HOMECOMING
Game No. 8 - No. 17 Nebraska-Kearney (7-1) at No. 8 Northwest Missouri State (6-1)
Saturday, Oct. 30 | 2 p.m. (CT) | Maryville, Mo. | Bearcat Stadium (6,500)

LIVE STREAM | LIVE AUDIO | LIVE STATS | TICKETS | ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten
Radio Sideline: Calvin Silvers

THIS WEEK'S MATCHUP
The Northwest Missouri State University football team (6-1 overall) will return to the friendly confines of Bearcat Stadium to celebrate its annual Homecoming game. Saturday's contest will pit the Bearcats against the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (7-1 overall). Kick is set for 2 p.m.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest owns a 12-4 lead in the all-time series with Nebraska-Kearney. The Bearcats are a perfect 7-0 at home against the Lopers.

Northwest Results vs. UNK
W, 19-12 at UNK (11/9/28)
W, 32-14 vs. UNK (11/22/29)
L, 10-0 at UNK (9/27/69)
L, 37-13 at UNK (9/19/70)
W, 12-8 vs. UNK (9/7/74)
W, 21-7 at UNK (9/6/75)
W, 35-21 vs. UNK (11/11/89)
L, 45-42 at UNK (11/10/90)
W, 37-13 at UNK (9/22/12)
W, 53-7 vs. UNK (9/28/13)
W, 31-7 vs. UNK (9/4/14)
W, 31-0 at UNK (9/3/15)
W, 52-14 vs. UNK (9/17/16)
W, 13-0 at UNK (9/16/17)
W, 27-13 vs. UNK (10/13/18)
L, 24-17 at UNK (10/19/19)

M-CLUB HALL OF FAME
The 2020/21 Northwest Missouri State University M-Club Hall of Fame class will be inducted in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 29, on the Bearcat campus.
    Five former student-athletes and the 2005 Bearcat football team will be inducted this year. The class of individual inductees include early age inductees Carl Jenkins (men's basketball) and Marla Sapp Tolliver (women's basketball) along with modern age inductees Jeremy Davis (football), Britt Westman (baseball) and Conrad Woolsey (men's track & field). The ages have been established to ensure a focus on candidates from throughout the history of Bearcat athletics. The modern age includes candidates from the last 30 years, while the early age includes candidates from 31-plus years and earlier.

THE COACHES
Northwest is led by fifth-year head coach Rich Wright. Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. Wright has posted a 35-8 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.
    Josh Lynn was named the 18th head football coach in Nebraska-Kearney history on January 4, 2017. He is a native of Eunice, N.M., and an Eastern New Mexico University graduate. Over a five-year period (2012-16), Lynn helped turn his alma mater around, leading the Greyhounds to 27 wins, two C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl appearances and a share of the 2013 Lone Star Conference (LSC) title.  In 10 years as a collegiate head coach Lynn has a 56-47 record (17-19 at UNK). Throughout his 19-year coaching career, Lynn has coordinated both sides of the ball and coached every position except the defensive line.

NORTHWEST HOMECOMING RESULTS (since 1946)
1946 – W, 7-0 Missouri State
1947 – T, 0-0 Southeast Missouri State
1948 – W, 13-12 Truman State
1949 – W, 41-14 Southeast Missouri State
1951 – W, 7-0 Southeast Missouri State
1952 – W, 28-27 Truman State
1953 – W, 27-7 Central Missouri
1954 – W, 20-6 Missouri State
1955 – W, 11-6 Missouri S&T
1956 – W, 13-7 William Jewell
1957 – W, 20-6 Central Missouri
1958 – L, 28-6 Central Missouri
1959 – W, 14-12 Missouri State
1960 – L, 26-20 Truman State
1961 – L, 34-7 Missouri State
1962 – L, 13-0 Central Missouri
1963 – W, 22-14 Missouri S&T
1964 – L, 20-8 Truman State
1965 – W, 40-12 Missouri S&T
1966 – W, 21-14 Central Missouri
1967 – L, 7-6 Missouri State
1968 – L, 28-7 Central Missouri
1969 – W, 28-16 Missouri State
1970 – L, 34-29 Southeast Missouri State
1971 – L, 16-3 Truman State
1972 – W, 22-13 Southeast Missouri State
1973 – W, 7-6 Truman State
1974 – L, 29-24 Missouri State
1975 – W, 30-7 Central Missouri
1976 – L, 17-12 Southeast Missouri State
1977 – W, 27-12 Central Missouri
1978 – L, 27-22 Missouri State
1979 – W, 13-9 Truman State
1980 – L, 41-3 Missouri S&T
1981 – L, 52-0 Truman State
1982 – L, 24-21 Missouri S&T
1983 – L, 27-21 Truman State
1984 – W, 30-28 Southeast Missouri State
1985 – W, 18-10 Central Missouri
1986 – L, 13-3 Missouri S&T
1987 – L, 23-0 Truman State
1988 – L, 65-42 West Texas A&M
1989 – W, 7-3 Missouri S&T
1990 – L, 14-0 Washburn
1991 – L, 37-28 Truman State
1992 – L, 10-7 Central Missouri
1993 – L, 21-17 Southwest Baptist
1994 – L, 20-15 Missouri S&T
1995 – W, 41-33 Missouri Southern
1996 – W, 31-24 Missouri Western
1997 – W, 59-3 Southwest Baptist
1998 – W, 49-9 Missouri S&T
1999 – W, 52-13 Missouri Southern
2000 – W, 62-7 Emporia State
2001 – L, 24-23 Truman State
2002 – W, 47-3 Missouri Southern
2003 – W, 47-14 Missouri Southern
2004 – W, 59-28 Emporia State
2005 – W, 31-21 Central Missouri
2006 – W, 59-0 Fort Hays State
2007 – W, 28-27 Washburn
2008 – W, 56-7 Fort Hays State
2009 – W, 22-19 Washburn
2010 – W, 45-27 Fort Hays State
2011 – W, 52-28 Washburn
2012 – W, 55-10 Emporia State
2013 – W, 43-7 Missouri Southern
2014 – L, 35-17 Pittsburg State
2015 – W, 45-24 Fort Hays State
2016 – W, 69-10 Pittsburg State
2017 – W, 19-0 Lindenwood
2018 – W, 27-13 Nebraska-Kearney
2019 – W, 56-9 Lincoln

DON BLACK AWARD

The Don Black Award is presented to the most valuable player in the annual Homecoming contest. The award has been given out since 1972 and 43 student-athletes have received the honor.

