Complete Northwest Missouri State Football Game Notes (PDF) | NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket (PDF)

Game No. 14 - Northwest Missouri State (12-1) at Ferris State (11-0)
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 1 p.m. (ET)/12 p.m. (CT) | Big Rapids, Michigan | Top Taggart Field (6,200)
NCAA Division II Playoffs - Quarterfinal

Live Stream - FerrisStateBulldogs.com
Live Audio - KXCV

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

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

Live Stats - www.FerrisStateBulldogs.com
Tickets - www.StarTickets.com

THIS WEEK'S GAME
Northwest Missouri State will trek to Big Rapids, Michigan, to take on No. 2-ranked Ferris State in the Super Region 3 championship game. Kick is set for 12 p.m. (CT)/1 p.m. (ET) at Top Taggart Field.

SUPER REGION 3
Northwest reached the Super Region 3 final with victories over Harding (7-6) and Lindenwood (63-7).
    Ferris State had a first round bye and then defeated Central Missouri (37-10).

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for the national quarterfinal playoff game are on sale now and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through Ferris State.
    Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens (age 65+) along with $5 for students in grades K-12. In addition, FSU students and Northwest students with a valid student IDs are $5. Children ages five and under are free.
    Fans can purchase playoff tickets online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.StarTickets.com or call (800) 585-3737. Tickets may be purchased in person at the FSU Athletics Ticket Office located inside the Ewigleben Sports Complex.
    The ticket office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) the entire week along with extended hours on Wednesday until 7 p.m. In addition, the gameday ticket office inside the Wheeler Pavilion at Top Taggart Field will open early on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (ET) for ticket sales.

THIRD ALL-TIME MEETING
Saturday will mark the third all-time meeting between Northwest and Ferris State. Both previous matchups occurred in the NCAA Div. II playoffs.
    Northwest notched a 35-20 win over Ferris State in the 2016 national semifinals in Maryville.
    Ferris State posted a 27-21 victory over Northwest in the 2018 second round in Big Rapids.

Northwest's Results vs. Ferris State
L, 27-21 at Ferris State (11/24/18)
W, 35-20 vs. Ferris State (12/10/16)

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 31-7 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.
    A proven winner at all of his previous coaching stops and highly-regarded across the country, Tony Annese took over the Ferris State Bulldog program following three impressive years as the head coach at Grand Rapids Community College, which came on the heels of a highly successful 25-season stint at the prep level. Annese is in his eighth year at Ferris State. In 2018, the Bulldogs notched the most historic season in school history, reaching the NCAA Division II national title game for the first time in school history. FSU matched the all-time NCAA wins record, posting a 15-1 overall mark and also claimed both the GLIAC and Super Region Three championships.

WHAT THE BULLDOGS DO
Ferris State ranks No. 1 in the nation in third-down conversion defense by allowing the opposition to convert only 24.1% of the time.
    The Bulldogs rank No. 3 in scoring defense by allowing only 13.4 points per game.
    Ferris State ranks No. 5 in the nation in total offense by averraging 514.4 yards per game.

13 STRAIGHT WINS AT TOP TAGGART FIELD
Ferris State enters Saturday's game owning the second-longest home-field winning streak among Division II teams with 13 consecutive home victories at Top Taggart Field.
    Lenoir-Rhyne holds the longest current home win streak with 15 in a row.

ROAD PLAYOFF WINS
Northwest has tallied a mark of 13-8 all-time in road playoff games.
    Northwest is 4-1 on the road this season.

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

RECORD-BREAKING WIN OVER LINDENWOOD
Northwest put its postseason record book in tatters following Saturday's 63-7 win over Lindenwood.
    Northwest set marks for largest margin of victory (56), most points scored (63), most rushing yards (413), most rushing touchdowns (8) and total touchdowns (9).

BAYER TAKES THREE AWAY
Junior safety Blake Bayer tied a Northwest record with three inteceptions in a game against Lindenwood.
    Bayer became the first Bearcat to notch three interceptions in a postseason game.

Interceptions in a Game
3, Greg Lees vs. Truman State (10/25/80)
3, Dave Toti vs. Truman State (10/25/80)
3, Cody Buhrmeister vs. Truman State (10/9/93)
3, Tony Sly vs. Central Missouri (10/27/01)
3, Jared Fox vs. Pittsburg State (10/18/14)
3, Blake Bayer vs. Lindenwood (11/30/19)

12 WINS FOR 13TH TIME
Northwest reached 12 victories in a season for the 13th time in program history and for the first time since the 2016 season.

