have found the end zone.

Justin Rankin        12 TDs
Imoni Donadelle    8 TDs
Marqus Andrews    6 TDs
Braden Wright        6 TDs
LaTroy Harper        4 TDs
Mike Hohensee    3 TDs
Isaiah Strayhorn    3 TDs
Sam Phillips        2 TDs
Alec Tatum        2 TDs
Robert Rawie        2 TDs
Mike Ehlke        1 TD
Kyle Raunig        1 TD
Gus Gomez        1 TD
Braden Dey        1 TD
Jacob Gassman    1 TD
Jerrell Green        1 TD
Raymond Thomas    1 TD
Giavonni Guido    1 TD
Kaden Davis        1 TD

SUPER REGION RANKINGS
Northwest moved back up to No. 6 in the third NCAA Division II Super Region rankings released on Monday.
    Northwest (9-1 overall) is one of three MIAA teams in the Super Region Three rankings. Central Missouri (10-0) is the top MIAA team at No. 2. Northwest is No. 6 and Missouri Western (7-3) is at No. 10.
    Ferris State (9-0) is No. 1 in the regional ranking.
    The Bearcats will play Central Missouri at home on Saturday.

SUPER REGION ONE
1. Kutztown 10-0
2. Slippery Rock 10-0
3. Notre Dame (Ohio) 9-1
4. Indiana (Pa.) 9-1
5. Shepherd 8-2
6. West Virginia State 7-2
7. West Chester 8-2
8. Tiffin 8-1
9. Urbana 7-3
10. Ohio Dominican 6-2

SUPER REGION TWO
1. Valdosta State 9-0
2. Lenoir-Rhyne 10-0
3. Bowie State 10-0
4. Wingate 9-1
5. Carson-Newman 7-2
6. West Florida 6-2
7. Virginia State 8-1
8. Delta State 6-3
9. Albany State 7-3
10. Fayetteville State 8-2

SUPER REGION THREE
1. Ferris State 10-0
2. Central Missouri 10-0
3. Ouachita Baptist 10-0
4. Harding 9-1
5. Indianapolis 8-1
6. Northwest Missouri State 9-1
7. Henderson State 9-1
8. Grand Valley State 8-2
9. Lindenwood 7-3
10. Missouri Western 7-3

SUPER REGION FOUR
1. Tarleton State 8-0
2. Minnesota State 10-0
3. Colorado School of Mines 10-0
4. Colorado State-Pueblo 9-1
5. Augustana (S.D.) 8-2
6. Texas A&M-Commerce - 7-2
7. Angelo State 8-2
8. Sioux Falls 7-3
9. Winona State 7-3
10. Dixie State 7-3

ANDREWS TO THE END ZONE
Senior tight end Marqus Andrews is Northwest's active leader in career touchdown receptions (11).
    Andrews has 43 career catches for 551 yards. Andrews has 19 catches this season for 303 yards and six touchdowns.

SAMPSON RANKS 15TH IN NATION IN SCORING
Sampson ranks No. 15 in the nation in scoring with 95 points. Sampson ranks third in scoring among kickers, trailing only Fort Hays State's Dante Brown (98 points) and Pittsburg State's Jared Vincent (96 points).

NCAA Div. II Individual Scoring
1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Notre Dame)    156
2. Brockton Brown (Ouachita Bap.)    126
    Nate Gunn (Minnesota State)    126
4. Deonte Glover (Shepherd)    114
    Zimari Manning (Tarleton St.)    114
6. Duane Brown (Indiana, Pa.)    108
    Craig Rucker (Mars Hill)        108
    Mike Strachan (Charleston)    108
9. Garrett Owens (Mercyhurst)    102
10. Dante Brown (Fort Hays St.    98
11. Justin Felder (Stonehill)        96
      Thuro Reisdorfer (Sioux Falls)    96
      David Graham (Hillsdale)    96
      Jared Vincent (Pittsburg St.)    96
15. Parker Sampson (Northwest Mo. St.)    95

PARKER MOVES UP KICKING LISTS
Junior kicker Parker Sampson has made 29 career field goals, which ranks T-No. 6 among Bearcat kickers in the history of the program.
    Sampson also ranks No. 5 in Bearcat history in extra points made (124).