Don Black was a running back for the Bearcats from 1951-1953 and helped lead Northwest to an MIAA title in 1952.

Don Black Award Winners
1972 - Jim Albin, TB
1973 - Mike Williams, G
1974 - Claude Arnick, HB
1975 - Steve Miller, FB
1976 - Kirk Mathews, QB
1977 - Shawn Geraghty, K
1978 - Dave Toti, S
1979 - Mark Smith, QB
1980 - Greg Lees, DB
1981 - Gary Hogue, TE
1982 - Dale DeBourge, RB
1983 - Dale DeBourge, RB
1984 - Steve Hansley, WR
1985 - Dan Anderson, WR
1986 - Junior Mao, DL
1987 - Paul Watkins, DB
1988 - Wes Camp, WR
1989 - Shannon Rooney, DB
1990 - Dave Svehla, LB
1991 - Ed Tillison, FB
1992 - Joseph Johnson, QB
1993 - Chris Brooks, HB
1994 - Ryan Scheib - K/P
1995 - Greg Teale, QB
1996 - Jesse Haynes, RB
1997 - Chris Griesen, QB
1998 - Chris Griesen, QB
1999 - Tony Miles, WR
2000 - Tony Miles, WR
2001 - Ryan Hackett, RB
2002 - Damien Chumley, S
2003 - Chad Bostwick, LB
2004 - Jamaica Rector, WR
2005 - Josh Lamberson, QB
2006 - Myles Burnsides, SS
2007 - Jared Erspamer, LB
2008 - Joel Osborn, QB
2009 - Blake Bolles, QB
2010 - Blake Bolles, QB
2011 - Blake Christopher, QB
2012 - Jordan Simmons, RB
2013 - Billy Creason, RB
2014 - Jared Fox, SS
2015 - Brady Bolles, QB
2016 - Kyle Zimmerman, QB
2017 - Shane Williams, WR
2018 - Jack Richards, DB
2019 - Braden Wright, QB
 
HOME WIN STREAK
Northwest will put its nine-game home streak on the line Saturday against Nebraska-Kearney.
    The nine-game home win streak ranks tied for the second-longest active streak among NCAA Div. II programs.
    The school record for consecutive home wins is 22 - set on two previous occasions. The first set of 22 straight home wins came from Sept. 5, 1998 to Nov. 18, 2000. The other 22-game home win streak came from Nov. 1, 2014 through Oct. 21, 2017.

Active Div. II Home Win Streaks
Harding – 12
Northwest Mo. St. – 9
Augustana – 9
Savannah State – 9
Albany State (Ga.) – 8
Texas Permian Basin – 8
Notre Dame (Ohio) – 8
California (Pa.) – 7
Charleston (W.Va.) – 7

BEARCAT STADIUM DOMINANCE
Since the 2001 season, Northwest football has gone 111-10 in Bearcat Stadium.
    Six of the 10 losses have come against MIAA opponents - Fort Hays State in 2017, 2018; Pittsburg State in 2014; Missouri Western in 2012; Washburn in 2005 and Central Missouri in 2003.
    The four non-conference losses came against Northern Colorado (2002 playoffs), Nebraska-Omaha (2007 season opener), Abilene Christian (2008 season opener) and Texas A&M-Kingsville (2012 season opener).

3RD DOWN, NO PROBLEM
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the nation in third-down conversions at 54.1%. Northwest is 46-of-85 on third downs.
    Nebraska-Kearney ranks No. 10 with a 51.6% third-down conversion percentage.

NCAA Div. II Third Down Conversions
Rk.    School        Pct.
1.    Northwest Mo. St.        .541
2.    Harding        .538
3.     Henderson State        .535
4.     West Georgia        .533
5.     Ferris State        .528
6.    Shepherd        .526
7.    California (Pa.)        .524
8.    Lenoir-Rhyne        .523
9.     Oklahoma Baptist        .522
10.    Nebraska-Kearney        .516

SECOND IN RUSH DEFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in rushing defense by giving up only 42.1 rushing yards per game.
    Emporia State ranks second in the MIAA in rush defense allowing 103.5 yards per game.

NCAA Div. II Rushing Defense
Rk.    School        YPG
1.    Augustana        37.6    2.    Northwest Mo. St.        42.1
3.    Mars Hill        57.2
4.    Angelo State        61.2
5.    California (Pa.)        63.4
6.    Truman State        72.0
7.    Kutztown        74.8
8.    Harding        80.4
9.    Lenoir-Rhyne        81.4
10.    Indiana (Pa.)        82.6

Game-by-Game Rushing Yards Allowed
48 at Fort Hays State
104 at Central Missouri
-28 vs. Central Oklahoma
8 at Missouri Western
110 vs. Pittsburg State
28 at Washburn
25 at Northeastern State

BEARCATS RANK FOURTH IN SCORING DEFENSE
The Northwest defense ranks No. 4 in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 9.1 points per game through the first seven contests.
    Northwest has allowed the fourth-lowest total in the nation with 64 points in 28 quarters of action.
    Northwest is second in the nation in fewest touchdowns allowed (7). Albany State leads the nation with six touchdowns allowed.
    The next best MIAA team with the fewest touchdowns allowed is Pittsburg State (19).
    The Bearcat defense has allowed only five touchdowns to be scored, while the Northwest offense has given up the other two touchdowns.

NCAA Div. II Scoring Defense
Rk.    School    Pts.    PPG
1.    Albany St.    42    6.0
2.    Valdosta State    61    8.7
3.    Northwest Mo. St.    64    9.1
4.    California (Pa.)    77    11.0
5.    Kutztown    100    12.5
6.    Harding    104    13.0
7.    Texas A&M-Commerce    105    13.1
8.    Shaw    109    13.6
9.    Newberry    111    13.9
10.    Charleston (W.Va.)    104    14.9

NCAA Div. II Fewest TDs Allowed
Rk.    School    TDs Allowed
1.    Albany State    6
2.    Northwest Mo. St.    7
3.    Valdosta State    8
4.    California (Pa.)    10
5.    Charleston (W.Va.)    12
6.    Kutztown    13
    Texas A&M-Commerce    13
    Bluefield State    13
9.    Harding    14
    Shaw        14
    Fayetteville State    14
    New Haven    14
    Colorado Mesa    14
    Catawba    14

SCORING BY QUARTERS
Northwest has out-scored its opposition in every quarter.
    The Bearcats have enjoyed a commanding scoring lead in the second (60-16) and fourth (52-7) quarters.
    In the first half of games Northwest is out-scoring its opponents, 107-30.
    In the second half, Northwest holds a 118-34 scoring advantage.

