2022 NCAA Division II Playoffs - First Round
No. 8 Northwest Missouri State (9-2) at No. 3 Ouachita Baptist (11-0)
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 1 p.m. (CT) | Arkadelpha, Ark. | Cliff Harris Stadium (3,060)
LIVE STREAM |
LIVE AUDIO |
LIVE STATS |
TICKETS
Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Radio Analyst: Mike Harbit
Radio Sideline: Sam Reeves
THIS WEEK'S MATCHUP
The No. 8-ranked Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team will travel to Arkadelphia, Ark., to take on the No. 3-ranked Ouachita Baptist University Tigers in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Division II Playoffs.
Northwest (9-2 overall) will play an opening-round road playoff game for only the eighth time in program history.
Ouachita Baptist completed a perfect regular season at 11-0 and was the outright Great American Conference champion.
Kick is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Cliff Harris Stadium.
TICKETS & PARKING
General admission tickets are available at www.OBUTigers.com for $8 each. Fans can purchase tickets up until game time on the OBU athletics site.
All game tickets can be claimed at will call on Saturday.
Parking is $5 at Cliff Harris Stadium.
ALL-TIME SERIES
This is the first meeting between Northwest and Ouachita Baptist on the football field.
THE COACHES
Northwest is led by sixth-year head coach
Rich Wright. Wright was named head coach at Northwest Missouri on Dec. 19, 2016. Wright has posted a 51-12 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.
Todd Knight has led the Tigers to 15 winning seasons, and is currently at the helm of 13 consecutive winning seasons, the longest current streak of any team in the state of Arkansas at any level. He has led the Tigers to five Great American Conference championships, four NCAA Division II playoff appearances, and three undefeated regular seasons. In addition to the streak of consecutive winning seasons, Knight and the Tigers have been nationally-ranked by the American Football Coaches Association for 39 consecutive polls heading into the start of the 2022 season, including all of the 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons, climbing as high as No. 4 in the 2018 campaign. Knight has an overall record of 171-130 as a head coach at both Delta State and Ouachita Baptist.
WRIGHT IN THE PLAYOFFS
Bearcat head coach
Rich Wright has posted a mark of 5-4 in the playoffs after taking over the Northwest football program in 2017. He is 3-1 in first-round playoff games, which includes a 1-1 mark on the road.
STRENGTHS COLLIDE
Northwest possesses the No. 2-ranked rush defense in the nation, while Ouachita Baptist has the No. 4-ranked rush offense in the country.
Northwest has allowed 55.4 yards per game on the ground, while OBU has averaged 305.8 yards per contest.
PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE
Northwest extended a pair of Division II playoff standards by earning a bid into the 2022 playoffs.
Northwest earned its 26th overall appearance in the Div. II playoffs.
The Bearcats extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 18 in a row.
Most Div. II Playoff Appearances
Northwest Missouri 26
North Alabama 21
Grand Valley State 21
Indiana (Pa.) 20
Pittsburg State 19
UC Davis 18
Valdosta State 18
North Dakota State 17
Carson-Newman 16
Consecutive Div. II Appearances
Northwest Mo. St. 18 (2004-pres.)
Grand Valley State 10 (2001-2010)
Pittsburg State 9 (1989-1997)
Albany State 8 (2004-2011)
Ferris State 8 (2014-pres.)
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 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
16 others have one national title
52 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINS
The Bearcats are 52-19 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
Ouachita Baptist is making its fifth playoff appearance. OBU is 1-4 all-time with playoff appearances in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.
The Bearcats (.732) 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. 52
Grand Valley St. 36
North Alabama 35
North Dakota St. 30
Valdosta St. 29
Pittsburg St. 25
Indiana (Pa.) 22
Ferris State 21
Carson-Newman 20
Div. II Playoff Win Percentage
West Florida 9-2 .818
Northwest Mo. St. 52-19 .732
North Dakota State 30-12 .714
Grand Valley State 36-16 .692
Tex. A&M-Commerce 9-4 .692
Valdosta State 28-14 .667
North Alabama 35-18 .660
Ferris State 21-11 .656
Delta State 15-8 .652
minimum of 10 games played
50-WIN PLAYOFF CLUB
Northwest is one of four NCAA school with 50 or more all-time playoff victories.
Mount Union holds the all-time playoff record with 107 wins. North Dakota State ranks second with 71 playoff victories. Wisconsin-Whitewater has posted 56 playoff triumphs.
NDSU won 30 NCAA Div. II playoff games before transitioning to FCS where the Bison have picked up 41 more playoff wins.
MEASURE UP WITH BEARCATS
Northwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 52 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 41 playoff games.
MIAA Playoff Records
Northwest Missouri 52-19 (25 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)
Nebraska-Kearney 2-5 (5 years)
Washburn 1-4 (4 years)
Fort Hays State 0-4 (4 years)
Missouri Southern 0-1 (1 year)
GREEN NAMED MIAA DEF. PLAYER OF THE YEAR
For the third straight season and 12th time since 2000, a member Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team has been named the MIAA's Defensive Player of the Year.
Senior
Elijah Green (Maryville, Mo.) was tabbed the MIAA's top defensive player after he led the league in quarterback sacks (11) and tackles-for-loss (21). He was a two-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honoree in 2022.
Green joins a long list of Bearcat defensive lineman under the tutelage of
Rich Wright with the likes of Sam Roberts, Spencer Phillips, Collin Blevins, Matt Longacre (twice) and Dave Tollefson, to secure the honor.
Northwest's MIAA Def. POY Since 2000
Elijah Green, DL, 2022
Sam Roberts, DL, 2021
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
12 BEARCATS EARN ALL-MIAA
Northwest had 12 players earn All-MIAA status in 2022 with four Bearcats taking home first-team accolades.
The Bearcats earning first-team All-MIAA honors were Green, senior defensive lineman
Zach Howard, sophomore cornerback
Cahleel Smith and senior all-purpose back
Jamar Moya.
Northwest had four second-team picks in junior center
Mitch Goff, junior punt/kick returner
Kashan Griffin, senior linebacker
Sam Phillips and junior linebacker
Isaac Vollstedt.
Sophomore kicker
Cole Lammel and sophomore defensive lineman
Jake Fisher took home MIAA third-team honors.
Junior quarterback
Mike Hohensee and redshirt freshman safety
Shane Fredrickson tallied honorable mention status.