Career Field Goals Made
1.    Simon Mathiesen (2013-16)    61
2.    David Purnell (1996-99)        52
3.    Tommy Frevert     (2005-08)        41
4.    Todd Adolf (2009-12)        33
5.    Peter Rameh (1985-88)        32
6.    Eddie Ibarra (1999-02)        29
    Parker Sampson (2017-pres.)    29
8.    Steve Stokes (1973-77)        19
9.    Shawn Geraghty (1977-79)    18
10.    Luis Berlanga (2002-04)        16

Career Extra Points Made
1.    Todd Adolf (2009-12)        272
2.    Tommy Frevert     (2005-08)        263
3.    David Purnell (1996-99)        241
4.    Simon Mathiesen (2013-16)    237
5.    Parker Sampson (2017-pres.)    124
6.    Eddie Ibarra (1999-02)        94
7.    Peter Rameh (1985-88)        83
8.    Steve Stokes (1973-77)        80
9.    Luis Berlanga (2002-04)        74
10.    Andy Timmerman (2000)        67

BLAKE LEADS THE WAY
Junior safety Blake Bayer leads Northwest in total tackles (62) and solo tackles (45).

THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
Sophomore Zach Howard has posted 6.0 quarterback sacks to rank T-No. 3 in the MIAA. Howard prouldy performs "The Truffle Shuffle" after each sack.
    Howard is tied for third in the league in sacks with teammate Spencer Phillips.

RANKIN TOATS THE ROCK
Justin Rankin ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (84.6).
    He has rushed for 846 yards on 149 carries and has scored nine rushing touchdowns. Rankin has also caught 26 passes for 305 yards and four TD catches.
    Rankin has totaled 2,421 career rushing yards on 497 carries and has scored 19 rushing touchdowns in 44 collegiate games. Rankin played his previous three seasons at Kent State University.
    Rankin has produced five 100-yard rushing games in his collegiate career.

Rankin's 100-Yard Games
9/8/18 vs. Howard - 147 yds.
10/6/18 vs. Ohio - 123 yds.
9/5/19 at Mo. Western - 130 yds.
9/21/19 at Mo. Southern - 150 yds.
11/2/19 vs. Northeastern St. - 211 yds.

79 FOR NORTHWEST
Northwest scored 79 points against Northeastern State to rank as the second-highest scoring output in school history.

Northwest Points in a Single Game
1. 86 vs. Southwest Baptist (9/29/07)
2. 79 vs. Northeastern St. (11/2/19)
3. 77 vs. MSU Moorhead (8/28/04)
4. 74 vs. Northeastern St. (10/15/16)
5. 73 vs. Lincoln (9/17/11)
6. 72 vs. Central Okla. (10/12/13)
7. 70 vs. Fort Hays St. (9/24/11)
    70 vs. Truman St. (9/26/09)
    70 vs. Missouri S&T (11/4/00)
    70 vs. Central Okla. (10/6/12)

3RD-BEST SCORING GAME IN '19
Northwest's 79 points vs. the RiverHawks are also the fourth-most points scored this season in a game by an NCAA Division II school.

Most Points - Single Game in 2019
1. Mo. Southern (vs. NSU)    86
2. Central Oklahoma (vs. NSU)    82
3. Minnesota St. (vs. Crookston)    81
4. Northwest Mo. St. (vs. NSU)    79
5. Fort Valley St. (vs. Central St.)    77
    Indiana (Pa.) (vs. Lock Haven)    77
7. Shepherd (vs. East Stroudsburg)    76
8. Findlay (vs. Alderson-Broaddus)    75
9. Minnesota St. (vs. Mary)    74
10. Central Missouri (vs. Lincoln)    73

PIERCE GRABS MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK HONOR
Senior defensive lineman Zach Pierce was named the MIAA's football co-defensive player of the week for his play in a win over Northeastern State.
    It marks eighth time this season that the Bearcat football team has had a player earn one of the league's weekly honors.
    Pierce (Gladbrook, Iowa/Gladbrook-Reinbeck HS) made his first career start and recorded four tackles, three tackles-for-loss, a quarterback sack and a forced fumble as No. 14 Northwest shut out Northeastern State, 79-0. Pierce forced a first quarter fumble. The loose ball was scooped by teammate Mike Ehlke for an 18-yard touchdown return with 8:21 left in the first to give Northwest a commanding 21-0 lead. Pierce and the Bearcat defense limited the RiverHawks to 130 total yards (26 rushing, 130 passing) in the game.

17 TACKLES-FOR-LOSS VS NSU
The Bearcat defense tallied 17 tackles-for-loss in its 79-0 win over Northeastern State.
     The 17 TFLs rank as the sixth-best single-game total by a Division II team in 2019.
    It is the most TFLs by an MIAA team in a game this season.