Scoring by Quarters
    1st    2nd    3rd    4th    Total
NW    47    60    66    52    225
Opp.    14    16    27    7    64

SIXTH IN TOTAL DEFENSE
The Northwest defense ranks No. 6 in the nation in total defense. Northwest's defense is averaging 232.7 yards allowed per game.
    Pittsburg State ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in total defense and has allowed 340.6 yards per game.

NCAA Div. II Total Defense
Rk.    School        YPG
1.    California (Pa.)        199.6
2.    Texas A&M-Commerce        208.9
3.    Fayetteville St.        214.1
4.    Bowie State        214.2
5.    Albany State        217.6
6.    Northwest Mo. St.        232.7
7.    Angelo State        246.9
8.    Slippery Rock        253.2
9.    Kutztown        256.5
10.    Savannah State        261.1

ALLOWING 19 POINTS OR LESS
Northwest has produced a mark of 30-3 when limiting the opposition to 19 points or less under head coach Rich Wright.
    Northwest lost for only the third time 32 games when allowing the opponent to score 19 points or less in a 17-16 loss to Washburn.
    The only other two previous occasions Northwest lost when limiting the opponent to 19 points or less came in a 13-12 loss to Fort Hays State (Nov. 15, 2017) and in a 17-16 loss to Fort Hays State (Nov. 3, 2018).

LIMITING FIRST DOWNS
The Bearcat defense ranks No. 6 in the nation in fewest first downs allowed (99).
    Northwest limited Northeastern State to six first downs in its 59-7 win in Tahlequah, Okla.
    Central Oklahoma is the next best MIAA team on the list and it has allowed 141 first downs.

NCAA Div. II Fewest First Downs Allowed
Rk.    School    First Downs Allowed
1.    Fayetteville State    87
2.    Albany State    88
3.    Bluefield State    90
4.    California (Pa.)    92
5.    Stonehill    98
6.    Northwest Mo. St.    99
7.    Savannah State    103
8.    Wingate    107
9.    New Haven    110
    Shippensburg    110


OFFENSE OWNS THE BALL
The Bearcat offense ranks No. 11 in the nation in time of possession per game (33:28).

600-PLUS YARDS OF OFFENSE
Northwest eclipsed 600 yards of total offense (648 yards) in its 59-7 win at Northeastern State.
    It's the most yards of total offense since the Bearcats produced 651 yards vs. Missouri Southern (Sept. 23, 2017).

NORTHWEST'S MARK AS A RANKED TEAM
Northwest has played 258 games as a ranked team in the AFCA Top 25. Northwest has posted a record of 222-26 as a ranked team.
    Northwest is 7-2 when ranked No. 8 the nation.
    The Bearcats have produced a mark of 12-3 when ranked No. 10 in the AFCA poll, following a 59-7 win at Northeastern State on Oct. 23.

BEARCATS AVOID BACK-TO-BACK LOSSES
Northwest avoided back-to-back losses with a convincing 59-7 victory at Northeastern State after coming off a 17-16 loss at Washburn.
    Northwest last dropped two straight MIAA games on Oct. 28, 2017 at Pittsburg State and then lost the following week at home on Nov. 5, 2017, against Fort Hays State.
    Prior to those losses to PSU and FHSU in 2017, Northwest had not lost consecutive MIAA games since a three-game skid in 2001 against Truman State, Central Missouri and Missouri Western.

MORE & MORE MOYA
Junior Jamar Moya enjoyed a breakout performance in Saturday's 59-7 win at Northeastern State.
    Entering Saturday, Moya had rushed the ball 11 times for 55 yards and had caught three passes for 36 yards.
    Against the RiverHawks, Moya simply took over. He carried the ball eight times for 169 yards (21.1 yards/rush) and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 22 yards and two more scores.
    Moya tallied touchdown runs of 10 and 71 yards and receiving scores of 16 and five yards against the RiverHawks.

MOYA'S LONG RUN
Jamar Moya's 71-yard touchdown run was the longest rushing play by a Bearcat since James Franklin had a 74-yard run against Emporia State on Nov. 12, 2011.

HOHENSEE DIALED IN
Sophomore quarterback Mike Hohensee ranks No. 3 in the nation in passing efficiency at 181.0.
    Hohensee is the nation's leader in pass completion percentage at 72.6%.
    Hohensee ranks No. 2 in the nation in yards per pass attempt (9.77).
    Hohensee is 98-of-135 passing for 1,319 yards. He has thrown 15 touchdowns against seven picks.

NCAA Div. II Passing Efficiency Leaders
1. T.J. Davis (Nebraska-Kearney)    201.4
2. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)        181.9
3. Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.)    181.0
4. Bryce Witt (Chowan)        175.0
5. Michael Huntley (Lane)        172.1

NCAA Div. II Completion Percentage Leaders
1. Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.)    72.6%
2. Cade Brister (Lindenwood)        70.9%
3. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)        70.4%
4. John Matocha (Colorado Mines)    69.9%
5. Noah Mitchell (California, Pa.)    69.1%

NCAA Div. II Yards Per Pass Attempt Leaders
1. T.J. Davis (Nebraska-Kearney)    12.12
2. Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.)    9.77
3. Adam Morse (Henderson State)    9.69
4. Michael Huntley (Lane)        9.57
5. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)        9.52

YOU CAN CALL ME AL
Senior running back Al McKeller leads the MIAA and ranks No. 5 in the nation in rushing yards per game (133.9 yards/game).
    McKeller has carried the ball 151 times for 937 rushing yards, which ranks as the nation's eighth-highest total in 2021.
    McKeller recorded his 22nd collegiate 100-plus rushing game with 130 rushing yards at Northeastern State.
    McKeller joined the Bearcats after transferring from the University of Indianapolis.