Northwest's 12+ Win Seasons
15 wins - 1998*
15 wins - 2013*
15 wins - 2015*
15 wins - 2016*
14 wins - 1999*
14 wins - 2006
14 wins - 2009*
13 wins - 2008
12 wins - 1997
12 wins - 2002
12 wins - 2007
12 wins - 2010
12 wins - 2019
* - National Champions

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 12th win in 2019 with a 63-7 victory over Lindenwood.
    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.

50 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINS
The Bearcats are 50-17 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    Ferris State ranks No. 6 in Division II with 16 all-time playoff wins. The Bulldogs are 16-10 all-time in the Division II playoffs. Ferris State is making its sixth straight appearance in the 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.    50
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
Ferris St.    16
Delta St.    15
Jacksonville St.    15
Tex. A&M-Kingsville    15
UC Davis    15

Div. II Playoff Win Percentage
Northwest Mo. St.    50-17     (.746)
North Dakota St.    30-12     (.714)
Grand Valley St.    35-15     (.700)
Valdosta St.    26-13     (.667)
Mississippi College    8-4    (.667)
Lenoir-Rhyne    8-4    (.667)
North Alabama    35-18    (.660)
Delta St.    15-8    (.652)
Tex. A&M-Commerce    11-6    (.647)
Delaware    7-4    (.636)
Northern Colorado    12-7    (.632)
Jacksonville St.    15-9    (.625)
Ferris St.     16-10     (.615)
Pittsburg St.    25-16    (.610)
Minnesota Duluth    14-9    (.609)
Portland St.    12-8    (.600)
minimum of 10 games played

50-WIN PLAYOFF CLUB
Northwest became 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 53 playoff triumphs.
    NDSU won 30 NCAA Div. II playoff games before transitioning to FCS where the Bison have picked up 32 more playoff wins.

24 STRAIGHT HOME PLAYOFF VICTORIES
Northwest has recorded 24 straight home playoff victories. The Bearcats are 31-3 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
2019 - W, 63-7 vs. Lindenwood

MEASURE UP WITH BEARCATS
Northwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 50 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 40 playoff games.

MIAA Playoff Records
Northwest Missouri    50-17 (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    3-4 (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 119-17 for an .875 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 605-403-33.
    
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.    605
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. Feris State is making its 10th NCAA playoff appearance.
    The Bearcats 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 ranks second in quarterback sacks (8.0). Phillips registered 53 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered three fumbles 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 (75) … second on the team with 15 passes defensed and 11 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 ... became first Bearcat to record three interceptions in a postseason game against Lindenwood (Nov. 30) ... returrned a pick 23 yards for a touchdown against Lindenwood.

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 38 games of his collegiate career … the Bearcat offense ranks No. 1 in the nation in red zone offense that scored 39-of-40 times (.975).

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 second in the MIAA lead in sacks (8.0) ... has recovered a team-best three fumbles … 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 (25) and receiving yards (362) … 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 12 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 74 total tackles and three interceptions … has made 35 solo stops … credited with 8.5 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 12 games.

Imoni Donadelle – team leader in receptions (40), receiving yards (658), receiving touchdowns (8) … averaged 84.1 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 13 games … has caught at least one pass in all 13 games.

Zach Howard – ranks second in the MIAA lead in quarterback sacks (8.0) … third on the team with 56 tackles … has 11.5 TFLs … had a season-high eight tackles against Missouri Western (Sept. 5) … the Bearcat defense has allowed a league-best 84.6 rushing yards per game … has started all 13 games for the No. 1-ranked defense in the MIAA.

Justin Rankin – MIAA leader in total touchdowns scored (17) ... Northwest's first 1,000-yard season rusher since 2011 with 1,003 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns … leads the Bearcats in all-purpose yards per game (104.7) … ranks sixth in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (76.9) … ranks second on the team in receptions (32) and and fourth on the team in receiving yards (346) … 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) ... rushed for three touchdowns vs. Lindenwood (Nov. 30) … started all 13 games at running back.

Sam Roberts – ranks third in the MIAA in tackles-for-loss per game (11.5) … tied for sixth in the nation with three blocked kicks … has 41 tackles (26 solos) and five quarterback sacks … leads the team with 12 quarterback hurries … had a season-high nine tackles at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 19) … has played and started in 11 games … first-team all-MIAA pick in 2018.

