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Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten
Radio Sideline: Logan Weber

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Live Stats - www.BearcatSports.com or NCAA Stat Broadcast
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THIS WEEK'S GAME
Northwest Missouri State will play its first home NCAA Division II playoff game in three years on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Harding University.

SUPER REGION 3
Northwest is the No. 3 seed in Super Region 3.
    Ouachita Baptist is the No. 2 seed and will play host to former MIAA member Lindenwood in the first round. The winner of the Northwest-Harding game will take on the winner of the Ouachita Baptist-Lindenwood game on Nov. 30.
    Central Missouri is the No. 4 seed and will play host to the University of Indianapolis in the opening round. The UCM-UIndy winner will take on Super Region 3's No. 1 seed Ferris State in the second round.

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE
Northwest extended a pair of Division II playoff standards by earning a bid into the 2019 playoffs.
    Northwest earned its 24th overall appearance in the Div. II playoffs. Harding is making its sixth NCAA playoff appearance.
    The Bearcats also extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 16 in a row. The Bisons have made the NCAA field in five straight seasons.

Most Div. II Playoff Appearances
Northwest Missouri    24
North Alabama    21
Grand Valley State    19
Indiana (Pa.)    19
Pittsburg State    18
UC Davis    18
North Dakota State    17
Valdosta State    17

Consecutive Div. II Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    16 (2004-pres.)
Grand Valley St.    10 (2001-2010)
Pittsburg St.    9    (1989-1997)
Albany St.    8    (2004-2011)
Tex. A&M-Kingsville    7    (1992-1998)
Carson-Newman    7    (1993-1999)
UC Davis    7    (1996-2002)
North Alabama    7 (2005-2011)

DIVISION II'S ELITE PROGRAM
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.

NCAA Division II National Titles
Northwest Mo. St.    6
North Dakota St.    5
Grand Valley St.    4
Valdosta St.        4
North Alabama    3
Minnesota Duluth    2
Northern Colorado    2
Pittsburg St.        2
Texas St.        2
Troy                2
14 others have one national title
    
48 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINS
The Bearcats are 48-17 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    Harding has a mark of 5-5 in its five previous trips to the playoffs.
    The Bearcats (.738) also rank No. 1 in highest winning percentage in the Division II playoffs.

Most Division II Playoff Victories
Northwest Mo. St.    48
Grand Valley St.    35
North Alabama    35
North Dakota St.    30
Valdosta St.    26
Pittsburg St.    25
Indiana (Pa.)    22
Carson-Newman    19
North Dakota    18
Delta St.    15
Ferris St.    15
Jacksonville St.    15
Tex. A&M-Kingsville    15
UC Davis    15

Div. II Playoff Win Percentage
Northwest Mo. St.    48-17     (.738)
North Dakota St.    30-12     (.714)
Grand Valley St.    35-15     (.700)
Valdosta St.    26-12     (.684)
Mississippi College    8-4    (.667)
North Alabama    35-18    (.660)
Delta St.    15-8    (.652)
Delaware    7-4    (.636)
Northern Colorado    12-7    (.632)
Jacksonville St.    15-9    (.625)
Pittsburg St.    25-16    (.610)
Minnesota Duluth    14-9    (.609)
Ferris St.     15-10     (.600)
Portland St.    12-8    (.600)
Tex. A&M-Commerce    9-6    (.600)
Lenoir-Rhyne    6-4    (.600)
minimum of 10 games played

22 STRAIGHT HOME PLAYOFF VICTORIES
Northwest has recorded 22 straight home playoff victories. The Bearcats are 29-3 all-time at home in the playoffs.