Al McKeller Game-by-Game Rushing
28-161/1 at Fort Hays State
13-97/0 at Central Missouri
21-147/1 vs. Central Oklahoma
28-171/2 at Missouri Western
16-93/0 vs. Pittsburg State
29-138/1 at Washburn
16-130/0 at Northeastern State

NCAA Div. II Rushing Yards/Game Leaders
1. Toriano Clinton (UIndy)        190.1
2. Cody Schrader (Truman State)    164.6
3. Dwayne McGee (Lenoir-Rhyne)    163.7
4. Jordan Terrell (Barton)        160.2
5. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    133.9

NCAA Div. II Total Rushing Yards Leaders
1. Toriano Clinton (UIndy)        1,521
2. Cody Schrader (Truman State)    1,317
3. Jordan Terrell (Barton)        1,282
4. Dwayne McGee (Lenoir-Rhyne)    1,146
5. T.J. Cole (Ouachita Baptist)        1,049
6. Jariz Scales (Southern Arkansas)    974
7. Melvin Blanks (Gannon)        945
8. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    937
9. Josh Cummings (Western Colorado)    923
10. E.J. Burgess (Franklin Pierce)    914

AL ADDS TO RUSHING TOTALS
Senior running back Al McKeller has pushed his career rushing yardage total to 4,495 yards and 47 rushing touchdowns.
    McKeller is the nation's No. 2 active career rusher among NCAA Division II schools. He trails Harding's Cole Chancey's career total of 4,475 yards.
    McKeller joined the Bearcat team in August following a transfer from the University of Indianapolis.
    McKeller rushed for 3,558 yards and was a two-time Harlon Hill Award candidate at UIndy.

NCAA Div. II Active Rushing Yardage Leaders
1. Cole Chancey (Harding)        4,533
2. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    4,495
3. Toriano Clinton (UIndy)        3,533
4. Michael Roots (CSU Pueblo)    3,306
5. Jerko'ya Patton (Limestone)        2,922

NCAA All Div. Active Rushing Yardage Leaders
1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Youngstown St.)    6,165
2. Josh Petruccelli (Mount Union)    4,686
3. Cole Chancey (Harding)        4,533
4. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    4,495
5. Josh Breece (Washington & Lee)    4,288

NCAA Div. II Active All-Purpose Yards Leaders
1. David Turner (Ohio Dominican)    5,188
2. Devante Turner (Central Mo.)    5,066
3. Koby Adu-Poku (Walsh)        4,911
4. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    4,873
5. Tywan Pearce (Concord)        4,694

NCAA Div. II Active Rushing TD Leaders
1. Cole Chancey (Harding)        59
2. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    47
3. Toriano Clinton (UIndy)        37
4. T.J. Davis (UNK)            36
5. Devante Turner (Central Mo.)    35

NCAA All Div. Active Rushing TD Leaders
1. Jaleel McLaughlin (Youngstown St.)    61
2. Cole Chancey (Harding)        59
3. Josh Petruccelli (Mount Union)    54
4. Ethan Greenfield (North Central)    48
    Shawn Coane (Hanover)        48
6. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    47
    Alex Peete (Wis.-Whitewater)    47

NCAA Div. II Active Points Scored Leaders
1. Tanner Harding (Notre Dame, OH)    385
2. Chase Allbaugh (Lenoir-Rhyne)    363
3. Cole Chancy (Harding)        354
4. Al McKeller (Northwest Mo. St.)    288
5. McLean Robinson (Wingate)    273

RARE AIR FOR BRADEN
Junior quarterback Braden Wright is one of 10 NCAA Div. II players to have passed for at least 4,000 yards and to have rushed for at least 1,000 yards.
    Wright enters Saturday's game vs. Nebraska-Kearney having passed for 5,293 yards and rushed for 1,266 yards. He has tallied 6,559 yards of total offense in his Bearcat career.

NCAA Div. II 4,000 Passing/1,000 Rushing
Rk. Name            Passing    Rushing
1. Nick Watson (Tiffin)    11,263    1,287
2. Preston Haire (Okla. Bap.)    10,818    1,232
3. Bryce Witt (Chowan)    8,976    1,409
4. Cade Brister (Lindenwood)    7,790    1,408
5. Braden Wright (NW Mo. St.)    5,293    1,266
6. John Larson (Minn.-Duluth)    5,200    1,160
7. J.D. Ekowa (Minnesota St.)    4,368    1,367
8. Austin Brenner (Ashland)    4,493    1,230
9. Will Schneider (William Jewell)    4,512    1,009
10. Carlton Aiken (Pace)    4,085    1,227

BRADEN CLIMBS TOTAL
OFFENSE CHART
Junior quarterback Braden Wright ranks No. 7 on the Northwest's all-time total offense chart. Wright has compiled 6,559 yards of total offense in his three seasons as the Bearcat signal caller.

 Northwest's Career Total Offense Chart
1. Brady Bolles (2012-15)                      9,296
2. Blake Bolles (2007-10)                       9,254
3. Trevor Adams (2013-16)              8,260
4. Josh Lamberson (2002-05)                 8,064
5. Chris Griesen (1995-98)                      7,574
6. Xavier Omon (2004-07)                      7,073
7. Braden Wright (2018-pr.)                   6,559
8. Travis Miles (1997-2000)                    6,276
9. Greg Teale (1993-96)                          6,094
10. John McManamin (1999-02)            6,074

WRIGHT CLIMBS BEARCAT PASSING TDS LIST
Junior quarterback Braden Wright ranks No. 8 on the Northwest's all-time total passing touchdowns list with 50.
 
Northwest's Career Passing TDs Chart
1. Blake Bolles (2012-15)                      79
2. Trevor Adams (2010-13)        74
3. Chris Greisen (1995-98)        68
4. Josh Lamberson (2002-05)    65
5. Brady Bolles (2007-10)        56
6. Travis Miles (1997-00)        54
7. Greg Teale (1993-96)        52
8. Braden Wright (2018-pr.)        50
9. John McMenamin (1999-02)    48
10. Brian Quinn (1980-84)        45

BRADEN NEARING BEARCAT RUSHING TOUCHDOWN LIST
Junior quarterback Braden Wright has rushed for 23 career touchdowns. He needs four more touchdowns to crack to the top-10 list for Bearcat career rushing scores.
    Wright is nine rushing scores away from equalling the most career rushing touchdowns by a Bearcat quarterback. Brady Bolles tallied 32 rushing touchdowns from 2012-15.
 