BEARCAT FIRST-TEAM BIOS
Elijah Green, Sr., DL, Maryville, Mo.
Green captured MIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team all-MIAA status. He was an honorable mention all-MIAA selection in 2021. Green led the MIAA in sacks (11) and tackles-for-loss (21). His 21 TFLs rank as the fourth-best single-season total in Bearcat history. His 11 quarterback sacks are tied for the sixth-best single-season mark in program history. He had a season-high four sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss in a 24-7 win over Central Missouri (Sept. 17). Green notched a season-best eight tackles, three TFLs and two sacks in a 16-3 victory Missouri Western. In the season finale at Emporia State, Green secured six tackles, two TFLs and a sack as the Bearcats reeled off five straight wins to close the regular season and earn a spot in the NCAA Div. II playoffs.
Zach Howard, Sr., DL, Bolivar, Mo.
Howard earned his second consecutive first-team all-MIAA honor. Howard started all 11 games and tallied 46 tackles. He was credited with 13 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 quarterback sacks. He ranks No. 4 in Bearcats history in quarterback sacks (26.5) and is tied for seventh in school history in tackles-for-loss (41.5). Howard began the 2022 season with a three-sack performance in a 33-19 win over Fort Hays State (Sept. 1). Howard notched a season-best eight tackles at Pittsburg State (Oct. 8).
Cahleel Smith, So., CB, Independence, Mo.
Smith posted his second straight first-team all-MIAA season. Smith recorded two interceptions and broke up five passes. He is credited with 37 total tackles and four tackles-for-loss. He clinched Northwest's 27-21 road win over Emporia State (11/12) with an interception in the end zone in the final minute. He is tied for the team lead in interceptions (2).
Jamar Moya, Sr., RB, Bakersfield, Calif.
Moya earned first-team all-MIAA honors for the first time in his career. He led the Bearcats in rushing yards (556) and pass receptions (51). Moya ranked No. 4 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (98.6). Moya ranked No. 8 in the league in rushing yards per game (55.6). Moya had at least seven rushing attempts in each of the 10 games he played. He caught at least four passes in nine of the 10 games he saw action. Moya tallied his first 100-plus rushing game of his career with a 120-yard effort in a 28-24 win at Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 29). Moya caught eight passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in a 32-30 victory over Washburn (Oct. 15).
BEARCAT SECOND-TEAM BIOS
Mitch Goff, Jr., OL, Des Moines, Iowa
Goff moved up to second-team all-MIAA in 2022 after capturing third-team status in 2021. He started 10 games at center and was the guiding force on the Bearcat offensive line. The Bearcat offense ranked No. 5 in the MIAA by averaging 395.6 yards per game. The Bearcats allowed only 16 quarterbacks sacks in 2022.
Kashan Griffin, Jr., PR/KR, Apple Valley, Calif.
Griffin led the MIAA in kick returns (28.8 yards/return) and ranked No. 3 in the league in punt returns (18.2 yards/return). He was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned three punts for 114 yards and caught four passes for 86 yards against Northeastern State (Oct. 22). Griffin was named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week when he caught seven passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-30 comeback win over Washburn (Oct. 15). Griffin ranked No. 6 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (93.8).
Sam Phillips, Sr., LB, Tabor, Iowa
Phillips earned his third straight all-MIAA honor by notching second-team status in 2022. He was a third-team pick in both 2019 and 2021. Phillips ranked No. 5 on the team in total tackles (45) and notched 12.0 tackles-for-loss. He began the scoring in a 32-30 win over Washburn (Oct. 15) with a first-quarter safety. Phillips had a season-high eight tackles in wins over Northeastern State (Oct. 22) and Emporia State (Nov. 12). He leads the team in pass breakups (7).
Isaac Vollstedt, Jr., LB, Iowa City, Iowa
Vollstedt led the Bearcats in total tackles (66) as he made all 11 starts at linebacker. Vollstedt had 7.5 tackles-for-loss and four quarterback sacks. He posted at least four tackles in every game. He secured nine tackles in the 33-19 win over Fort Hays State (Sept. 1). He also registered nine stops in a 16-3 victory over Missouri Western (Oct. 1). He recovered the game-clinching fumble with :04 left against Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 29) to help secure a 28-24 victory. He is tied for the team lead in quarterback hurries (7) and fumble recoveries (2).
BEARCAT THIRD-TEAM BIOS
Cole Lammel, So., PK, Omaha, Neb.
Lammel leads the Bearcats in scoring and ranks No. 2 in the MIAA among kickers with 69 points scored. Lammel tied the school record for consecutive field goals made with 12. Lammel made 12-of-14 field goals this season, including a season-long of 46 yards. He made three field goals in a 16-3 win over Missouri Western (Oct. 1) and three more in a 36-3 triumph over Northeastern State (Oct. 22). Lammel also punted 17 times for a 39.5-yard average with three punts of 50 yards or more. He had three punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Lammel kicked off 64 times and had 14 touchbacks.
Jake Fisher, So., DL, Smithville, Mo.
Fisher ranked third on the team in tackles-for-loss (12.5) and quarterbacks sacks (7.0). He made 10 starts on the defensive line and saw action in all 11 games. Fisher was credited with 28 total tackles. He had at least one tackle-for-loss in nine games. He posted a sack in seven contests. Fisher notched a season-high five tackles in a 27-21 win at Emporia State (Nov. 12). He is tied for the team lead in fumble recoveries (2).
BEARCAT HON. MENTION BIOS
Mike Hohensee, Jr., QB, St. Charles, Ill.
Hohensee led the Bearcat passing attack with 1,615 yards and 14 touchdowns. He threw only six interceptions on 146-of-212 passing. He completed 68.87% of his passes, which ranks No. 4 in the nation. His passing efficiency of 148.99 ranks No. 2 in the MIAA. Hohensee made nine starts and appeared in 10 games at quarterback. He totaled two 300-yard passing games with 312 yards and three touchdowns against Lincoln (Sept. 10) and 366 yards and four touchdowns against Washburn (Oct. 15). He rushed the ball 57 times for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He holds the Northwest career completion percentage mark (71.5%).
Shane Fredrickson, R-Fr., DB, Lee's Summit, Mo.