Northwest's Home Playoff Games
1997 - W, 39-28 vs. North Dakota State
1997 - L, 25-19 vs. Northern Colorado
1998 - W, 28-14 vs. Nebraska-Omaha
1998 - W, 42-17 vs. Northern Colorado
1998 - W, 49-34 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville
1999 - W, 20-13 vs. North Dakota
1999 - W, 20-12 vs. Indiana (Pa.)
2000 - L, 31-17 vs. North Dakota
2002 - W, 45-41 vs. Minnesota Duluth
2002 - L, 23-12 vs. Northern Colorado
2004 - W, 34-14 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville
2006 - W, 27-0 vs. Midwestern State
2006 - W, 28-21 vs. Chadron State
2006 - W, 33-3 vs. Bloomsburg
2007 - W, 56-28 vs. West Texas A&M
2007 - W, 34-16 vs. Grand Valley State
2008 - W, 38-35 vs. Pittsburg State
2008 - W, 41-7 vs. North Alabama
2009 - W, 35-10 vs. Abilene Christian
2009 - W, 56-31 vs. California (Pa.)
2010 - W, 28-24 vs. Missouri Western
2010 - W, 37-20 vs. Central Missouri
2012 - W, 35-0 vs. Harding
2013 - W, 45-21 vs. Minnesota Duluth
2013 - W, 59-21 vs. St. Cloud State
2013 - W, 27-13 vs. Grand Valley State
2015 - W, 54-7 vs. Humboldt State
2015 - W, 38-17 vs. Emporia State
2015 - W, 38-23 vs. West Georgia
2016 - W, 44-13 vs. Emporia State
2016 - W, 35-0 vs. Harding
2016 - W, 35-20 vs. Ferris State

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 (24 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 (4 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)

PROGRAM OF THE DECADE
Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2018. Northwest is 117-17 for an .873 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 603-403-33.
    
NCAA Division II Football Wins
1. Pittsburg State    719
2. Tuskegee    696
3. Hillsdale    645
4. Carson-Newman    641
5. Central Oklahoma    640
6. West Chester    636
7. Northwest Mo. St.    603
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID

MIAA CHAMPS
Northwest earned a share of the program's 30th MIAA regular season title with a 45-23 win over previously undefeated Central Missouri.
    The Bearcats have claimed six of the last seven MIAA crowns.
    It is the second MIAA title for head coach Rich Wright.

HARDING ON A ROLL
Following a 16-14 loss to Ouachita Baptist in the first game of the season, Harding has produced 10 straight victories.
    The Bisons secured their fifth straight road victory on Saturday with a 49-14 victory at Arkansas Tech.

ALL-TIME VS. BISONS
Northwest and Harding have met on two previous occasions and both occurred in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
    Northwest scored a 35-0 win over Harding on Nov. 17, 2012, in a first round matchup.
    Northwest then posted a 35-0 victory over Harding on Dec. 3, 2016, in a quarterfinal matchup.
    Both games took place at Bearcat Stadium.

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 29-7 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.
    Paul Simmons is in his third season as head football coach in 2019. He had an historic first season as head coach, leading the Bisons to an 11-4 record, a berth in the national semifinals and an 11-game winning streak that included three consecutive road playoff wins over top-10 nationally ranked teams. Simmons followed that with a second straight NCAA Division II Playoff berth and a 9-3 overall record. Simmons led the Bisions to a 10-1 mark in 2019 in his third consecutive trip to the playoffs.

PHILLIPS NAMED MIAA DEF. PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 20 'CATS EARN ALL-LEAGUE STATUS
Bearcat senior defensive lineman Spencer Phillips has been named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and the Bearcat football team had 20 players named to the all-MIAA squads released today.
    Phillips (Tabor, Iowa) led the MIAA in tackles-for-loss (15.0) and in quarterback sacks (8.0). Phillips registered 45 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbled and posted two safeties for the MIAA's top-ranked defense. Phillips is the 10th Bearcat since 2000 to be named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year.

NW's MIAA Defensive POY Since 2000
Spencer Phillips, DL – 2019
Collin Blevins, DL – 2015
Matt Longacre, DL – 2014
Matt Longacre, DL – 2013
Ryan Jones, DB – 2010
Myles Burnsides, DB – 2008
Jared Erspamer, LB – 2007
Dave Tollefson, DL – 2005
Adam Long, LB – 2004
Brian Williams, LB – 2000