Northwest's Career Rushing TDs Chart
1. Xavier Omon (2004-07)        92
2. LaRon Council (2006-09)        59
3. David Jansen (1997-00)        43
4. Jordan Simmons (2009-12)    38
5. James Franklin (2011-12)        36
    Phil Jackson II (2013-16)        36
7. Derek Lane (1995-98)        32
    Brady Bolles (2012-15)        32
9. Jeremy Wilson (1988-91)        28
10. Billy Creason (2009-13)        27

ROBERTS RACKS UP TFLS
Senior defensive lineman Sam Roberts has collected a team-best 11.0 tackles-for-loss, which ranks tied for fourth-best in the MIAA this season.
    Roberts has registered 40.0 career tackles-for-loss to rank No. 8 on Northwest's all-time TFLs list.

Northwest's Career Tackles-for-Loss Chart
1. Collin Bevins (2013-16)        58.5
2. Matt Longacre (2011-14)        47.0
3. Jacob Vollstedt (2013-16)        44.5
4. Sean Paddock (2006-09)        43.5
5. Brian Williams (1997-2000)        42.0
6. Brandon Yost (2012-15)        41.5
7. Aaron Becker (1996-2000)        41.0
8. Sam Roberts (2017-pres.)        40.0
9. Ryan Waters (2003-06)        38.5
10. Kyle Kaiser (2003-06)        35.5

RETURN OF THE TRUFFLE SHUFFLE
Junior defensive lineman Zach Howard showed off his "Truffle Shuffle" dance following a pair of quarterback sacks at Washburn.
    Howard ranks second in the MIAA with 4.5 sacks in 2021.

BEARCATS RANKED NO. 5 IN 1ST SUPER REGION RANKINGS
The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team is ranked No. 5 in the initial NCAA Division II Super Region Three rankings released Monday.

SUPER REGION ONE
Rk.    Team        Div. II Record
1.     Bentley             7-0
2.     Kutztown            7-1
3.     Shepherd        7-1
4.     California (Pa.)        7-0
5.     Notre Dame (Ohio)    7-1
6.     New Haven        6-1
7.     Indiana (Pa.)        5-2
8.     Slippery Rock        7-1
9.     Stonehill            5-2
10.     Charleston (W.Va.)    5-2

SUPER REGION TWO
Rk.    Team        Div. II Record
1.     Valdosta St.        7-0
2.    Bowie State        7-0
3.     Albany State        7-1
4.    West Georgia        7-1
5.     West Florida        5-1
6.    Wingate            6-1
7.     Mars Hill            5-2
8.     Newberry        6-2
9.    West Alabama        5-2
10.    Fayetteville St.        6-1

SUPER REGION THREE
Rk.    Team        Div. II Record
1.     Ferris State        7-0
2.    Harding            7-1
3.    Grand Valley St.        5-1
4.    Lindenwood        6-1
5.    Northwest Mo. St.    6-1
6.    Henderson St.        7-1
7.    Nebraska-Kearney    7-1
8.    Ouachita Baptist        7-1
9.    Washburn        6-2
10.    Southeastern Okla.    6-2

SUPER REGION FOUR
Rk.    Team        Div. II Record
1.    Augustana        7-1
2.    Colorado Mines        7-1
3.    Central Washington    5-1
4.    Midwestern St.        5-1
5.    Angelo St.        6-2
6.    Bemidji St.        6-2
7.    Wayne St.        6-2
8.     Colorado Mesa        6-1
9.    Western Colorado    7-1
10.    Minnesota Duluth    6-2     
DAVIS WITH ANOTHER TD
Senior wide receiver Kaden Davis caught his sixth receiving touchdown pass of the season this past Saturday at Washburn.
    Davis ranks tied for No. 3 in the MIAA and leads the Bearcats with six touchdown receptions.
    Davis has 18 total catches for 275 yards. He is averaging 15.3 yards per catch.

COMEBACK 'CATS
Northwest produced its 11th come-from-behind victory, and the largest second-half comeback, in the head coach Rich Wright era in Saturday's win against Pittsburg State.
    PSU led 16-0 with 10:39 to play in the third quarter before Northwest rallied to defeat the Gorillas, 20-19.
    It is the second-largest deficit Northwest has overcome since Wright took over the program in 2017. Fort Hays State led Northwest 17-0 in the second quarter of a Nov. 9, 2019 matchup in Hays, Kan., befor the Bearcats rallied for a 36-33 double-overtime triumph.

Comeback Wins Under Wright
-3 at Central Missouri (9/30/17)
-3 vs. Central Oklahoma (10/7/17)
-7 vs. Washburn (9/6/18)
-4 at Missouri Western (9/5/19)
-3 at Washburn (9/14/19)
-8 at Emporia State (10/5/19)
-7 vs. Pittsburg State (10/21/19)
-7 vs. Lincoln (10/26/19)
-17 at Fort Hays State (11/9/19)
-7 at Missouri Western (10/2/21)
-16 vs. Pittsburg State (10/9/21)

HALFTIME DEFICIT
The Bearcats won for only the second time when trailing at the half in the head coach Rich Wright coaching era when they responded from a 13-0 halftime deficit vs. Pittsburg State.
    Northwest is 2-7 since 2017 when trailing at the break.
    Before Saturday, Northwest's last halftime deficit that resulted in a victory came Oct. 5, 2019, when Northwest was doen 17-12 at the break at Emporia State.

600 DIVISION II VICTORIES
Northwest is one of seven NCAA Division II schools to record 600 or more victories. Northwest has compiled an all-time record of 610-405-33.
    
NCAA Division II Football Wins
1. Pittsburg State    724
2. Tuskegee    699
3. Hillsdale    648
4. Central Oklahoma    644
5. Carson-Newman    642
6. West Chester    641
7. Northwest Mo. St.    610
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID

ROBERTS EARNS MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior defensive lineman Sam Roberts was named the MIAA's Defensive Athlete of the Week.
    Roberts tallied seven tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a quarterback sack as he helped Northwest score a come-from-behind 20-19 win at home over Pittsburg State.
    Following an opening drive touchdown by the Gorillas, Roberts and the Bearcat defense allowed only four field goals the rest of the game by PSU.

