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THIS WEEK'S GAME
Northwest Missouri State will play its fifth home game in six weeks when it plays host to the Lindenwood Lions in an NCAA Division II second-round playoff game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Stadium.

SUPER REGION 3
Super Region 3 is down to four teams after the opening round of play on Saturday.
    No. 1 seed Ferris State had a bye and will play host to Central Missouri on Saturday. UCM scored a 37-27 win over Indianapolis in Warrensburg.
    No. 3-seeded Northwest took down Harding, 7-6, to advance to the second round to play the Lindenwood Lions.
    Lindenwood knocked off No. 2-seeded Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 41-38.
    The two second-round winners will meet Dec. 7 to decide the Super Region 3 champion.

LIONS CONTINUE WIN STREAK
The Lindenwood Lions enter Saturday's game in Maryville having won eight straight contests.
    The Lions went a perfect 7-0 in GLVC play before securing a 41-38 opening round playoff win over No. 2-seeded and No. 5-ranked Ouachita Baptist, 41-38.

ALL-TIME VS. LIONS
Northwest is 5-0 all-time vs. Lindenwood. In the five matchups,
Northwest has outscored Lindenwood, 224-49.

Northwest's Results vs. Lindenwood
W, 38-17 at Lindenwood (10/20/18)
W, 19-0 in Maryville (10/21/17)
W, 47-12 at Lindenwood (10/22/16)
W, 69-0 in Maryville (10/10/15)
W, 51-20 at Lindenwood (10/11/14)

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 30-7 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.
    Jed Stugart is in his third season as the Lindenwood football head coach in 2019. Stugart has been a head coach for 13 seasons and has an all-time record of 107-41. Stugart went 4-7 in 2017, 4-7 in 2018 and has led the Lions to mark of 9-3 in 2019. Stugart took the Lions to their first conference championship since 2009, when Lindenwood was in the NAIA and won the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

LIONS CAN THROW THE BALL
Lindenwood ranks No. 4 in the nation in passing touchdowns (40). The Lions ranks No. 6 in the nation in passing offense by averaging 309.1 yards per game.
    Quarterback Cade Brister ranks No. 3 in the nation in passing yards (3,574), passing touchdowns (38) and in points responsible for (270).

RICH COMPANY FOR WRIGHT
Northwest head coach Rich Wright became only the third Bearcat head coach to increase his win totals in each of his first three seasons.
    Wright guided Northwest to nine wins in 2017, 10 wins in 2018 and the Bearcats tallied their 11th win in 2019 with a 7-6 win over Harding.
    H.F. Lawrence went from three wins in 1923 to six wins in 1924 to seven wins in 1925.
    Mel Tjeerdsma had zero wins in 1994 before upping his win total to six in 1995. Tjeerdsma then tallied 11 wins in 1996.

49 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINS
The Bearcats are 49-17 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    Lindenwood is 1-0 in its first appearance in the D-II playoffs.
    The Bearcats (.742) also rank No. 1 in highest winning percentage in the Division II playoffs.

Most Division II Playoff Victories
Northwest Mo. St.    49
Grand Valley St.    35
North Alabama    35
North Dakota St.    30
Valdosta St.    26
Pittsburg St.    25
Indiana (Pa.)    22
Carson-Newman    20
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.    49-17     (.742)
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    10-6    (.625)
Lenoir-Rhyne    7-4    (.636)
minimum of 10 games played

NEXT TO JOIN 50-WIN CLUB?
With its next playoff win, Northwest would become only the fourth NCAA school with 50 or more all-time playoff victories.
    Mount Union holds the all-time playoff record with 104 wins. North Dakota State ranks second with 62 playoff victories. Wisconsin-Whitewater has posted 52 playoff triumphs.
    NDSU won 30 NCAA Div. II playoff games before transitioning to FCS where the Bison have picked up 32 more playoff wins.

23 STRAIGHT HOME PLAYOFF VICTORIES
Northwest has recorded 23 straight home playoff victories. The Bearcats are 30-3 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 State
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
2019 - W, 7-6 vs. Harding

MEASURE UP WITH BEARCATS
Northwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 49 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 40 playoff games.

MIAA Playoff Records
Northwest Missouri    49-17 (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    3-3 (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)

NOT MANY POINTS
Northwest's 7-6 over Harding was the lowest point total for the Bearcats since being shutout vs. South Dakota State on Sept. 3, 2003.
    It's also the fewest points scored in a Bearcat victory since Northwest notched a 7-3 win over Missouri S&T on Homecoming on Oct. 14, 1989.
    The last time Northwest won a game 7-6 came on Homecoming on Oct. 27, 1973, vs. Truman State.