Joining Phillips on the all-MIAA first team were senior offensive lineman Tanner Owen (Kearney, Missouri) and junior defensive back Blake Bayer (Albia, Iowa).
    Northwest collected eight second-team all-MIAA picks. The second-team selections went to senior tight end Marqus Andrews (Blue Springs, Missouri), junior linebacker Jackson Barnes (Kansas City, Missouri), junior wide receiver Imoni Donadelle (Youngstown, Ohio), sophomore defensive lineman Zach Howard (Bolivar, Missouri), senior running back Justin Rankin (Oberlin, Ohio), junior defensive lineman Sam Roberts (Waynesville, Missouri), junior kicker Parker Sampson (Kansas City, Missouri) and sophomore quarterback Braden Wright (Elkhorn, Nebraska).
    Northwest added three all-MIAA third-team honorees in sophomore linebacker Sam Phillips (Tabor, Iowa), senior offensive lineman Ryan Spelhaug (Bettendorf, Iowa) and sophomore defensive back Trey Washington (Grimes, Iowa).
    The Bearcats notched six honorable mention all-MIAA awards as well. The honorable mention picks went to junior offensive lineman Gabe Bautz (Waukesha, Wisconsin), senior defensive lineman Mike Ehlke (Little Chute, Wisconsin), senior defensive back Jacob Gassman (Kearney, Missouri), senior linebacker Andy Hessler (Hartland, Wisconsin), senior defensive back Chama Pierre (Lake Worth, Florida) and senior running back Isaiah Strayhorn (Chula Vista, California).

FIRST TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS
Blake Bayer – led the team in tackles (68) … second on the team with 11 passes defensed and 10 pass breakups … registered eight tackles-for-loss … had a season-high 11 tackles and four TFLs at Emporia State (Oct. 5) … notched his first collegiate interception against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium.

Tanner Owen – second straight season he has earned first-team all-MIAA honors after posting honorable mention status as a redshirt freshman in 2017 … has started all 36 games of his collegiate career … part of an offensive line that has allowed the fewest sacks (10) in the MIAA … the Bearcat offense ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense that scored 33-of-34 times (.971).

Spencer Phillips – MIAA Defensive Player of the Year … started all 11 games on the defensive line a year after earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … MIAA leader in tackles-for-loss (15) … tied for the MIAA lead in sacks (8.0) … posted a season-high 10 tackles and three TFLs in a 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16).

SECOND TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS
Marqus Andrews – ranks second on the team in touchdown receptions (6) … ranks third on the squad in receptions (22) and receiving yards (317) … named the MIAA offensive player of the week against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) when he had three catches for 61 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Gorillas as Arrowhead Stadium … has played and started in 10 games this season … earned honorable mention all-MIAA honors in 2018 … two-time academic all-district pick … Academic All-America selection in 2018.

Jackson Barnes – ranks second on the squad with 58 total tackles and three interceptions … has made 29 solo stops … credited with 7.5 TFLs … scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 29-yard interception return vs. Central Missouri (Nov. 16) … notched his first sack in Northwest's win against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium … has played and started in 10 games.

Imoni Donadelle – team leader in receptions (34), receiving yards (613), receiving touchdowns (8) … averaged 95.3 all-purpose yards per game … scored touchdowns via receiving (8), rushing (1) and kick return (1) … caught a season-high six passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Missouri Southern (Sept. 21) … set the Northwest single-game record for kick return yards with 174 vs. Central Oklahoma (Sept. 28) … returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown vs. the Bronchos … has started in all 11 games … has caught at least one pass in all 11 games.

Zach Howard – tied for the MIAA lead in quarterback sacks (8.0) … tied for third on the team with 49 tackles … has 9.5 TFLs … had a season-high eight tackles against Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … the Bearcat defense has allowed a league-best 84.4 rushing yards per game … has started all 11 games for the No. 1-ranked defense in the MIAA.

Justin Rankin – MIAA leader in total touchdowns scored (15) … leads Bearcats in all-purpose yards per game (112.1) … ranks fourth in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (82.7) … ranks second on the team in receptions (29) and receiving yards (323) … has three 100-plus rushing games … rushed for 130 yards vs. Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … rushed for 150 yards and a score vs. Missouri Southern (Sept. 21) … rushed for a season-high 211 yards and four touchdowns vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2) … started all 11 games at running back.

Sam Roberts – ranks second in the MIAA in tackles-for-loss per game (1.0) … tied for fifth in the nation with three blocked kicks … has 37 tackles (22 solos) and five quarterback sacks … leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries … had a season-high nine tackles at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19) … has played and started in nine games … was a first-team all-MIAA pick in 2018.

Parker Sampson – leads Northwest in points scored (104) … ranks No. 14 in the nation in scoring … 13-of-17 in field goals, including 12-of-13 from 49 yards or less … his 53-yard field goal against Emporia State ranked as the second-longest field goal made in school history … connected on all four field goal attempts vs. the Hornets and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week … booted a game-winning 38-yard field goal to defeat Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) in double overtime.