RANKIN BUSTS OUT
Senior running back Justin Rankin rushed for a career-high 211 yards and four touchdowns in Northwest's win over Northeastern State.
    Rankin became the first Northwest player to rush for more than 200 yards in a game since James Franklin went for 229 yards against Emporia State (Nov. 12, 2011).
    Rankin also produced the 14th four-rushing touchdown performance in a game by a Bearcat.
    He was able to reach these marks on only 12 total carries.

RAWIE WOWS 'EM
Redshirt freshman Robert Rawie made the most of his three carries vs. Northeastern State by taking two of them to the house for touchdowns.
    Rawie scored on touchdown runs of 32 yards and 26 yards.
    Rawie rushed three times for 55 yards (18.3 average).

TRIO FINDS END ZONE FOR FIRST TIME VS. LINCOLN
The Northwest trio of sophomore  Raymond Thomas, sophomore Gus Gomez and redshirt freshman Giovanni Guido each scored their first career touchdowns in a 56-9 win over Lincoln on Homecoming.
    Thomas caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Mike Hohensee in the second quarter.
    Gomez nabbed a 19-yard score from Braden Wright in the second quarter.
    Guido came in as the fourth string quarterback in the fourth quarter and found the end zone on a 30-yard run.

SAMPSON DRILLS 10 EXTRA PTS
Junior kicker Parker Sampson made all 10 extra points he attempted in Northwest's 79-0 win over Northeastern State. His 10 extra points is tied for the second-most extra points made in a game by a Bearcat kicker.
    Luis Berlanga made 11 extra points in against MSU Moorhead on Aug. 8, 2004 as Northwest scored a 77-12 victory.

MARQUS FINDS END ZONE
Senior tight end Marqus Andrews caught three first-half touchdown passes to lead Northwest to a 38-17 win over Pittsburg State at Arrowhead Stadium. For his performance, Andrews was named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week.
    Andrews had three total receptions for 61 yards against the Gorillas. Andrews also rushed once for eight yards. Andrews returned two kickoffs for 25 yards including a long of 17.
    Andrews's first touchdown game on a six-yard shovel pass from Braden Wright that leveled the game at 7-7 with 8:33 left in the first quarter.
    His second score came on a 20-yard pass from Mike Hohensee with 5:08 left in the first quarter to give Northwest a 14-7 advantage.
    His final catch of the day came on a fourth down at the Gorilla 35-yard line. The Bearcats lined up to kick a field goal, then shifted into a potential punting formation. Andrews leaked out down the middle of the field and Hohensee hit him for a 35-yard touchdown strike that gave Northwest a commanding 28-7 lead with 6:21 left in the second quarter.

2ND MIAA HONOR FOR SAM
Sophomore linebacker Sam Phillips earned his second MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honor for his play against Pittsburg State.
    Phillips totaled a team-high 11 tackles (eight solos) and a tackle-for-loss in Northwest's 38-17 win over Pittsburg State at Arrowhead Stadium. Pittsburg State entered the game having averaged 204.4 yards per game - Phillips and the Bearcat defense limited the Gorillas to 87 net rushing yards on 35 attempts.
    Pitt State had 12 rushing touchdowns on the season but did not have a rushing score on Saturday against the Bearcats.

CAREER RUSHING MARK FOR BRADEN
Quarterback Braden Wright rushed for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown in leading Northwest to a 38-17 win over previously unbeaten Pittsburg State at Arrowhead Stadium.
    Wright averaged 10.1 yards per carry and scored the final touchdown of the game on a 48-yard keeper.
    It's the second 100-plus rushing game of Wright's career. He rushed for 118 yards against Washburn on Sept. 6, 2018.

STINGY DEFENSE
Northwest locked up a 34-23 road victory with a stifling defensive performance. After Northwest took a 25-23 lead, Emporia State ran 25 plays and was limited to five yards of total offense. ESU was held to one first down in the final 22:12 of game time.

SAMPSON NAMED MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF WEEK
Junior Parker Sampson was named the MIAA's football special teams player of the week.
    Sampson was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including a career-long 53-yarder in a 34-23 win at Emporia State. The 53-yarder is the longest made field goal this season in the MIAA.
    Sampson had made 8- of-11 field goals and 30-of-31 extra points in 2019.