Fredrickson started nine games at safety as a redshirt freshman. He ranks second on the squad with 51 total tackles. He is tied for the team lead in interceptions (2). He registered a season-high eight tackles in a 33-19 win over Fort Hays State (Sept. 1) and in a 27-5 victory over Missouri Southern (Nov. 5). He was credited with at least two tackles in every game he played.
ALLOWING 19 POINTS OR LESS
Northwest has produced a mark of 38-3 when limiting the opposition to 19 points or less under head coach
Rich Wright.
SCORING 30 OR MORE POINTS
Northwest is 15-0 when scoring 30 or more points under the direction of head coach
Rich Wright.
Northwest surpassed the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season in a 36-3 win over Northeastern State.
Overall, Northwest has won 62 straight games when scoring 30 or more points. The last time Northwest lost a game it scored more than 30 points came in a 38-35 loss at Minnesota State on Nov. 24, 2012, in the NCAA Div. II playoffs.
SHUTOUTS UNDER WRIGHT
Northwest has recorded nine shutouts under the direction of head coach
Rich Wright, following a 38-0 blanking of Central Oklahoma in the 2021 season (Nov. 2).
NO TOUCHDOWN ZONE
The Bearcats did not allow a touchdown to be scored in their 27-5 win over Missouri Southern. It marks the 13th time under head coach
Rich Wright that Northwest has not allowed a touchdown in a game.
HALFTIME LEADS ARE SECURE
Northwest is a perfect 45-0 under head coach
Rich Wright when the Bearcats lead at the half.
Overall, Northwest has won 73 straight games when leading the half.
The last time Northwest lost a game it led at the half came Nov. 22, 2014, in an NCAA playoff game at Minnesota-Duluth. Northwest led 14-6 at the half before bowing to the Bulldogs, 25-21.
ONE SCORE GAMES
Under head coach
Rich Wright, Northwest has produced a mark of 10-7 in one-score games. Northwest is 3-1 in one-score games this season with wins over Emporia State (W, 27-21), Washburn (W, 32-30) and Nebraska-Kearney (W, 28-24) and a loss at Pittsburg State (L, 24-22).
COMEBACK 'CATS
Northwest has produced 19 come-from-behind victories in head coach
Rich Wright's era at Northwest.
Northwest stormed back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit at Nebraska-Kearney to claim a 28-24 win over the Lopers this past weekend.
The Bearcats' largest second-half come back win came on Oct. 9, 2021, when Northwest trailed Pittsburg State by the count of 16-0 with 10:39 to play. Northwest rallied for a 20-19 win.
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., before 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)
-1 vs. Nebraska-Kearney (11/30/21)
-2 at Harding (11/27/21)
-5 vs. Fort Hays State (9/1/22)
-6 at Lincoln (9/10/22)
-3 vs. Missouri Western (10/1/22)
-1 vs. Washburn (10/15/22)
-10 at Nebraska-Kearney (10/29/22)
-2 vs. Missouri Southern (11/5/22)
NORTHWEST'S MARK AS A RANKED TEAM
Northwest has played 343 games as a ranked team in the AFCA Top 25. Northwest has posted a record of 295-48 as a ranked team.
SIMPLY THE BEST
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest yards allowed per game (268.8).
Northwest has allowed the fewest total yards (2,957) in the MIAA this season.
Northwest has limited the opposition to seven rushing touchdowns - the fewest allowed in the MIAA.
Northwest has posted a league-best 38 quarterback sacks.
The Bearcats rank first in the league in kick return average (25.0 yards/return).
LIMITED RUSHING FIRST DOWNS ALLOWED
The Bearcat rushing defense has been locked in this season. Northwest ranks tied for No. 3 in the country in the fewest first downs allowed via rushing (39).
Overall, Northwest has allowed the fewest first downs in the MIAA (160).
Northwest is tied for No. 4 in the nation by allowing only seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Div. II Fewest Rushing 1st Downs Allowed
1. Indianapolis 36
2. New Haven 38
3. Northwest Mo. St. 39
Assumption 39
5. Wingate 41
Grand Valley St. 41
7. Ferris St. 44
8. Virginia Union 46
9. Tiffin 47
10. Ashland 49
Indiana, Pa. 49
Truman St. 49
California, Pa. 49
Div. II Fewest Rushing Touchdowns Allowed
1. Bentley 4
2. Wingate 5
Indiana, Pa. 5
Shepherd 5
Benedict 5
6. Grand Valley St. 6
New Haven 6
Slippery Rock 6
Bemidji St. 6
Assumption 6
Angelo St. 6
12. Northwest Mo. St. 7
Indianapolis 7
Northern St. 7
Tiffin 7
STELLAR RUN DEFENSE
The Bearcat defense has been stellar against the run under the leadership of head coach and defensive line guru
Rich Wright.
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the nation in rush defense by allowing only 54.1 yards per game.
Div. II Rush Defense Leaders
1. Indianapolis 55.4
2. Northwest Mo. St. 56.0
3. California, Pa. 57.7
4. Grand Valley St. 64.9
5. Wingate 66.7
6. Ferris St. 66.9
7. Minnesota Duluth 71.1
8. Virginia Union 71.9
9. New Haven 75.1
10. Slippery Rock 75.9
MINIMAL RUNS ALLOWED
The Bearcats ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed (616) and in fewest yards per carry (2.04).
The Bearcats held Northeastern State to minus-16 yards rushing on 19 attempts - without the benefit of a quarterback sack.
Northwest shut down the Central Missouri running game to the tune of minus-3 yards rushing on 26 attempts.
Northwest limited Lincoln to 24 rushing yards on 33 attempts in a 58-20 win in Jefferson City, Mo.
Northwest allowed Fort Hays State to rush for only 13 yards in its season-opening 33-19 victory over the Tigers.
Since 2017, Northwest has held 13 opponents to 20 rushing yards or less in a game.