Braden Wright – second straight season earning second-team all-MIAA honors … ranks No. 14 in the nation in points responsible for (192) … has passed for 2,160 yards on 145-of-275 passing with 23 TDs and only seven interceptions … ranks No. 2 on the team in rushing with 612 yards and nine touchdowns … two-time MIAA player of the week … rushed for a career-high 172 yards against Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) at Arrowhead Stadium … passed for a career-high 305 yards and four touchdowns (all in the first half) against Central Oklahoma (Sept. 28) … passed for 279 yards and three TDs, while rushing for 96 yards and a score in Northwest's 36-33 double-overtime victory at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) … has started all 24 games over the past two seasons.

THIRD TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS
Sam Phillips – tied for the third on the team in total tackles (49) … second on the squad with 29 solo stops … two-time MIAA defensive player of the week … returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown and an interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the season-opening win over Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … posted a season-high 11 tackles in a victory over Pittsburg State (Oct. 12) … started all 11 games at linebacker.

Ryan Spelhaug – second straight year being named to the third-team all-MIAA squad … has started 24 consecutive games on the offensive line … two-time academic all-district pick … Academic All-American in 2018.

Trey Washington – leads the MIAA in passes defensed (19) … ranks second in the league in interceptions (6) … made four starts and has played in 10 games … has 24 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs and one quarterback sack … named the MIAA defensive player of the week after picking off two passes and returning a fumble for a touchdown in Northwest's 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16).

HON. MENTION – BEARCAT BIOS
Gabe Bautz – has started all 11 games at left guard … part of an offensive line that has allowed only 10 quarterback sacks all season … Bearcats rank No. 6 in the nation in scoring per game (46.6 ppg) … Northwest has rushed for 30 touchdowns and passed for 28 scores in 2019.

Mike Ehlke – two straight years of earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … started all 11 games at defensive end … has 38 tackles (23 solos), 5.0 TFLs, two sacks and two fumble recoveries … he had an 18-yard scoop and score against Northeastern State (Nov. 2).

Jacob Gassman – has battled injuries throughout his career, including this season where he has started and played in only seven games … has 31 tackles (26 solos) and 3.5 TFLs … posted a season-high eight tackles in a 45-23 win over Central Missouri (Nov. 16) … returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2).

Andy Hessler – started all 11 games at linebacker … ranks sixth on the team with 42 total tackles (29 solos) … credited with 5.5 TFLs and three quarterback sacks.

Chama Pierre – played in 10 games and made nine starts … credited with 19 tackles … tied a season-high with six tackles vs. Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) before suffering a season-ending injury in the second half.

Isaiah Strayhorn – named to the honorable mention all-MIAA squad for the second straight season … carried the ball 79 times for 430 yards and three touchdowns … rushed for a season-high 128 yards and a touchdown vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2).

DEFENSIVE STOPS IN 2ND 1/2
The Northwest defensive unit has allowed six 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 three second-half touchdowns - one in the third quarter at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19), one came in the first overtime session at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9) and the final one came in the fourth quarter against Central Missouri (Nov. 16).

RED-ZONE SCORING
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring offense. The Bearcats have scored on 33 of their 34 trips inside the red-zone this season for a 97.1 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 27 touchdowns and has made six field goals in its 33 red-zone scores.

NCAA Div. II Red-Zone Scoring
1. Northwest Mo. State    .971
2. Central Oklahoma        .953
3. Southern Arkansas        .952
4. Mississippi College        .938
5. Fort Hays State        .929
6. Carson-Newman        .927
7. Fort Valley State        .923
8. Truman State        .915
9. Pace                .914
10. Slipper Rock        .914

BEARCATS FEATURE NO. 6 SCORING OFFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring offense at 46.6 points per game.
    Northwest has scored 50 or more points four times this season.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Offense
1. Indianapolis        49.1 ppg
2. Minnesota State    48.8 ppg
3. Central Missouri    48.6 ppg
4. Tarleton State    47.6 ppg
5. Slippery Rock    46.9 ppg
6. Northwest Mo. St.    46.8 ppg
7. Indiana (Pa.)        45.7 ppg
8. Colorado Mines    45.3 ppg
9. Tiffin            44.4 ppg
10. Bowie State    42.5 ppg

BEARCATS STOP THE RUN
Northwest is tops in the MIAA in rushing defense by giving up only 84.4 yards per game. Northwest's run defense ranks No. 10 in the nation.
    Northwest has held seven of its 11 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing. The Bearcats have held each of their last three opponents to less than 81 yards (Central Missouri - 81 yards, Fort Hays State - 33 yards, Northeastern State - 26 yards).
    Nebraska-Kearney gained the most yards on the ground this season with 228 yards against Northwest on Oct. 19.