53-YARDER RANKS SECOND IN BEARCAT HISTORY
Parker Sampson's 53-yard field goal ties for the second-longest field goal in Bearcat football history. Pat Johnson booted a 54-yard field goal vs. Washburn on Sept. 23, 1987.
    It is the second 50-yard or plus field goal in Sampson's collegiate career. Sampson made a 50-yard field goal at Northeastern State on Oct. 27, 2018.

Longest Field Goal Made (Game)
1.    Pat Johnson vs. Washburn (9/23/87)    54
2.    Shawn Geraghty at William Jewell (9/17/77)    53
    Parker Sampson at Emporia St. (10/5/19)    53
4.    Peter Rameh at Mo. Western (9/19/87)    52
    Peter Rameh vs. Mo. Western (9/17/88)    52
6.    Peter Rameh vs. Washburn (9/10/88)    51
    Luis Berlanga vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (11/20/04)    51
    Luis Berlanga at Pittsburg St. (11/27/04)    51

FOUR FIELD GOALS MADE
Parker Sampson's four field goals made in a game ranks tied for the second-best mark in program history.
    Simon Mathiesen made five field goals vs. Harding on Dec. 3, 2016.
    Mathiesene also made four in a game along with Coreye Paetznick, Tommy Frevert and Sampson.

Most Field Goals Made (Game)
1.    Simon Mathiesen vs. Harding (12/3/16)    5
2.    Corey Paetznick vs. Mo. Southern (10/11/03)    4
    Tommy Frevert vs. Bloomsburg (12/10/16)    4
    Simon Mathiesen vs. Humboldt St. (11/25/15)    4
    Parker Sampson at Emporia St. (10/5/19)    4
6.    14 times    3

MIKE HAS A BOOT
Mike Hohensee punted six times for a 50.3 average in Northwest's 34-23 win at Emporia State.
    Five of his six punts were downed inside the 20-yard line. Hohensee's punts went 64 (downed at 1), 52 (downed at 12), 52 (downed at 14), 62 (downed at 5), 40 (downed at 13), 32 (downed at 48).

BAYER LEADS THE CHARGE
Junior safety Blake Bayer logged 11 tackles, including an MIAA-season best 4.0 tackles-for-loss in Northwest's 34-23 win at Emporia State.
    His 4.0 tackles-for-loss ties for the 8th-best single-game total in Bearcat history.
    Bayer notched 10 solo stops to go along with his four tackles for loss that netted seven yards lost.

DONADELLE NAMED MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF WEEK
Junior returner/receiver Imoni Donadelle has been named the MIAA's football special teams player of the week presented by Mammoth Turf. It marks the fourth consecutive week that the Bearcat football team has had a player earn one of the league's weekly honors.
    Donadelle (Youngstown, Ohio) set a Northwest single-game record with 174 kick return yards against Central Oklahoma. The previous mark of 170 was set by E.J. Falkner vs. Pittsburg State (10/29/05). Donadelle set the tone for a Bearcat victory by returning the game's opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. Donadelle added returns of 52 and 23 yards as he tallied 174 kick return yards against the Bronchos. Donadelle caught two passes for 17 yards and totaled a team-best 191 all-purpose yards on the day.

Northwest's Kickoff Returns Yards (Game)
1. Imoni Donadelle vs. UCO (9/28/19)    174
2. E.J. Falkner vs. Pitt St. (10/29/05)    170
3. Kendall Wright vs. Mo. West. (9/13/08)    152

WRIGHT'S FIRST 300+ GAME
Sophomore quarterback Braden Wright posted his first collegiate 300-yard passing game in a 59-10 win over Central Oklahoma.
     Wright passed for a career-high 305 yards (all in the first half), threw for four touchdowns and rushed for another in the Family Weekend victory.
    Wright rushed for 33 yards on five carries. Wright connected with Justin Rankin on a 48-yard touchdown pass on Northwest's first offensive play of the game for his first score of the day.
    With 1:55 left in the first quarter, Wright scampered 12 yards for a touchdown to give the Bearcats a 24-7 advantage. Wrights efficiency took off in the second quarter as he completed 7-of-9 passes for 204 yards and three scores. Wright hit LaTroy Harper for touchdown passes of 64 and 53 yards before connecting again with Rankin for a 29-yard score with 50 seconds left in the half that gave the Bearcats a commanding 52-7 lead.
    Wright led the charge as the Bearcats rolled up 568 yards of total offense in the game, that included 409 yards in the first half.