20 Rushing Yds Allowed (or less) Since 2017
-16 yds vs. Northeastern State (10/22/22)
-3 yds vs. Central Missouri (9/17/22)
13 yds vs. Fort Hays State (9/1/22)
16 yds vs. Emporia State (11/13/21)
-10 yds. vs. Missouri Southern (11/6/21)
8 yds. at Missouri Western (10/2/21)
-28 yds. vs. Central Oklahoma (9/25/21)
16 yds. at Missouri Southern (9/21/19)
12 yds. vs. Fort Hays State (11/3/18)
5 yds. vs. Lindenwood (10/21/17)
-22 yds. at Northeastern State (10/14/17)
17 vs. Central Oklahoma (10/7/17)
-43 yds. vs. Missouri Southern (9/23/17)
Div. II Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed
1. Indianapolis 554
2. Northwest Missouri State 616
3. California, Pa. 635
4. Ferris St. 669
5. Grand Valley St. 714
6. Virginia Union 719
7. Wingate 734
8. New Haven 751
9. Minnesota Duluth 782
10. Indiana, Pa. 799
NO. 10 IN TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
The Bearcat defensive unit ranks tied for No. 10 in the nation in tackles-for-loss per game (8.5).
Div. II Team Tackles-For-Loss Per Game
1. Wingate 10.4
2. Northern St. 9.2
Chowan 9.2
4. Texas Permian Basin 9.1
5. Colorado Mines 9.0
6. Virginia Union 8.9
Ferris St. 8.9
8. Fayetteville St. 8.8
9. Lane 8.6
10. Northwest Mo. St. 8.5
NO. 8 IN QUARTERBACK SACKS
The Bearcats rank tied for No. 8in the nation in quarterback sacks per game (3.45).
Div. II Team QB Sacks Per Game
1. Ferris St. 4.20
2. Colorado Mines 4.18
3. Wingate 4.00
4. Chadron St. 3.82
5. Northern St. 3.64
6. Bemidji St. 3.55
Chowan 3.55
8. Northwest Mo. St. 3.45
Fayetteville St. 3.45
Minnesota Duluth 3.45
South Dakota Mines 3.45
NO. 18 IN TOTAL DEFENSE
The Bearcats rank No. 18 in the nation in total defense by allowing 268.8 yards per game.
NEW NUMBER, NO WORRIES AS HARRIS SHINES
Freshman running back
Jay Harris switched jersey numbers from No. 41 to No. 22 for the Missouri Southern game but his production remained the same.
For the second straight week, Harris rushed for a season high on the ground with a 94-yard day on the ground vs. Emporia State.
Harris rushed for two more touchdowns against the Hornets to give him seven rushing touchdowns over the past four weeks.
Harris rushed for a season-high 83 yards and scored a touchdown against the Lions.
Harris has rushed for a team-high seven touchdowns. He scored once against Northeastern State, three times against Nebraska-Kearney, once against Missouri Southern and twice vs. Emporia State.
He has carried the ball 75 times for 363 yards (4.8 avg.). He is averaging 51.9 yards per contest.
COLE GETS HIS KICKS
Sophomore
Cole Lammel has made 12-of-14 field goals this season to rank tied for No. 6 in the nation in field goal accuracy.
Lammel ranks tied for No. 23 in the nation in field goals made per game (1.09).
Lammel ranks fourth (second among kickers) in the MIAA in scoring with 69 points. Lammel has tallied 118 points in two seasons as Northwest's primary kicker.
Lammel is 16-of-23 kicking field goals in his Bearcat career. Lammel is tied with Luis Berlanga for 10th on Northwest's all-time field goals mark chart.
Div. II FG Accuracy Leaders
1. Nick Herber (Delta State) 14-15
2. Austin Wilkerson (Southern Ark.) 10-11
3. Cameron Shirkey (Notre Dame) 15-17
4. Nick Hernandez (Sioux Falls) 14-16
Jesus Zizumbo (Arkansas Tech) 14-16
6.
Cole Lammel (Northwest Mo. St.) 12-14
Alex Powders (Wayne St.) 12-14
Ritse Vaes (Midwestern St.) 12-14
9. Anthony Beitko (California, Pa.) 11-13
10. Brandon Gielow (Davenport) 9-11
Jude Mullette (Central Wash.) 9-11
Grant Ross (Truman St.) 9-11
Northwest Career Field Goals Made
1. Simon Mathiesen (2013-2016) 61
2. David Purnell (1996-1999) 52
3. Tommy Frevert (2005-2008) 41
4. Todd Adolf (2009-2012) 33
5. Peter Rameh (1985-1988) 32
6. Parker Sampson (2017-2019) 31
7. Eddie Ibarra (1999-2002) 29
8. Steve Stokes (1973-1976) 19
9. Shawn Geraghty (1977-1979) 18
10. Luis Berlanga (2004) 16
Cole Lammel (2021-pres.) 16
GREEN MACHINE
Senior defensive lineman
Elijah Green leads the Bearcats in both quarterback sacks (11) and tackles-for-loss (21).
Green ranks tied for No. 6 in the nation in tackles-for-loss per game (1.9). He ranks No. 9 in the nation in quarterback sacks per game (1.00).
Green's 21.0 tackles-for-loss is the fourth-best single-season mark in program history.
His 11 sacks are tied for the sixth-best single-season sack mark in school history.
Green caught his first collegiate pass on a fake punt against Northeastern State. Punter/quarterback
Mike Hohensee hit Green down the middle for a 30-yard gain to set up a late second quarter touchdown against the RiverHawks.
Div. II Indiv. Tackles-For-Loss Per Game
1. Andrew Farmer (Lane) 3.1
2. Caleb Murphy (Ferris State) 2.7
3. Ian Marshall (Northern State) 2.2
4. Hunter O'Connor (Chadron St.) 2.2
5. Ben Straatmann (Missouri S&T) 2.0
6.
Elijah Green (Northwest Mo. St.) 1.9
Loobert Denelus (Benedict) 1.9
8. Matt Feeney (Shippensburg) 1.9
John McMullen (Northern Mich.) 1.9
Jackson Taylor (West Chester) 1.9
Div. II Indiv. Quarterback Sacks Per Game
1. Caleb Murphy (Ferris State) 1.80
2. Hunter O'Connor (Chadron St.) 1.45
3. Ian Marshall (Northern St.) 1.27
4. Loobert Denelus (Benedict) 1.18
Andre Jefferson (Lenoir-Rhyne) 1.18
6. Zollie Kaplan (Bemidji St.) 1.09
7. Cedric Dashiell II (Bentley) 1.05
8. Zach Durfee (Sioux Falls) 1.05
9.