NCAA Div. II Rushing Defense
1. Colorado Mines    57.0 ypg
2. California (Pa.)    57.4 ypg
3. Indianapolis        59.0 ypg
4. Colo. St.-Pueblo    61.0 ypg
5. Minnesota State    65.3 ypg
6. Lenoir-Rhyne    77.1 ypg
7. Fairmont State    77.7 ypg
8. St. Cloud State    79.9 ypg
9. Notre Dame        81.8 ypg
10. Northwest Mo. St.    84.4 ypg

HARDING RUNS WELL
The Harding Bisons lead the nation in rushing yards per game (393.8).
    The Bisons lowest output in rushing yards this season came against Ouachita Baptist (Sept. 5) when the Bisons were held to 219 rushing yards.
    Harding rushed for a season-high 558 yards and seven touchdowns against East Central (Nov. 2).
    Harding comes in the game having rushed for 400 or more yards in six straight games.

NO LAUNDRY ON THE FIELD
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest penalties (57), fewest penalties per game (5.18), fewest penalty yards (516) and fewest penalty yards per game (46.91).

EFFICIENT PASS DEFENSE
The numbers don't lie as Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in team passing efficiency defense (103.33).
    Bearcat opponents have completed a league-low 45.6 percent of their passes.

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. 6 in the MIAA with eight touchdown receptions.
    Donadelle ranks second on the Bearcats 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 34 receptions for 613 yards.
    Donadelle is averaging 18.0 yards per catch, 16.0 yards per rush and 35.9 yards per kick return. He has touched the ball 50 times for 1,054 yards. Donadelle is averaging 21.08 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 T-No. 5 in the nation in passes intercepted. The Bearcats have tallied 19 interceptions and nine different players have recorded picks.
    Northwest's 19 picks are the most since the Bearcats produced 26 interceptions in 2015.

NCAA Div. II Passes Intercepted
1. Colorado State-Pueblo    26
2. Bowie State            25
3. Glenville State        21
4. Winona State        20
5. Northwest Mo. St.        19
    Carson-Newman        19
    Sioux Falls            19
    Shepherd            19

TREY PICKS 'EM OFF
Sophomore cornerback Trey Washington ranks second in the MIAA in interceptions with six.
    His six picks are the most for a Bearcat since Jack Young intercepted seven passes in 2016.
    Washington is tops in the MIAA in passes defensed (19).

Northwest Interceptions (Season)
1. Mike Rivers (1983)        10
2. Kevin Berg (2015)        8
    Joe Wingate (1970)        8
4. Jason Agee (1989)        7
    Marty Albertson (1977)    7
    Randy Baehr (1974)        7
    Nate DeJong (2012)        7
    Jack Young (2016)        7
9. Myles Burnsides (2008)    6
    Ryan Miller (2002)        6
    Trey Washington (2019)    6

EIGHT DEFENSIVE SCORES
The Bearcats rank No. 2 in the nation with eight 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 Dey (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.
    The Bearcats tallied two defensive touchdowns against Central Missouri on a fumble return from Trey Washington and a pick-six from Jackson Barnes.

Defensive Touchdowns
1. Colorado State-Pueblo    9
2. Northwest Mo. St.        8
3. Tarleton State        7
    South Dakota Mines        7
5. Glenville State        6
    Harding            6
    Bowie State            6

19 DIFFERENT BEARCATS FIND END ZONE
Through 11 games, 21 different Northwest players have found the end zone.

Justin Rankin        15 TDs
Imoni Donadelle    10 TDs
Braden Wright        9 TDs
Marqus Andrews    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
Trey Washington    1 TD
Jackson Barnes    1 TD

ANDREWS TO THE END ZONE
Senior tight end Marqus Andrews is Northwest's active leader in career touchdown receptions (11).
    Andrews has 46 career catches for 565 yards. Andrews has 22 catches this season for 317 yards and six touchdowns.