THE WRIGHT STUFF
Sophomore quarterback Braden Wright set a career-high in passing yards on each of the last three Saturdays in September.
    Wright passed for 278 yards and two scores in a 38-17 win over Washburn.
    Wright tossed for 289 yards and three touchdowns in a 66-34 victory at Missouri Southern.
    Wright threw for a career-high 305 yards and four scores in a 59-10 triumph over Central Oklahoma.

GREEN COLLECTS MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
Senior defensive back Jerrell Green has been named the MIAA's football defensive player of the week for his play in a 66-34 win at Missouri Southern (9/21).
    Green (Sun City, Arizona/Phoenix College) recorded two of Northwest's six interceptions and returned one for a touchdown in a 66-34 victory over the Lions.
    Green's first interception came with 1:49 left in the first half. Green picked off Missouri Southern's Jacob Park and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown to give Northwest a 38-14 lead.
    His second pick came on MSSU's next possession with 53 seconds left in the half. Green's interception came at the Northwest 9-yard line and thwarted a MSSU red-zone scoring attempt.

TIED MIAA PICK-SIX MARK
Northwest tied the MIAA record for interception returns for a touchdown in a single game with two against Missouri Southern.
    Jerrell Green returned an interception 11 yards for a score in the second quarter. Braden Dey returned a pick 17 yards for the final score of the day in Northwest's 66-34 victory at Missouri Southern.

19 PASS DEFENSES VS LIONS
Northwest is tied with Assumption for the nation's lead in total passes defensed in a game (19). Northwest recorded 13 pass breakups and six interceptions in a 66-34 win at Missouri Southern.

600-PLUS YARDS OF OFFENSE
Northwest eclipsed 600 yards of total offense (633 yards) in its 66-34 win at Missouri Southern.
    It's the most yards of total offense since the Bearcats produced 651 yards vs. Missouri Southern (Sept. 23, 2017).

WRIGHT NAMED MIAA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore quarterback Braden Wright was named the MIAA's football offensive player of the week.
    Wright passed for a career-high 278 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in leading Northwest to a 38-17 win over Washburn. Wright was 20-29 passing, while rushing six times for 47 yards and a score.
    Wright has accounted for six of Northwest's nine offensive touchdowns in 2019. Wright has passed for four scores and rushed for two others.
    Last season as a redshirt freshman, Wright ranked No. 1 in the nation among freshmen in points responsible for (210). Wright rushed for 11 touchdowns and threw for 24 scores in 2018.

RIDING RANKIN
Senior running back Justin Rankin rushed for seven first downs, including five in the fourth quarter of the Bearcats's 45-35 win at Missouri Western.
    Rankin rushed for a game-high 130 yards on 20 carries. Rankin posted a team-best 143 all-purpose yards.
    
4TH QTR LOCKDOWN
The Northwest defense put up a wall in Missouri Western's final three possessions last week.
    After Missouri Western took a 38-35 lead, the Griffons ran eight total plays for minus-15 yards. Included in those eight plays were two sacks and an interception.

TWO DEFENSIVE SCORES
Sophomore linebacker Sam Phillips scored two defensive touchdowns (fumble, interception) in Northwest's 45-35 win at Missouri Western and was named the MIAA defensive player of the week.
    His brother, Spencer, scooped up an errant shotgun snap by the Griffons and then lateraled the ball to Sam for a 43-yard fumble return for a touchdown for the first score of the game.
    Prior to Phillips fumble return for a touchdown, the last Bearcat to score on an opponents' fumble came when Brandon Yost recovered a fumble for a touchdown at Pittsburg State (Oct. 17, 2015).
    Phillips then added a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter to give the Bearcats a 28-7 lead over the Griffons.
    Phillips finished the game with six tackles to go along with his two defensive touchdowns.

TREY MAKES BIG PLAYS
Sophomore cornerback Trey Washington had a huge impact on the outcome of Northwest's 45-35 win at Missouri Western.
    With Northwest clinging to a 38-35 lead and Missouri Western facing a 3rd-and-5 at the Griffon 35-yard line, Washington blitzed off the corner and sacked quarterback Wyatt Steigerwald forcing MWSU to punt with 7:20 to play in the contest.
    On Western's next possession, Washington stepped in front of a Steigerwald pass and picked him off with 5:21 left in the fourth quarter.

DONADELLE DOES DAMAGE
Junior wide receiver Imoni Donadelle touched the ball three times against Missouri Western and averaged 34.7 yards per touch.
    Donadelle's first touch came on a 60-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.
    Donadelle also rushed two times for 16 yards and 28 yards (44 total rushing yards).
    His three touches accounted for 104 all-purpose yards in Northwest's 45-35 win at Missouri Western.