Elijah Green (Northwest Mo. St.) 1.00
10. Grayson Diepenbrock (Augie) 0.95
D.J. Adediwura (Slippery Rock) 0.95
Marquist Fleming (Wingate) 0.95
Northwest's Season Quarterback Sacks
1. Collin Bevins (2015) 15.5
2. Jacob Vollstedt (2015) 13.0
3. Dave Tollefson (2005) 12.5
4. Matt Longacre (2013) 12.0
5. Matt Uhde (1995) 11.5
6. Ryan Waters (2005) 11.0
Elijah Green (2022) 11.0
8. Austen Eskew (2018) 10.5
9. Cass Weitl (2016) 10.0
10. Erik Peterson (1990) 9.0
Northwest's Season Tackles-for-Loss
1. Collin Bevins (2015) 26.5
2. Charlie White (1981) 26.0
3. Jacob Vollstedt (2016) 25.0
4.
Elijah Green (2022) 21.0
5. Matt Longacre (2013) 20.5
6. Tony Floyd (1984) 20.0
7. Brandon Yost (2015) 19.5
8. Cass Weitl (2016) 19.0
9. Aaron Becker (2000) 18.0
Adam Long (2004) 18.0
Austen Eskew (2018) 18.0
Sam Roberts (2021) 18.0
ZACH ATTACKS SACK, TFL LISTS
Senior
Zach Howard has cracked the top-10 list for all-time quarterback sacks and tackles-for-loss at Northwest. Howard is No. 4 on the sack chart (26.5) and is tied for No. 7 in tackles-for-loss (41.5).
Northwest's Career Quarterback Sacks
1. Collin Bevins (2013-16) 34.0
2. Matt Longacre (2011-14) 30.5
3. Sean Paddock (2006-09) 27.0
4.
Zach Howard (2018-pres.) 26.5
5. Ryan Waters (2003-06) 24.0
6. Erik Petersen (1988-91) 21.5
7. Matt Uhde (1992-96) 21.0
Dave Tollefson (2004-05) 21.0
9. Brandon Yost (2012-15) 20.0
10. Jacob Vollstedt (2013-16) 19.5
Northwest's Career Tackles-for-Loss
1. Collin Bevins (2013-16) 58.5
2. Matt Longacre (2011-14) 47.0
Sam Roberts (2017-21) 47.0
4. Jacob Vollstedt (2013-16) 44.5
5. Sean Paddock (2006-09) 43.5
6. Brian Williams (1997-2000) 42.0
7. Brandon Yost (2012-15) 41.5
Zach Howard (2018-pres.) 41.5
9. Aaron Becker (1996-2000) 41.0
10. Ryan Waters (2003-06) 38.5
GRIFFIN IS THE ULTIMATE WEAPON
Junior transfer
Kashan Griffin is the No. 4-ranked punt returner in the nation at 18.2 yards per return.
Griffin ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in kick return average (28.8) and No. 3 in punt return average (18.2).
He ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (93.8).
He ranks No. 22 in the nation in yards per reception (19.42).
Griffin has tallied 259 kick return yards, 466 receiving yards and 218 punt return yards.
He has touched the ball 46 times (24 receptions, 12 punt returns nine kick returns, one rush) and is averaging 20.39 yards per touch this year.
Div. II Punt Return Leaders
1. David Durden (West Florida) 20.3
2. Jaedon Stoshak (Mo. Southern) 19.2
3. Andrew Cook (CSU Pueblo) 18.2
4.
Kashan Griffin (Northwest Mo. St.) 18.2
5. Trey Vaval (Minnesota St.) 17.8
6. Tae Marrero (Charleston) 17.1
7. Dante Bowlding (UNC Pembroke) 16.0
8. Ra'Quan Simmons (Wingate) 15.9
9. Kwincy Hall (Bowie St.) 15.6
10. Chali Bland (Savannah St.) 15.5
MOYA CAN DO MANY THINGS
Senior running back
Jamar Moya leads the Bearcats in rushing (556 yards), receptions (51), total touchdowns (7) and touches (167).
Moya ranks No. 4 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (98.6). Moya ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (55.6). He ranks fifth in the league with 51 pass receptions.
Moya recorded his second career 100-plus rushing game in a 28-24 win at Nebraska-Kearney. Moya rushed 14 times for 120 yards vs. the Lopers.
ISAAC EYES TACKLES
Junior linebacker
Isaac Vollstedt is Northwest's top tackler.
A team captain from Iowa City, Iowa, he has registered a team-best 66 total tackles. He has added 7.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.0 quarterback sacks.
Vollstedt leads the team in quarterback hurries (7). He is second on the squad with six pass breakups.
MIKEY IS OH SO ACCURATE
Quarterback
Mike Hohensee ranks No. 4 in the nation in passing completion percentage at 68.9% this season.
Hohensee has completed 146-of-212 passes. He ranks No. 25 in the nation (second in the MIAA) in passing efficiency (149.0).
His 87.5 completion percentage against Lincoln is the highest single game completion percentage this season in NCAA Div. II.
Last season, Hohensee led the nation in passing completion percentage (73.6%) and passing efficiency (187.3).
In his career, Hohensee is completing 71.5% of his passes (306-of-428) for 3,955 yards and 39 touchdowns. He possesses a career passing efficiency mark of 171.24
Div. II Indiv. Completion Percentage
1. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd) .718
2. John Matocha (Colo. Mines) .715
3. Turner Pullen (McKendree) .703
4.
Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.) .689
5. Cooper Callis (Southwest Baptist) .688
6. Braden Gleason (Emporia St.) .681
7. Cedric Case (Central Missouri) .667
8. OB Jones (Southern Arkansas) .657
9. Noah Mitchell (California, Pa.) .656
10. Patrick Shegog (Delta St.) .655
RARE AIR FOR BRADEN
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright is one of 17 NCAA Div. II players to have passed for at least 4,000 yards and to have rushed for at least 1,000 yards.
He has tallied 8,277 yards of total offense in his Bearcat career, which ranks No. 3 on the school's all-time chart.
Wright ranks No. 5 on Northwest's all-time passing list with 6,824 yards.
NCAA Div. II 4,000 Passing/1,000 Rushing
Rk. Name Passing Rushing
1. John Matocha (Colo. Mines) 9,372 1,304
2. Ivory Durham (Valdosta St.) 6,804 2,403
3. T.J. Davis (Neb.-Kearney) 4,181 3,658
4. Nick Gerber (W. Texas A&M) 7,343 1,090
5.