SAMPSON RANKS 15TH
IN NATION IN SCORING
Sampson ranks No. 14 in the nation in scoring with 104 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)    174
2. Deonte Glover (Shepherd)    138
3. Brockton Brown (Ouachita Bap.)    132
    Zimari Manning (Tarleton St.)    132
5. Nate Gunn (Minnesota State)    126
6. Mike Strachan (Charleston)    114
7. Jared Vincent (Pittsburg St.)    113
8. Dante Brown (Fort Hays St.)    109
9. Duane Brown (Indiana, Pa.)    108
    Ontario Douglas (East Central)    108
    Justin Felder (Stonehill)        108
    Garrett Owens (Mercyhurst)    108
    Craig Rucker (Mars Hill)        108
14. Parker Sampson (Northwest Mo. St.)    104
15. David Graham (Hillsdale)    102
      Thuro Reisdorfer (Sioux Falls)    102

PARKER MOVES UP KICKING LISTS
Junior kicker Parker Sampson has made 30 career field goals, which ranks No. 6 among Bearcat kickers in the history of the program.
    Sampson also ranks No. 5 in Bearcat history in extra points made (130).
    Sampson has made 13-of-18 field goals this season, including 12-of-13 from 49 yards or less. Sampson ranks T-No. 9 for field goals made in a season by a Bearcat kicker with 13 in 2019.

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.    Parker Sampson (2017-pres.)    30
7.    Eddie Ibarra (1999-02)        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.)    130
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

Single-Season Field Goals Made
1.    Simon Mathiesen (2015)        25
2.    Simon Mathiesen (2016)        18
      David Purnell (1999)        18
4.    Luis Berlanga (2004)        16
5.     Eddie Ibarra (2001)        15
    David Purnell (1997)        15
7.    Eddie Ibarra (2002)        14
    Tommy Frevert (2006)        14
9.    Todd Adolf (2012)        13
    Parker Sampson (2019)        13

BLAKE LEADS THE WAY
Junior safety Blake Bayer leads Northwest in total tackles (68) and solo tackles (49).

THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
Sophomore Zach Howard has posted 8.0 quarterback sacks to rank T-No. 1 in the MIAA. Howard prouldy performs "The Truffle Shuffle" after each sack.
    Howard is tied for the league in sacks with teammate Spencer Phillips and Nebraska-Kearney's Sal Silvio.

RANKIN TOATS THE ROCK
Justin Rankin ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (82.7).
    He has rushed for 910 yards on 163 carries and has scored 11 rushing touchdowns. Rankin has also caught 29 passes for 323 yards and four TD catches.
    Rankin has totaled 2,485 career rushing yards on 511 carries and has scored 21 rushing touchdowns in 45 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.

WASHINGTON NAMED MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
Sophomore defensive back Trey Washington became the 12th Bearcat to earn MIAA player of the week honors in 2019 when he snared the league's weekly defensive honor on Nov. 18.
    Washington (Grimes, Iowa) intercepted two passes and scored a touchdown on a fumble return in Northwest's 45-23 win over previously undefeated Central Missouri. Washington picked off UCM's Blake Bolles on the first play of the game setting the tone for a defense that forced six turnovers on the day.
    Washington notched his second interception of the game with 11:38 left in the second quarter as he thwarted a UCM drive with Northwest leading 21-3.
    Washington capped another scoring play with a fumble return that started with a sack of Bolles which resulted in a fumble. Northwest's Brody Buck scooped up the fumble and eventually lateraled the ball to Washington who took it the final 26 yards for a touchdown to give Northwest a 28-10 lead with 1:46 left in the first half.

ANDREWS, SPELHAUG EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT
seniors Marqus Andrews and Ryan Spelhaug have been named to the 2019 First-Team Academic All-District® Football Team as selected by CoSIDA.
    The 2019 Academic All-District® Football Team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
    Andrews, a tight end from Blue Springs, Missouri, has played in nine games and ranks second on the Bearcats in touchdown receptions with six. Andrews has caught 19 passes for 303 yards in 2019. He has rushed the ball five times for 44 yards, including a long of 18 yards. Andrews has a 3.48 cumulative grade point average while majoring in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry.
    Spelhaug, an offensive lineman from Bettendorf, Iowa, has started all 10 games in 2019. Spelhaug has started 23 consecutive games on the offensive line. He has helped the Bearcat offense rank No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense. The Bearcats also rank No. 4 in the nation in scoring at 46.8 points per game. Spelhaug has a 3.92 cumulative grade point average with a major in business economics.
    Andrews and Spelhaug were each named First-Team Academic All-Americans in 2018.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).