HOHENSEE GUIDES 2ND-HALF COMEBACK VS PITT STATE
Sophomore quarterback Mike Hohensee directed three second-half touchdown drives to lead a Northwest comeback that saw the Bearcats trailing 16-0 with 10:39 to play in the third quarter.
    Hohensee hit Kaden Davis for a 33-yard touchdown strike with 7:59 to play in the third. Following a PSU field goal, Hohensee drove the Bearcats for another touchdown that was capped off with a 23-yard scoring pass to Jadon Brady. The Hohensee to Brady connection trimmed the PSU lead to 19-14 with 0:53 left in the third.
    Hohensee then led the game-winning drive that was comprised 79 yards in 10 plays and consumed 4:30 off the block in the fourth. Hohensee went 5-for-6 passing on the drive, including an 8-yard touchdown pass to Davis on 3rd-and-goal with 5:15 to play in the game.
    Hohensee finished the game going 17-of-23 passing for 199 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 12 yards on two carries.

DONADELLE REACHES 100-YARD MARK
Senior wideout Imoni Donadelle garnered his second career 100-plus receiving games with 105 yards against Missouri Western.
    Donadelle caught three passes for 105 yards and a 17-yard score in the 30-7 triumph over the Griffons.
    Donadelle has scored 12 career touchdowns for the Bearcats (10 receiving; 1 rushing; 1 kick return).

HEMBROUGH SCORES FIRST TOUCHDOWN
Sophomore tight end Cole Hembrough caught his first collegiate touchdown in Northwest's 30-7 win at Missouri Western.
    Hembrough caught a 36-yard pass from Mike Hohensee in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.

MILLER NOTCHES TWO SACKS
Sophomore defensive end Tyler Miller registered a pair of quarterback sacks and recovered a fumble against Missouri Western.
    He was a part of a Bearcat defense that held the Griffons to eight yards rushing and 93 yards passing.
    Miller posted three total tackles as the Bearcat defensive unit did not allow a point (MWSU defense scored on a fumble) for the second straight week.

PUNTING ON SHORT NOTICE
Freshman punter Dallas Williams dressed for his first collegiate game at Missouri Western and was thrust into game service immediately.
    Williams punted four times for a 41.0 average. Two of his kicks were downed inside the 20, including a coffin-corner punt that went out at the one-yard line. He had a long punt of 44 yards.

TRULY DEFENSIVE GEM
The Bearcat defense produced a defensive gem against Central Oklahoma.
    The Bearcats held the Bronchos to 122 total yards, including minus-28 on the ground.
    UCO was limited to eight first downs and only 42 total plays.

PLENTY OF BEARCAT
OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
Northwest converted on 14-of-18 third down opportunities against Central Oklahoma.
    The 14 third-down conversions are the most by an NCAA Division II team in a single game this season.

TATUM JOINS 200-YARD CLUB
Senior wide receiver Alec Tatum produced the seventh 200-yard receiving game in program history. His 205 receiving yards ranks as the fourth-highest single-game total in Bearcat history.
    Tatum caught 11 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-0 win over Central Oklahoma. Tatum nabbed a 44-yard Hail Mary at the close of the first half, and then latched on to a 28-yard score in the fourth quarter.
    Tatum is one of 10 NCAA Division II players to have reached 200 yards receiving in a game this year.

Receiving Yards (Single Game)
220, Steve Hansley vs. Nebraska-Omaha (11/25/84)
217, Jamaica Rector vs. Minnesota-Duluth (11/23/02)
217, Steve Hansley vs. Central Missouri (10/13/84)
205, Alec Tatum vs. Central Oklahoma (9/25/21)
204, Jamaica Rector vs. Central Missouri (10/27/01)
202, Jamaica Rector vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (11/20/04)
200, Andre Rector vs. Pittsburg State (10/29/05)

TATUM TURNS IT UP TO 11
Senior wide receiver Alec Tatum's 11 receptions vs. Central Oklahoma tied him for the sixth-most catches by Beacat in a single-game.
    The last Bearcat to grab at least 11 receptions in a game was Shawn Bane Jr., when he caught 11 passes vs. Washburn (11/14/2015).

GREEN, KRAUSE HOOK UP FOR FIRST TOUCHDOWNS
Junior running back Davonte Green tallied his first collegiate touchdown on a 65-yard screen pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Joseph Krause in the fourth quarter of Northwest's 38-0 win over UCO.

TATUM, BARNES EARN MIAA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK AWARD
Senior wide receiver Alec Tatum (Huntsville, Texas) and senior linebacker Jackson Barnes (Kansas City, Mo.) have been named the MIAA football offensive and defensive athletes of the week presented by Mammoth Turf for their vs. Central Oklahoma.
    Tatum tallied 11 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns against the Bronchos. Tatum nabbed a 44-yard Hail Mary at the close of the first half, and then latched on to a 28-yard score in the fourth quarter. Tatum is one of 10 NCAA Division II players to have reached 200 yards receiving in a game this year.
    Barnes led the Bearcat defense to a 38-0 shutout of Central Oklahoma. Barnes notched three tackles-for-loss and a sack as the Bearcats limited UCO to 122 yards of total offense (minus-28 rushing) and eight total first downs. The UCO offense was held to only 42 plays.
    It marks the second consecutive week that Barnes has earned the MIAA's top defensive weekly honor.

WHAT A START FOR QB MIKE
Sophomore quarterback Mike Hohensee made his first career start in Northwest's 47-7 road win over Central Missouri.
    Hohensee accounted for six touchdowns in the victory. Hohensee passed for four touchdowns and rushed for two against the Mules.
    Hohensee went 14-of-18 passing for 260 yards. He also rushed for 30 yards.
    He started the scoring Saturday with a 33-yard touchdown run down on Northwest's opening drive. He hit Kaden Davis for a 13-yard touchdown pass on his second drive.
    On his third drive, he connected with Al McKeller on a 44-yard touchdown score to give Northwest a 21-0 lead.
    On his fourth drive of the contest, Hohensee scored on a quarterback keeper on 3rd-and-goal to put Northwest up 27-0.
    In the second half, he hooked on passing touchdowns to Davis again for 15 yards and Imoni Donadelle for a 17-yard scoring strike.