FEWEST POINTS IN A PLAYOFF VICTORY FOR BEARCATS
The seven-point scoring output for Northwest was the fewest ever needed to win an NCAA Division II playoff game in school history.
    Northwest's previous lowest scoring contests that resulted in a Bearcat playoff victory came in 1999. Northwest notched a 20-13 overtime win over North Dakota (11/20/99) and a 20-12 triumph Indiana, Pa. (12/4/99).
    Northwest had been 0-11 when scoring less than 20 points in the playoffs prior to its 7-6 win over Harding.

PROGRAM OF THE DECADE
Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2018. Northwest is 118-17 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 604-403-33.
    
NCAA Division II Football Wins
1. Pittsburg State    719
2. Tuskegee    696
3. Hillsdale    645
4. Carson-Newman    642
5. Central Oklahoma    640
6. West Chester    636
7. Northwest Mo. St.    604
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.

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. Lindenwood is making its first 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

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.
    Phillips (Tabor, Iowa) led the MIAA in tackles-for-loss (15.0) and in quarterback sacks (8.0). Phillips registered 51 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 (72) … 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 37 games of his collegiate career … the Bearcat offense ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense that scored 34-of-35 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 (24) and receiving yards (341) … 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 11 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 70 total tackles and three interceptions … has made 33 solo stops … credited with 8.0 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 11 games.

Imoni Donadelle – team leader in receptions (36), receiving yards (619), receiving touchdowns (8) … averaged 87.8 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 12 games … has caught at least one pass in all 12 games.

Zach Howard – tied for the MIAA lead in quarterback sacks (8.0) … tied for third on the team with 54 tackles … has 11.5 TFLs … had a season-high eight tackles against Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … the Bearcat defense has allowed a league-best 89.9 rushing yards per game … has started all 12 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 (105.5) … ranks sixth in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (77.5) … ranks second on the team in receptions (31) and and third on the team in receiving yards (336) … 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 12 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 41 tackles (26 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 10 games … was a first-team all-MIAA pick in 2018.

Parker Sampson – leads Northwest in points scored (105) … ranks No. 16 in the nation in scoring … 13-of-19 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. 25 in the nation in points responsible for (198) … has passed for 2,314 yards on 161-of-303 passing with 24 TDs and only seven interceptions … ranks No. 2 on the team in rushing with 622 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 25 games over the past two seasons.

THIRD TEAM – BEARCAT BIOS
Sam Phillips – ranks sixth 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 11 games at linebacker.

Ryan Spelhaug – second straight year being named to the third-team all-MIAA squad … has started 25 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 12 games at left guard … Bearcats rank No. 8 in the nation in scoring per game (43.3 ppg) … Northwest has rushed for 30 touchdowns and passed for 29 scores in 2019.

Mike Ehlke – two straight years of earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … started all 12 games at defensive end … has 42 tackles (26 solos), 5.0 TFLs, two sacks and two fumble recoveries … he had an 18-yard scoop and score against Northeastern St. (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 12 games at linebacker … ranks fifth on the team with 50 total tackles (35 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 89 times for 461 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 seven 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 four 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), another came in the fourth quarter against Central Missouri (Nov. 16) and the final one came with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter vs. Harding (Nov. 23).

RED-ZONE SCORING
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone scoring offense. The Bearcats have scored on 34 of their 35 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 28 touchdowns and has made six field goals in its 34 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. Carson-Newman        .930
6. Fort Hays State        .929
7. Fort Valley State        .923
8. Truman State        .915
9. Pace                .914
10. Slippery Rock        .914

BEARCATS FEATURE NO. 8 SCORING OFFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 8 in the nation in scoring offense at 43.5 points per game.
    Northwest has scored 50 or more points four times this season.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Offense
1. Minnesota State    48.8 ppg
2. Central Missouri    48.6 ppg
3. Indianapolis        47.1 ppg
4. Slippery Rock    46.9 ppg
5. Tarleton State    45.0 ppg
6. Indiana (Pa.)        44.2 ppg
7. Colorado Mines    43.5 ppg
8. Northwest Mo. St.    43.3 ppg
9. Tiffin            43.2 ppg
10. Missouri Western    41.8 ppg

BEARCATS STOP THE RUN
Northwest is tops in the MIAA in rushing defense by giving up only 89.9 yards per game. Northwest's run defense ranks No. 10 in the nation.
    Northwest has held seven of its 12 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.

NCAA Div. II Rushing Defense
1. Colo. St.-Pueblo    57.0 ypg
2. California (Pa.)    57.4 ypg
3. Indianapolis        61.5 ypg
4. Minnesota State    65.3 ypg
5. Colorado Mines    72.4 ypg
6. Fairmont State    77.7 ypg
7. Lenoir-Rhyne    78.3 ypg
8. St. Cloud State    79.9 ypg
9. Notre Dame        86.6 ypg
10. Northwest Mo. St.    89.9 ypg

AMONG THE NATION'S BEST IN SACKS, TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
Northwest ranks No. 4 in the nation in team sacks per game (3.5) and No. 5 in the nation in team tackles-for-loss per game (9.3).