Braden Wright (NW Mo. St.) 6,824 1,453
6. Kenny Hrncir (East Central) 6,735 1,301
7. Patrick Shegog (Delta St.) 6,165 1,573
8. Austin Brenner (Ashland) 6,230 1,495
9. Dre Harris (Newberry) 6,174 1,454
10. Ivan Corbin (Car.-New.) 5,939 1,197
11. Jake Cirillo (E. Stroudsburg) 5,884 1,114
12. Demilon Brown (Ark.-Mont.) 4,796 2,200
13. Carlton Aiken (Pace) 5,175 1,818
14. Jayden Johannsen (SD Mines) 5,730 1,178
15. Donovan Riddick (WVSt.) 5,571 1,074
16. Cade Peterson (GVSU) 4,752 1,171
17. Nick Bohn (Wayne St.) 4,035 1,288
Northwest's Career Total Offense Yards
1. Brady Bolles (2012-15) 9,296
2. Blake Bolles (2007-10) 9,254
3.
Braden Wright (2018-pr.) 8,277
4. Trevor Adams (2013-16) 8,260
5. Josh Lamberson (2002-05) 8,064
6. Chris Griesen (1995-98) 7,574
7. Xavier Omon (2004-07) 7,073
8. Travis Miles (1997-2000) 6,276
9. Greg Teale (1993-96) 6,094
10. John McManamin (1999-02) 6,074
Northwest's Career Passing Yards
1. Blake Bolles (2007-10) 8,668
2. Trevor Adams (2010-13) 7,791
3. Brady Bolles (2012-15) 7,728
4. Chris Griesen (1995-98) 7,457
5. Josh Lamberson (2002-05) 7,365
6.
Braden Wright (2018-pres.) 6,824
7. John McMenamin (1999-02) 6,225
8. Travis Miles (1997-00) 6,201
9. Greg Teale (1993-96) 5,689
10. Josh Mathews (2004-07) 5,664
BRADEN IS A RESPONSIBLE QB
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright ranks No. 10 on the NCAA Division II career list for touchdowns responsible for with 87.
Touchdowns Responsible For (Div. II)
1. Tyson Bagen (Shepherd) 164
2. John Matocha (Colo. Mines) 120
3. Chris Brimm (Notre Dame, Ohio) 119
4. Turner Pullen (McKendree) 103
5. T.J. Davis (Nebraska-Kearney) 102
6. Shaw Crocker (Wingate) 97
Ivory Durham (Valdosta St.) 97
8. Noah Mitchell (California, Pa.) 91
9. Brandon Alt (Bemidji St.) 90
10.
Braden Wright (Northwest Mo. St.) 87
WRIGHT CRACKS TOP-10 LIST FOR COMPLETIONS
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright has completed 510 passes in his Bearcat career, which ranks No. 5 in school history.
Northwest's Career Pass Completions
1. Blake Bolles (2007-10) 662
2. Brady Bolles (2012-15) 622
3. Josh Lamberson (2002-05) 575
4. Trevor Adams (2010-13) 562
5.
Braden Wright (2018-pres.) 510
6. Chris Griesen (1995-98) 500
6. John McMenamin (1999-02) 488
8. Greg Teale (1993-96) 467
9. Joel Osborn (2004-08) 454
10. Josh Mathews (2004-07) 440
WRIGHT CLIMBS BEARCAT PASSING TDS LIST
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright ranks No. 5 on Northwest's all-time touchdown passes list with 59.
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.
Braden Wright (2018-pr.) 59
6. Brady Bolles (2007-10) 56
7. Travis Miles (1997-00) 54
8. Greg Teale (1993-96) 52
9. John McMenamin (1999-02) 48
10. Brian Quinn (1980-84) 45
BRADEN REACHES BEARCAT RUSHING TOUCHDOWN LIST
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright has rushed for 28 career touchdowns, which ranks tied for No. 9 all-time at Northwest.
Wright is four rushing scores away from equaling 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
Braden Wright (2018-pres.) 28
HOME WIN STREAK = 18
Northwest momved its home win streak to 18 in a row with a 27-5 victory over Missouri Southern. The 18-game home win streak ranks as the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II programs.
Northwest's 18-game home win streak is tied for the sixth-best active home streak among all NCAA divisions.
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.
Since Nov. 1, 2014, the Bearcats have won 43 of their last 45 home games. Northwest's only two home losses in that stretch were one-point setbacks to Fort Hays State (L, 13-12 on Nov. 5, 2017; L, 17-16 on Nov. 3, 2018).
Active Div. II Home Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 18
Notre Dame (Ohio) – 16
Shepherd – 11
Angelo State – 11
New Haven – 10
Winona State – 8
Grand Valley State – 8
Minnesota Duluth – 7
Benedict – 7
Ashland – 7
Active MIAA Home Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 18
Pittsburg State – 6
Central Missouri – 4
Fort Hays State – 2
Missouri Western – 2
Active NCAA Home Win Streaks
Clemson (FBS) – 39
Cincinnati (FBS) – 32
Linfield (III) – 23
Alabama (FBS) – 18
Northwest Mo. St. (II) – 18
North Central, Ill. (III) – 18
Montana State (FCS) – 17
Georgia (FBS) – 17
Wartburg (III) – 17
Aurora (III) – 17
Notre Dame, Ohio (II) – 16
Mary Hardin Baylor (III) – 16
Florida A&M (FCS) – 15
Michigan (FBS) – 14
Utah (FBS) – 14
Oklahoma State (FBS) – 14
Northwest's 18-Game Home Win Streak
W, 38-17 vs. Washburn (9/14/19)
W, 59-10 vs. Central Oklahoma (9/28/19)
W, 56-9 vs. Lincoln (10/26/19)
W, 79-0 vs. Northeastern State (11/2/19)
W, 45-23 vs. #10 Central Missouri (11/16/19)
W, 7-6 vs. #12 Harding (11/23/19)
W, 63-7 vs. Lindenwood (11/30/19)
W, 38-0 vs. Central Oklahoma (9/25/21)
W, 20-19 vs. Pittsburg State (10/9/21)
W, 66-13 vs. #17 Nebraska-Kearney (10/30/21)
W, 35-7 vs. Emporia State (11/13/21)
W, 50-21 vs. Central Washington (11/20/21)
W, 33-19 vs. Fort Hays State (9/1/22)
W, 24-7 vs. Central Missouri (9/17/22)
W, 16-3 vs. Missouri Western (10/1/22)
W, 32-30 vs. Washburn (10/15/22)
W, 36-3 vs. Northeastern State (10/22/22)
W, 27-5 vs. Missouri Southern (11/5/22)
BEARCAT STADIUM DOMINANCE
Since the 2001 season, Northwest football has gone 120-10 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 (2010 season opener).