HOHENSEE OWNS TOP PASS EFFICIENCY IN THE NATION
Mike Hohensee produced this year's NCAA Division II best passer efficiency rating of 272.4 in his debut as a starter against Central Missouri.

SHUTOUTS UNDER WRIGHT
Northwest has recorded nine shutouts since head coach Rich Wright took over the program in 2017.
    The Bearcats posted five shutouts in 2017 and added two more in 2018.
     Northwest added a 79-0 blanking of Northeastern State in 2019.
    The Bearcats blasted Central Oklahoma for their latest shutout, 38-0.

Bearcat Shutouts Since 2017
W, 34-0 vs. No. 4 Emporia State (8/31/17)
W, 13-0 at Nebraska-Kearney (9/16/17)
W, 63-0 vs. Missouri Southern (9/23/17)
W, 19-0 vs. Lindenwood (10/21/17)
W, 30-0 at Missouri Western (11/12/17)
W, 63-0 vs. Missouri Southern (9/15/18)
W, 41-0 vs. Emporia State (9/29/18)
W, 79-0 vs. Northeastern State (11/2/19)
W, 38-0 vs. Central Oklahoma (9/25/21)

BARNES NAMED MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior linebacker Jackson Barnes has been named the MIAA's co-defensive athlete of the week presented by Mammoth Turf.
    Barnes tallied a game-high 10 tackles, broke up four passes, registered two tackles-for-loss and intercepted a pass in Northwest's 47-7 road triumph over the Central Missouri Mules.
    With Northwest holding a 14-0 lead, UCM struck for a 53-yard pass play to move the ball to the 22-yard line. However, the Bearcat defense responded with the first turnover of the game as Barnes intercepted a pass and returned it 15 yards to turn away the Mules drive. His interception led to a touchdown four plays later and Northwest did not look back en route to the 40-point win.

DAVIS ENJOYS UCM
Senior wide receiver Kaden Davis seems to enjoy playing the Central Missouri Mules.
    Davis has tallied two 100-yard receiving games in his career and both have come against the Mules.
    Davis posted four receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns in Northwest's 47-7 win at UCM.
    On Nov. 16 2019, Davis recorded four catches for 105 yards against the Mules.
    Davis leads the Bearcats this season in receptions (7), receiving yards (138) and touchdown receptions (3).

IMONI FINDS ENDZONE
Senior wide receiver Imoni Donadelle found the end zone for the 11th time in his Bearcat career when he hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Mike Hohensee in Northwest's 47-7 road win over UCM.
    Donadelle has nine career receiving touchdowns along with one rushing and one kick return for a score.
    Donadelle has caught 37 career passes for 643 yards.

PLUNKETT SCORES 1ST TD
Sophomore Peyton Plunkett scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 22-yard blocked punt return.
    Northwest's Jake Fisher secured his first career blocked punt against Central Missouri. Plunkett then scooped up the ball and scampered 22 yards to give Northwest a 27-0 lead at UCM.

HEAVY WORKLOAD
Al McKeller's 28 carries against Fort Hays State were the most by a Northwest player since James Franklin rushed 28 times vs. Central Missouri on Oct. 8, 2011.

FIRST-TIME PASS RECEPTIONS
Northwest had three players make their first collegiate pass receptions against Fort Hays State. Davonte Green (2 rec., 15 yds.), Trevon Alexander (1 rec., 15 yds.) and Cole Hembrough (1 rec., 9 yds.) each caught their first college passes.

DYNAMITE DEFENSE
The Bearcat defense put on quite an impressive performance in the 15-7 win at Fort Hays State.
    Northwest did not allow Fort Hays State to begin a play in the red zone. The closest FHSU got to the red zone was the 22-yard line.
    FHSU's average starting field position for the game was its own 15-yard line. In the first quarter, FHSU's average starting position was its own 4-yard line. It improved to their own 31-yard line in the second quarter. FHSU's average starting position in the third quarter was its own 11-yard line. FHSU's fourth quarter average starting position was its own 22-yard line.
    The Bearcats held the Tigers to eight rushing yards in the first half and 48 total rushing yards in the game.

BEARCATS OWNED TIME OF POSSESSION VS TIGERS
Northwest enjoyed a time possession lead vs. Fort Hays State to the rune of 39:06-20:54.
    Northwest had nine drives that lasted longer than two minutes.
    FHSU had only two drives that lasted more than two minutes.
    Northwest forced a three-and-out or a turnover on seven of FHSU's drives.

ANDERSON WITH A PICK
Senior J'Ravien Anderson recorded his third career interception in the fourth quarter of Northwest's 15-7 win at Fort Hays State.
    Anderson recorded his first interception in 2017 and added another in 2019.

NIMMERS CLINCHES THE WIN
Senior Isaiah Nimmers clinched the Bearcat victory with an interception in the endzone on the final play of Northwest's 15-7 win over Fort Hays State.
    It was his second career interception having tallied a pick in an NCAA FCS Playoff game against Lamar University when he played at the University of Northern Iowa on Nov. 24, 2018.

DAVIS NOTCHES SECOND TD
Senior wide receiver Kaden Davis latched on to his second career touchdown reception against Fort Hays State.
    Davis caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Braden Wright with 1:04 left in the game to give Northwest a 15-7 lead over the Tigers.

HOHENSEE NAMED MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS ATHLETE OF WEEK
Sophomore Mike Hohensee was named the MIAA's Special Teams Athlete of the Week (Sept. 6).
    Hohensee (St. Charles, Ill.) punted seven times for a 41.4 average in a 15-7 victory at Fort Hays State. Four of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line, including a pair at the one-yard line.
    Hohensee recorded the longest punt of the 2021 season by any MIAA player when he unleashed a 73-yard punt in the third quarter.    

3RD-LONGEST STRETCH BETWEEN BEARCAT VICTORIES
Northwest scored a 15-7 victory at Fort Hays State to begin the 2021 season. It marked the first victory for the Bearcats in 642 days - the third-longest stretch between victories in school history.
    The longest stretch between wins is 743 days (Oct. 27, 1916 - Nov. 9, 1918). The second-longest stretch is 700 days (Oct. 16, 1993 - Sept. 16, 1995).