Parker Sampson – leads Northwest in points scored (114) … ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring … 13-of-20 in field goals, including 12-of-13 from 49 yards or less ... has not missed a field goal of less than 50 yards in last 10 games … 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. 9 in the nation in points responsible for (216) … has passed for 2,466 yards on 173-of-327 passing with 24 TDs and only seven interceptions … ranks No. 2 on the team in rushing with 738 yards and 12 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 26 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 26 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 (20) … ranks second in the league in interceptions (6) … made four starts and has played in 11 games … has 27 total tackles, 3.5 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 13 games at left guard … Bearcats rank No. 5 in the nation in scoring per game (44.8 ppg) … Northwest has rushed for 38 touchdowns and passed for 29 scores in 2019.

Mike Ehlke – two straight years of earning honorable mention all-MIAA status … started all 13 games at defensive end … has 45 tackles (27 solos), 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 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 eight games … has 36 tackles (31 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 13 games at linebacker … ranks fourth on the team with 53 total tackles (36 solos) … credited with 5.5 TFLs and 3.0 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 105 times for 639 yards and five touchdowns … rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown vs. Northeastern State (Nov. 2) ... posted a career-high 178 rushing yards and two scores against Lindenwood (Nov. 30).

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 39 of their 40 trips inside the red-zone this season for a 97.5 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    .975
2. Central Oklahoma        .953
3. Southern Arkansas        .952
4. Mississippi College        .938
5. Carson-Newman        .935
6. Fort Hays State        .929
7. Fort Valley State        .923
8. Slippery Rock        .918
9. Truman State        .915
10. Pace            .914

BEARCATS FEATURE NO. 6 SCORING OFFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation in scoring offense at 44.8 points per game.
    Northwest has scored 50 or more points four times this season.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Offense
1. Minnesota State    47.7 ppg
2. Slippery Rock    47.3 ppg
3. Indianapolis        47.1 ppg
4. Tarleton State    45.0 ppg
5. Northwest Mo. St.    44.8 ppg
6. Central Missouri    44.8 ppg
7. Indiana (Pa.)        44.2 ppg
8. Tiffin            43.2 ppg
7. Lenoir-Rhyne    42.3 ppg
10. Missouri Western    41.8 ppg

BEARCATS STOP THE RUN
Northwest is tops in the MIAA in rushing defense by giving up only 84.6 yards per game. Northwest's run defense ranks No. 9 in the nation.
    Northwest has held eight of its 13 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.

NCAA Div. II Rushing Defense
1. California (Pa.)    57.4 ypg
2. Indianapolis        61.5 ypg
3. Minnesota State    68.6 ypg
4. Colo. St.-Pueblo    74.9 ypg
5. Fairmont State    77.7 ypg
6. St. Cloud State    79.9 ypg
7. Colorado Mines    80.2 ypg
8. Lenoir-Rhyne    81.3 ypg
9. Northwest Mo. St.    84.6 ypg
10. Notre Dame    87.8 ypg

AMONG THE NATION'S BEST IN SACKS, TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
Northwest ranks No. 7 in the nation in team sacks per game (3.46) and No. 10 in the nation in team tackles-for-loss per game (8.9).

NCAA Div. II Quarterback Sacks
1. Concordia-St. Paul        3.73
2. Colorado State-Pueblo    3.69
    Lenoir-Rhyne        3.69
4. Dixie State            3.64
5. Texas A&M-Commerce    3.58
6. Virginia State        3.50
7. Northwest Mo. State    3.46
8. Miles                3.42
    Minnesota State        3.42
    Bowie State            3.42

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)        9.2
5. Fort Valley State        9.2
6. Quincy            9.1
7. UVa-Wise            9.0
8. Texas A&M-Commerce    9.0
    St. Cloud State        9.0
10. Northwest Mo. State    8.9

NO LAUNDRY ON THE FIELD
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest penalties per game (4.92)and fewest penalty yards per game (45.85).
    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 four fourth-down conversions on 23 attempts this season.

NCAA Div. II 4th Down Conv. Def.
1. Harding        .000 (0-7)
2. Northwest Mo. St.    .174 (4-23)
3. Adams State        .222 (4-18)
4. Tuskegee        .235 (4-17)
5. Augustana (S.D.)    .269 (7-26)

EFFICIENT PASS DEFENSE
The numbers don't lie as Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in team passing efficiency defense (100.13).
    Bearcat opponents have completed a league-low 46.2 percent of their passes.

'CATS FORCE 35 TURNOVERS
The Beacats rank tied for No. 2 in the nation in turnovers gained (35). Northwest has picked off 23 passes and has recovered 12 fumbles.