27 STRAIGHT WINNING YEARS
The Northwest football program has produced a winning season in each of the last 27 seasons.
The 27 consecutive winning seasons ranks as the fourth-longest active streak among all NCAA schools.
Northwest's run of 27 straight winning seasons is the longest active streak among NCAA Division II programs.
UC Davis holds the Div. II mark with 37 straight winning seasons (33 at D-II before transitioning to FCS) from 1970-2006. West Chester (1940-1972) and Pittsburg State (1978-2008) each had a streak of 31 straight winning seasons to rank second among Div. II schools.
Active Consecutive Winning Years
School Streak Losing Season
1. Linfield (Ore.) 66 1956
2. Mount Union 43 1979
3. Wartburg 29 1993
4. Northwest 27 1994
5. Hobart 25 1997
6. Wheaton (Ill.) 24 1998
7. Mary Hardin Baylor 23 2000
8. LSU 23 1999
9. Oklahoma 22 1999
BEARCATS GRIND OUT 312 RUSHING YARDS AT UNK
The Bearcats rushed for season highs in carries (50) and yards (312) in Saturday's 28-24 win at Nebraska-Kearney.
Northwest rushed the ball 17 times for 150 yards in the fourth quarter alone against the Lopers. Northwest threw one pass for two yards in the fourth quarter.
KASHAN DOING DAMAGE
Junior wideout/returner
Kashan Griffin became only the seventh Bearcat to record 100 or more yards in punt returns in a single game against Northeastern State.
Griffin returned three punts for 114 yards - the third-most punt return yards by a Bearcat in program history. He returned punts for 18, 32 and 64 yards vs. the RiverHawks.
Northwest Single Game Punt Return Yds
1. Jamaica Rector vs. MSSU (10/12/02) 124
2. Jason Melnick vs. SBU (9/21/96) 120
3.
Kashan Griffin vs. NSU (10/22/22) 114
4. Shawn Bane Jr. vs. Lindenwood (10/10/15) 108
5. Tony Miles vs. Midwestern St. (9/5/98) 107
6. Jamaica Rector vs. Washburn (9/25/04) 103
Shawn Bane Jr. vs. MSSU (9/15/18) 103
8. Jamaica Rector vs. Missouri S&T (9/21/02) 98
Tony Miles vs. UCM (11/13/99) 98
10. Jamaica Rector vs. ESU (10/2/04) 90
Tony Miles vs. SBU (10/18/97) 90
100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES
Kashan Griffin and
Jamar Moya each tallied 100-plus receiving games in Northwest's 32-30 win over Washburn.
Northwest has produced four 100-yard plus receiving games this season.
Jamar Moya,
Trevon Alexander, Keegan Sturday and
Kashan Griffin have each posted their first 100-yard receiving games as Bearcats this season.
100-Yard Receiving Games (2022)
Jamar Moya - 116 yards vs. Washburn
Trevon Alexander - 126 yards at Lincoln
Keegan Sturdy - 137 yards at Lincoln
Kashan Griffin - 163 yards vs. Washburn
KG GOES FOR 163 & 2 TDS
Junior wideout
Kashan Griffin posted the 42nd 150-plus receiving game in Bearcat history against Washburn. He is the 19th Bearcat to surpass 150 receiving yards with two touchdown receptions as well.
Griffin caught seven passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns in the 32-30 win over the Ichabods. Griffin accounted for 218 all-purpose yards.
Griffin returned his only kick of the game 38 yards out of the end zone after Washburn had taken a 30-29 lead with :24 left in the game. Griffin caught a 23-yard pass with :06 left to take the ball from the 42-yard line to the 19-yard line to set up the game-winning field goal on the next play.
Griffin nabbed a 53-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that gave Northwest a 16-3 lead.
Griffin's second touchdown reception of the game came on 3rd-and-10 from the Washburn 13-yard line with 1:55 left in the fourth quarter. Griffin's touchdown gave Northwest a 29-24 advantage.
Griffin was named the MIAA Offensive player of the week for his performance against Washburn.
LAMMEL LOCKS UP 32-30 WIN OVER WASHBURN
Sophomore kicker
Cole Lammel connected on a 36-yard game-winning field goal with :02 left in Northwest's 32-20 comeback victory over Washburn.
It was the first game-winning kick of his collegiate career. Lammel also made all three of his extra points against the Ichabods.
Lammel was named the MIAA Special Teams player of the week for the second time this season as a result of his play against Washburn.
PHILLIPS EARNS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Linebacker
Sam Phillips earned his third career MIAA defensive player of the week nod for his play in a 32-30 win over Washburn.
Phillips scored the first points of the game with a safety when he sacked Washburn's Kellen Simoncic in the end zone with 7:12 left in the first quarter.
Phillips had six total tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a sack against the Ichabods. Phillips and the Bearcat defense limited the Ichabods to 43 rushing yards on 27 attempts.
HOHENSEE SERVES UP CAREER BEST 366 YARDS PASSING
Junior quarterback
Mike Hohensee tossed for a career-high 366 yards on 24-of-31 passing in a 32-30 win over Washburn.
It is the second 300-plus passing game of Hohensee's career. It marks the 66th time in Bearcat history that a quarterback has thrown for 300 or more years in a game.
It is the 17th time in program history that a Bearcat quarterback has passed for 300 yards and thrown for at least four touchdowns in a game.
BRADEN BAGS SECOND 300-PLUS PASSING GAME
Senior quarterback
Braden Wright recorded his second career 300-yard passing game against No. 7-ranked Pittsburg State.
Wright went 27-of-53 passing for 301 yards against the Gorillas. He also threw for 305 yards as a sophomore vs. Central Oklahoma (Sept. 28, 2019).