NCAA Div. II Quarterback Sacks
1. Colorado State-Pueblo    3.92
2. Concordia-St. Paul        3.73
3. Dixie State            3.64
4. Northwest Mo. State    3.50
    Virginia State        3.50
    Lenoir-Rhyne        3.50
7. Bowie State            3.42
    Miles                3.42
9. St. Cloud State        3.36
    Minnesota State        3.36

NCAA Div. II Tackles-for-Loss
1. Tarleton State        10.8
2. Bowie State            10.3
3. Adams State            9.8
4. Notre Dame (Ohio)        9.3
5. Northwest Mo. State    9.3
6. Fort Valley State        9.2
7. Quincy            9.1
8. UVa-Wise            9.0
9. St. Cloud State        9.0
10. Virginia State        8.9
      Delta State            8.9

NO LAUNDRY ON THE FIELD
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest penalties (57), fewest penalties per game (4.75), fewest penalty yards (516) and fewest penalty yards per game (43.00).
    Northwest did not have a penalty accepted against them in its 7-6 win over Harding. The Bisons had only one accepted penalty in the contest - an offsides call on the onside kick attempt with 1:14 left in the game.

4TH DOWN STOPS
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in stopping teams on fourth down conversions. Northwest has allowed only three fourth-down conversions on 20 attempts this season.

NCAA Div. II 4th Down Conv. Def.
1. Harding        .000 (0-7)
2. Northwest Mo. St.    .150 (3-20)
3. Adams State        .222 (4-18)
4. Ferris State        .231 (6-26)
5. Tuskegee        .235 (4-17)

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.

'CATS FORCE 29 TURNOVERS
The Beacats rank tied for No. 5 in the nation in turnovers gained (29). Northwest has picked off 19 passes and has recovered 10 fumbles.

NCAA Div. II Turnovers Gained
1. Bowie State            35
    Colorado State-Pueblo    35
3. Augustana            30
    Kutztown            30
5. Northwest Mo. St.        29
    California (Pa.)        29
    Glenville State        29

GETTING PICKY ON DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA and T-No. 7 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    28
2. Bowie State            25
3. Glenville State        21
    Carson-Newman        21
5. Winona State        20
    Shephard            20
7. Northwest Mo. St.        19
    Sioux Falls            19
    Augustana (S.D.)        19
10. Kutztown            18

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) and he ranks No. 4 in the nation in passes defensed per game (1.9).

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

NCAA Div. II Passes Defended
1. Junior Faulk (Delta State)    2.2
2. Nick Ciccio (Colo. Mesa)    2.0
3. Delonte Hood (Glenville St.)    1.9
4. Trey Washington (Northwest)    1.9
5. Dee Alford (Tusulum)    1.8
    Kei Beckham (Charleston)    1.8

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 12 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
Kyle Raunig        2 TD
Mike Ehlke        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 48 career catches for 589 yards. Andrews has 24 catches this season for 341 yards and six touchdowns.

SAMPSON RANKS 16TH IN NATION IN SCORING
Sampson ranks No. 16 in the nation in scoring with 105 points. Sampson ranks third in scoring among kickers, trailing only Pittsburg State's Jared Vincent (113 points) and Fort Hays State's Dante Brown (109 points).

NCAA Div. II Individual Scoring
1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Notre Dame)    180
2. Brockton Brown (Ouachita Bap.)    150
3. Deonte Glover (Shepherd)    138
4. Zimari Manning (Tarleton St.)    132
5. Nate Gunn (Minnesota State)    126
6. Mike Strachan (Charleston)    114
    Thuro Reisdorfer (Sioux Falls)    114
    Duane Brown (Indiana, Pa.)    114
9. Jared Vincent (Pittsburg St.)    113
10. Dante Brown (Fort Hays St.)    109
11. Tyler Stuever (Okla. Baptist)    108
      Craig Rucker (Mars Hill)        108
      Garrett Owens (Mercyhurst)    108
      Ontario Douglas (East Central)    108
      Justin Felder (Stonehill)        108
16. Parker Sampson (Northwest Mo. St.)    105

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 (131).
    Sampson has made 13-of-19 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.)    131
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 (72) and solo tackles (50).

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, Nebraska-Kearney's Sal Silvio and Central Missouri's Ubong Udom.

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 17.2 yards per catch, 16.0 yards per rush and 35.9 yards per kick return. He has touched the ball 52 times for 1,054 yards. Donadelle is averaging 20.27 yards per touch in 2019.
    Donadelle ranks No. 16 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (87.8).

RANKIN TOATS THE ROCK
Justin Rankin ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (77.5).
    He has rushed for 930 yards on 169 carries and has scored 11 rushing touchdowns. Rankin has also caught 31 passes for 336 yards and four TD catches.
    Rankin has totaled 2,505 career rushing yards on 517 carries and has scored 21 rushing touchdowns in 46 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.

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 NORTHWEST
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.

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).