NCAA Div. II Turnovers Gained
1. Colorado State-Pueblo    39
2. Bowie State            35
    Northwest Mo. St.        35
4. Kutztown            32
5. Augustana (S.D.)        30
    Carson-Newman        30

GETTING PICKY ON DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA and No. 3 in the nation in passes intercepted. The Bearcats have tallied 23 interceptions and 10 different players have recorded picks.
    Northwest's 23 picks are the most since the Bearcats produced 26 interceptions in 2015. The school record for interceptions in a season is 28 set in 2012.

NCAA Div. II Passes Intercepted
1. Colorado State-Pueblo    30
2. Bowie State            25
3. Northwest Mo. St.        23
4. Carson-Newman        22
5. Glenville State        21
6. Winona State        20
    Shephard            20
8. Minnesota State        19
    Sioux Falls            19
    Augustana (S.D.)        19
    Kutztown            19

Northwest Pass INTs (Season)
28 - 2012
26 - 2015
25 - 2009
23 - 2019

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)    1.8
    Dee Alford (Tusculum)    1.8
    Kei Beckham (Charleston)    1.8

NINE DEFENSIVE SCORES
The Bearcats rank tied for No. 1 in the nation with nine 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.
    Blake Bayer scored the ninth defensive touchdown of the season when he returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown against Lindenwood (Nov. 30)

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

22 DIFFERENT BEARCATS FIND END ZONE
Through 13 games, 22 different Northwest players have found the end zone.

Justin Rankin        17 TDs
Braden Wright        12 TDs
Imoni Donadelle    10 TDs
Marqus Andrews    6 TDs
Isaiah Strayhorn    5 TDs
LaTroy Harper        4 TDs
Mike Hohensee    4 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
Blake Bayer        1 TD

ANDREWS TO THE END ZONE
Senior tight end Marqus Andrews is Northwest's active leader in career touchdown receptions (11).
    Andrews has 49 career catches for 610 yards. Andrews has 25 catches this season for 362 yards and six touchdowns.

SAMPSON RANKS 6TH IN NATION IN SCORING
Sampson ranks T-No. 6 in the nation in scoring with 114 points.
    Sampson ranks first in the nation in scoring among kickers.

NCAA Div. II Individual Scoring
1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Notre Dame)    180
2. Brockton Brown (Ouachita Bap.)    150
3. Deonte Glover (Shepherd)    138
    Nate Gunn (Minnesota State)    138
5. Zimari Manning (Tarleton St.)    132
6. Parker Sampson (Northwest Mo. St.)    114
    Mike Strachan (Charleston)    114
    Thuro Reisdorfer (Sioux Falls)    114
    Duane Brown (Indiana, Pa.)    114
10. Jared Vincent (Pittsburg St.)    113

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 (140).
    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.)    140
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 (75) and solo tackles (51).

THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
Sophomore Zach Howard has posted 8.0 quarterback sacks to rank T-No. 2 in the MIAA. Howard prouldy performs "The Truffle Shuffle" after each sack.

IMONI = BIG PLAYS
Junior wide receiver Imoni Donadelle scored two touchdown receptions in Northwest's 36-33 win at Fort Hays State (Nov. 9).
    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 third 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 40 receptions for 658 yards.
    Donadelle is averaging 16.5 yards per catch, 16.0 yards per rush and 35.9 yards per kick return. He has touched the ball 56 times for 1,093 yards. Donadelle is averaging 19.52 yards per touch in 2019.
    Donadelle ranks No. 21 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (80.9).

RANKIN TOATS THE ROCK
Justin Rankin is the first Northwest player to reach 1,000 yards rushing in a season since James Franklin rushed for 1,247 yards in 2011.
    Rankin ranks No. 3 in the MIAA in rushing yards with 1,003 yards on the ground. Rankin has carried the ball 177 times and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
    Rankin has totaled an MIAA-best 17 total touchdowns in 2019. Rankin has 13 rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores.
    Rankin has totaled 2,578 career rushing yards on 525 carries and has scored 23 rushing touchdowns in 57 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.

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.

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.

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 fifth-most points scored this season in a game by an NCAA Division II school.
    Northeastern State gave up four of the top-five scoring games in the country in 2019.

Most Points - Single Game in 2019
1. Fort Hays State (vs. NSU)    91
2. Mo. Southern (vs. NSU)    86
3. Central Oklahoma (vs. NSU)    82
4. Minnesota St. (vs. Crookston)    81
5. Northwest Mo. St. (vs. NSU)    79
6. Fort Valley St. (vs. Central St.)    77
    Indiana (Pa.) (vs. Lock Haven)    77
8. Shepherd (vs. East Stroudsburg)    76
9. Findlay (vs. Alderson-Broaddus)    75
10. Minnesota St. (vs. Mary)    74

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