Saturday's performance by Wright was the 65th time a Bearcat quarterback has reached 300 yards or more passing in a game. It's only the second time that a QB has reached 300 yards passing and did not throw a touchdown. Blake Bolles passes for 358 yards and no touchdowns against Fort Hays State on Oct. 31, 2009.
WRIGHT NEARLY COMPLETES COMEBACK ATTEMPT
Braden Wright scored on a one-yard touchdown run with :12 left that pulled Northwest to within 24-22 at Pittsburg State.
Wright engineered a 12-play, 78-yard scoring drive with no timeouts to give the Bearcats a chance to tie the Gorillas. Wright went 5-of-9 passing on the drive for 46 yards through the air. He also ran the ball three times on the drive for six yards. He helped account for five first-downs on Northwest's final drive of the game.
The Bearcats trailed the Gorillas by 18 points at the half, 21-3.
LAMMEL EQUALS SCHOOL MARK FOR CONSECUTIVE FGS
Sophomore kicker
Cole Lammel tied the Northwest school record for consecutive field goals made at 12.
Lammel equalled the mark set by Simon Mathiesen in 2016. Mathiesen closed his career by making his final 12 field goal attempts.
Lammel did set the school mark for consecutive field goals made to begin a season (12). Mathieson held that previous mark of 10 which he set in 2013.
HOWARD RACKS UP SACKS
Senior defensive lineman
Zach Howard registered three quarterback sacks in Northwest's 33-19 season-opening win over Fort Hays State and was named the MIAA's Defensive Player of the Week.
Howard's three sacks ranks tied for the sixth most sacks in a single-game in Bearcat history.
GREEN NABS FOUR SACKS
Senior defensive lineman
Elijah Green posted a career-high four quarterback sacks in Northwest's 24-7 Family Weekend win over Central Missouri and was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week.
Green entered the game against UCM with 3.5 career quarterback sacks.
Green led the Bearcats with six total tackles. His four quarterback sacks took away 33 UCM rushing yards. Green had a total of 4.5 tackles-for-loss which resulted in 34 lost yards for the Mules.
Green's four sacks ranks tied for the second-most sacks in a single-game in Bearcat history.
Single-Game Sack Record
1. 4.5, Matt Uhde vs. PSU (11/4/95)
2. 4.0, Dave Tollefson vs. MWSU (9/17/05)
4.0, Collin Bevins vs. Shepherd (12/19/15)
4.0, Collin Bevins vs. ESU (11/7/15)
4.0
Elijah Green vs. UCM (9/17/22)
5. 3.5, Collin Bevins vs. ESU (11/26/16)
6. 3.0 - 14 times (latest
Zach Howard)
300-GAME SUPERLATIVES
Hohensee's 312-yard passing performance against Lincoln was the 64th 300-yard passing game in Bearcat history.
It was the the 17th time that a Bearcat quarterback had at least three touchdown passes in a 300-plus yard passing game.
Hohensee's three incompletions ranks as the third fewest incomplete passes in a 300-yard passing game by a Northwest quarterback. Only Kyle Zimmerman (19-of-21, 421 yds., 6 TDs) against Pittsburg State on Oct. 29, 2016, and Travis Miles (21-of-23, 305 yds., 2 TDs) against Washburn on Oct. 28, 2000, had fewer incompletions in their 300-yard games.
SHANE TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE
Redshirt freshman safety
Shane Fredrickson made his first career start in Northwest's 58-20 win over Lincoln.
Fredrickson made the most of his opportunity as he collected his first interception and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.
THREE BEARCATS SCORE FIRST CAREER TDS AT LINCOLN
A trio of Bearcats scored their first career touchdowns in a Northwest uniform in the 58-20 win at Lincoln.
Redshirt freshman
Tank Young was the first to find the end zone when he scored on an 8-yard pass from
Mike Hohensee.
Junior wide receiver
Keegan Sturdy latched on to a 74-yard touchdown strike from Hohensee.
Redshirt freshman safety
Shane Fredrickson noched a 38-yard interception return in the fourth quarter.
50 OR MORE POINTS
Northwest's 58-point performance at Lincoln marked the 56th time in program history that Northwest has scored at least 50 points in a game.
It is the 12th time that Northwest has posted 50 or more points for head coach
Rich Wright.
NORTHWEST HAS DOMINATED D-II FOOTBALL SINCE 1990S
Since the start of the 1990 season, Northwest has accumulated 326 victories to rank as the highest win total in all of Division II football. Northwest has also captured the most national titles (6) in that same time frame.
D-II Wins Since 1990
1. Northwest Missouri St. 326-90-1
2. Grand Valley State 318-74-2
3. Pittsburg State 299-85
4. Indiana, Pa. 279-87
5. Valdosta State 275-98
600+ BEARCAT VICTORIES
Northwest and Pittsburg State are two of seven NCAA Division II schools to have reached 600 or more victories.
Northwest has compiled an all-time record of 625-408-33.
NCAA Division II All-Time Wins
1. Pittsburg State 737
2. Tuskegee 707
3. Hillsdale 655
4. Central Oklahoma 651
5. Carson-Newman 650
6. West Chester 649
7. Northwest Mo. St. 625
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
It's not easy to get on the Academic All-America list. The Bearcats do a pretty good job of filling it up though, placing 21 players on the list, including 20 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 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-America(R) NCAA Division II football team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA).
This marks the fourth 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 - 2019 (First Team)
Jackson Barnes, LB - 2020-21 (Second Team)
Zach Howard, DT - 2020-21 (Second Team)
Jackson Barnes, LB - 2021 (First Team)
Zach Howard, DT - 2021 (Second Team)
SIX CAPTAINS
Head coach
Rich Wright has designated six captains for the 2022 football season.
Wright has named defensive lineman
Elijah Green (Maryville, Mo.), linebacker
Sam Phillips (Tabor, Iowa), quarterback
Braden Wright (Elkhorn, Neb.), offensive lineman
Mitch Goff (Des Moines, Iowa), defensive lineman
Zach Howard (Bolivar, Mo.) and linebacker
Isaac Vollstedt (Iowa City, Iowa) as the team captains.
HUGHES FAMILY FIELDHOUSE
Located just northwest of College Park and Bearcat Stadium on the Northwest campus, the Carl & Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse serve as a host site for a wide range of University and community activities. The project represents the single largest public-private partnership in Northwest's 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.