RAUNIG MAKES IT COUNT
Senior tight end Kyle Raunig made his first career catch count.  Raunig latched on to a four-yard touchdown reception from Braden Wright to close out Northwest's 45-35 win at Missouri Western.


PROGRAM OF THE DECADE
Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2018. Northwest is 116-17 for an .872 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.

600 BEARCAT VICTORIES
Northwest became the seventh NCAA Division II school to record 600 or more victories. Northwest has compiled an all-time record of 601-403-33.
    
NCAA Division II Football Wins
1. Pittsburg State    718
2. Tuskegee    696
3. Hillsdale    645
4. Carson-Newman    640
    Central Oklahoma    640
6. West Chester    635
7. Northwest Mo. St.    602
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
It's not easy to get on the Academic All-America list. The Bearcats do a pretty good job of filling it up though, placing 17 players on the list, including 16 since 2003. In 2016, Kyle Zimmerman (QB) took home the top honor – Academic All-American of the Year – something no Bearcat had ever done. Last season, Northwest had Marqus Andrews and Ryan Spelhaug each named first-team Academic All-Americans.

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 48-17 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    The Bearcats (.738) also 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 in 2018.
    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

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.

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    48-17 (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)

FOR OPENERS
The Bearcats have won nine consecutive season openers. Northwest last lost its opening game of the season on Sept. 2, 2010, in a 16-7 setback vs. No. 14-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Last Eight Season-Opening Contests
9/5/18        W, 45-35 at Missouri Western
8/30/18    W, 28-6 vs. Missouri Western
8/31/17    W, 34-0 vs. No. 4 Emporia State
9/1/16        W, 41-14 at No. 24 Emporia State
9/3/15        W, 31-0 at Nebraska-Kearney
9/14/14    W, 31-7 vs. Nebraska-Kearney
9/15/13    W, 45-24 vs. No. 22 Saginaw Valley
8/30/12    W, 33-3 vs. East Central
9/1/11        W, 65-3 at Truman State

BEARCATS AT ARROWHEAD
Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, played host to 12 annual meetings between the Bearcats and the Gorillas from 2002-2013. Northwest is 12-3 all-time at Arrowhead having also defeated Central Missouri in both 2016 and 2017.
    In the 14 contests at Arrowhead, the Bearcats have averaged more than 30 points per game and have drawn seven crowds of more than 20,000 fans.

Arrowhead Matchups vs. PSU
W, 29-7 (Oct. 17, 2002)
W, 20-19 (Nov. 15, 2003)
L, 21-17 (Nov. 6, 2004)
L, 56-35 (Oct. 29, 2005)
W, 41-14 (Nov. 4, 2006)
W, 37-34 OT (Oct. 6, 2007)
W, 35-10 (Oct. 4, 2008)
W, 30-10 (Sept. 12, 2009)
W, 22-16 (Nov. 13, 2010)
L, 38-35 (Oct. 1, 2011)
W, 31-21 (Oct. 13, 2012)
W, 24-15 (Oct. 19, 2013)
W, 38-17 (Oct. 12, 2019)

Arrowhead Matchups vs. UCM
W, 42-17 (Oct. 1, 2016)
W, 24-20 (Sept. 30, 2017)

SHUTOUTS UNDER WRIGHT
Northwest has recorded eight shutouts under the direction of head coach Rich Wright, following a 79-0 blanking of Northeastern State (Nov. 2). The Bearcats posted five shutouts in 2017 and added two more in 2018.

PRESEASON FAVORITES
Northwest was picked as the preseason favorite by media to win the 2019 MIAA football title. Northwest received 32 first-place votes and 471 points. Fort Hays State was picked second with seven first-place votes and 433 points.
    Fort Hays State was tabbed as the favorite in the preseason coaches poll. The Tigers notched six first-place votes and 114 points, while the Bearcats posted five first-place votes and 112 points.

SIX CAPTAINS
Head coach Rich Wright has designated six captains for the 2019 football season. Wright has named tight end Marqus Andrews (Blue Springs, Mo.), defensive back Jacob Gassman (Kearney, Mo.), linebacker Andy Hessler (Hartland, Wis.), offensive lineman Tanner Owen (Kearney, Mo.), defensive lineman Spencer Phillips (Glenwood, Iowa) and offensive lineman Ryan Spelhaug (Bettendorf, Iowa).

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 was represented in the National Football League in 2019 training camps by wide receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) and running back Josh Caldwell (Chicago Bears).