FOR OPENERS
The Bearcats have won 10 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 Nine Season-Opening Contests
9/2/21        W, 15-7 at Fort Hays State
9/5/19        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

PROGRAM OF THE DECADE
Northwest is the winningest NCAA Div. II program of this decade from 2010-2019. Northwest is 119-19 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.

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.
    The Bearcats (.742) also rank No. 2 in highest winning percentage in the Division II playoffs. (minimum of 10 games played)

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.    17
Delta St.    15
Jacksonville St.    15
Tex. A&M-Kingsville    15
UC Davis    15

Div. II Playoff Win Percentage
West Florida    9-1    .900
Northwest Mo. St.    50-18     .735
North Dakota State    30-12     .714
Grand Valley State    35-15     .700
Tex. A&M-Commerce    9-4    .692
Valdosta State    26-13     .667
North Alabama     35-18 .    660
Delta State     15-8     .652
Delaware     7-4     .636
Northern Colorado    12-7     .632
Jacksonville State    15-9     .625
Lenoir-Rhyne     8-5     .615
Pittsburg State     25-16     .610
Minn. Duluth     14-9     .609
Ferris State     17-11     .607
Portland State    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 67 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 37 more playoff wins.

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    50-18 (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)

MIAA CHAMPS
Northwest earned a share of the program's 30th MIAA regular season title in the 2019 season.
    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.
    The Bearcats extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 16 in a row.

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
Carson-Newman    16
North Dakota    14
West Chester    14

Consecutive Div. II Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    16 (2004-pres.)
Grand Valley State    10 (2001-2010)
Pittsburg State    9    (1989-1997)
Albany State    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)
North Dakota State    7 (1986-1986)
Valdosta State    6 (2000-2005)
Abilene Christian    6 (2006-2011)

DIVISION II'S ELITE PROGRAM
Northwest has captured six NCAA Div. II national championships – 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 State    5
Grand Valley State    4
Valdosta State        4
North Alabama    3
Minnesota Duluth    2
Northern Colorado    2
Pittsburg State    2
Texas State        2
Troy                2
15 others have one national title

BEARCATS PICKED TO WIN MIAA REGULAR SEASON TITLE, NO. 4 IN PRESEASON POLLS
Northwest has been tabbed as the top team by both the coaches and the media in the 2021 MIAA football preseason polls. Northwest was also pegged at No. 4 in the 2021 Preseason American Football Coaches' Association Top 25 Poll and the D2FootballCom Top 25 Poll.

NEW TO THE STAFF
Head coach Rich Wright added Todd Sturdy to the Bearcat coaching staff in the offseason.
    Sturdy will serve as the offensive coordinator at Northwest and he brings a wealth of coaching experience with him to Maryville. Sturdy has coached football at the FBS, FCS and NAIA levels for 28 years. He has served as an offensive coordinator in 20 seasons. In 14 seasons as a head coach at the collegiate level, Sturdy has compiled a record of 96-51.
    Wright also added Roberto Davis to coach the Bearcat running backs and Zach Martin to serve as the Northwest wide receivers coach.


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 19 players on the list, including 18 since 2003. In 2016, Kyle Zimmerman (QB) took home the top honor – Academic All-American of the Year – something no Bearcat had ever done. Northwest had two student-athletes, Jackson Barnes and Zach Howard, named to the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America(R) NCAA Division II football team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA).
    This marks the third time since 2018 that two Bearcats have earned Academic All-America honors after Marqus Andrews (first team in 2018, second team in 2019) and Ryan Spelhaug (first team in 2018 and 2019) each received recognition.

Northwest's Academic All-America Selections
Chip Gregory, LB - 1981 (First Team)
Josh Lamberson, QB - 2004 (First Team)
Troy Tysdahl, LB - 2004 (First Team)
Josh Lamberson, QB - 2005 (First Team)
Myles Burnsides, DB - 2008 (Second Team)
Myles Burnsides, DB - 2009 (First Team)
Sean Paddock, DL - 2009 (Second Team)
Jake Soy, WR - 2010 (Second Team)
Trevor Adams, QB - 2011 (Second Team)
Trevor Adams, QB - 2012 (Second Team)
Nate DeJong, DB - 2012 (Second Team)
Trevor Adams, QB - 2013 (First Team)
Eric Reimer, LB - 2013 (Second Team)
Eric Reimer, LB - 2014 (First Team)
Kyle Zimmerman, QB - 2016 (First Team)
Marqus Andrews, TE - 2018 (First Team)
Ryan Spelhaug, OL - 2018 (First Team)
Marqus Andrews, TE - 2019 (Second Team)
Ryan Spelhaug, OL - 2018 (First Team)
Jackson Barnes, LB - 2020-21 (Second Team)
Zach Howard, DT - 2020-21 (Second Team)

SIX CAPTAINS
Head coach Rich Wright has designated six captains for the 2021 football season. Wright has named linebacker Jackson Barnes (Kansas City, Mo.), defensive lineman Zach Howard (Bolivar, Mo.), offensive lineman Tanner Owen (Kearney, Mo.), defensive lineman Sam Roberts (Waynesville, Mo.), wide receiver Alec Tatum (Huntsville, Texas) and quarterback Braden Wright (Elkhorn, Neb.) as the team captains.

SIX GRADUATES TAKE THE FIELD THIS YEAR FOR 'CATS
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame today released a list of 3,284 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing college football this fall while pursuing second diplomas. This season marks the fourth year the NFF has compiled the list of graduated players.
    Northwest will have six student-athletes suiting up this season who have already claimed their undergraduate degrees.

Graduates Playing at Northwest
Jackson Barnes
Brody Buck
Tanner Owen
Bailey Pickering
Sam Roberts
John Rolls
Alec Tatum

RICH COMPANY FOR WRIGHT
Northwest head coach Rich Wright became only the third Bearcat head coach to increase his win total 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.
12 WINS FOR 13TH TIME
Northwest reached 12 victories in a season for the 13th time in program history in 2019.

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

HUGHES FAMILY FIELDHOUSE
Located just northwest of College Park and Bearcat Stadium on the Northwest campus, the Carl & Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse serves 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 114-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.