Game No. 11 - No. 10 Northwest Missouri State (8-2) at No. 22 Emporia State (8-2)
Saturday, Nov. 12 | 1 p.m. (CT) | Emporia, Kan. | Welch Stadium (7,000)

LIVE STREAM | LIVE AUDIO | LIVE STATS | TICKETS 

Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten
Radio Sideline: Sam Reeves

THIS WEEK'S MATCHUP
The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team will look to close regular season on a five-game win streak as it travels to Emporia State University.
    The Bearcats and Hornets will kick Saturday at 1 p.m. at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan.
    Northwest enters Saturday's action riding a four-game win streak, while ESU is in the midst of a six-game win streak.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest holds a commanding 35-2 lead in the all-time series with Emporia State. Northwest is 17-1 in games played in Emporia, Kan.
    ESU has posted two wins in series - Oct. 9, 1965 in Emporia, Kan., and Oct. 1, 1994, in Maryville, Mo.
    The Bearcats have defeated the Hornets 27 consecutive times since that 1994 meeting in then-Rickenbrode Stadium.
    Saturday's game will mark only the third time Northwest has played at Emporia in the last nine matchups between the two programs.

Northwest Results vs. ESU
W, 38-21 vs. ESU (10/24/30)
W, 39-0 vs. ESU (10/10/64)
L, 28-27 at ESU (10/9/65)
W, 14-7 at ESU (9/26/81)
W, 31-6 vs. ESU (9/25/82)
W, 41-36 at ESU (11/9/91)
W, 54-41 vs. ESU (11/7/92)
W, 21-15 at ESU (10/2/93)
L, 41-26 vs. ESU (10/1/94)
W, 23-13 at ESU (10/28/95)
W, 51-34 vs. ESU (11/2/96)
W, 44-38 at ESU (11/15/97)
W, 69-33 vs. ESU (11/14/98)
W, 59-28 at ESU (10/23/99)
W, 62-7 vs. ESU (10/21/00)
W, 44-3 vs. ESU (11/10/01)
W, 34-5 at ESU (11/16/02)
W, 16-13 at ESU (10/11/03)
W, 59-28 vs. ESU (10/02/04)
W, 14-0 at ESU (10/1/05)
W, 49-17 vs. ESU (10/7/06)
W, 24-7 at ESU (11/3/07)
W, 56-7 vs. ESU (11/1/08)
W, 45-12 at ESU (10/17/09)
W, 42-28 vs. ESU (10/16/10)
W, 62-21 vs. ESU (11/12/11)
W, 55-10 vs. ESU (11/3/12)
W, 48-21 at ESU (11/9/13)
W, 42-14 at ESU (11/8/14)
W, 44-10 vs. ESU (11/7/15)
W, 38-17 vs. ESU (12/5/15)
W, 41-14 at ESU (9/1/16)
W, 44-13 vs. ESU (11/26/16)
W, 34-0 vs. ESU (8/31/17)
W, 41-0 vs. ESU (9/29/18)
W, 34-23 at ESU (10/5/19)
W, 35-7 vs. ESU (12/13/21)

TOP 25 MATCHUP
It will be the ninth time that Northwest and Emporia State meet when both teams are ranked in the AFCA Top 25 poll.
    Northwest is 8-0 all-time against Emporia State when both teams are ranked.
    Six of the ranked matchups between the Bearcats and Hornets have occurred on Nov. 2 or later in a season.

Results Northwest, ESU Both Ranked
#3 NW 51, #10 ESU 34 - Nov. 2, 1996
#4 NW 55, #20 ESU 10 - Nov. 3, 2012
#2 NW 48, #10 ESU 21 - Nov. 9, 2013
#2 NW 44, #14 ESU 10 - Nov. 7, 2015
#1 NW 38, #18 ESU 17 - Dec. 5, 2015
#1 NW 41, #24 ESU 14 - Sept. 1, 2016
#1 NW 44, #9 ESU 13 - Nov. 26, 2016
#1 NW 34, #4 ESU 0 - Aug. 31, 2017

RESUMES LOOK SIMILAR
Northwest and Emporia State have each lost to the same two opponents this season and each will enter Saturday's game with identical 8-2 records.
    The Bearcats lost to Central Oklahoma by nine points (23-14) and Pittsburg State by two points (24-22).
    The Hornets fell to UCO by eight points (21-13) and Pitt State by one point (14-13).

WIN TO GET IN?
The NCAA Super Region 3 weekly rankings were released on Monday with Emporia State and Northwest ranked No. 9 and No. 10.
    The top seven teams will earn a bid into the 2022 NCAA Div. II Playoffs.
    Northwest is tied for third in Super Region Three with eight in-region victories. Northwest's eight in-region wins trail only the 10 games won by Ouachita Baptist and Pittsburg State.
    Northwest is one of 13 teams in Super Region 3 with at least two wins over Div. II opponents with winning records.

Super Region 3 Rankings
1. Grand Valley State    9-0
2. Ferris State        7-1
3. Pittsburg State    10-0
4. Ouachita Baptist    10-0
5. Davenport        7-1
6. Truman State    8-1
7. Indianapolis        7-1
8. Harding        8-2
9. Emporia State    8-2
10. Northwest Mo. St.    8-2

SOMETHING GOTTA GIVE
Northwest possesses the league's top defense by allowing a league-low 268.1 yards per game.
    Emporia State has the MIAA's top offense at 454.8 yards per game.
    Northwest has allowed a league-low 18 touchdowns, while ESU has scored a league-best 45 touchdowns.

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 50-12 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.
    Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 16th season as the Hornets head coach. He has moved into the top ten of the MIAA's all-time wins list and is the second winningest active coach in the league. He has taken his alma mater to the NCAA Division II playoffs three times, including a national quarterfinal appearance in 2015. Higgins ranks second in career wins at Emporia State behind stadium namesake Fran Welch.

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 44-0 under head coach Rich Wright when the Bearcats lead at the half.
    Overall, Northwest has won 72 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 9-7 in one-score games. Northwest is 2-1 in one-score games this season with wins over 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 342 games as a ranked team in the AFCA Top 25. Northwest has posted a record of 294-48 as a ranked team.

SIMPLY THE BEST
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest yards allowed per game (268.1).
    Northwest has allowed the fewest total yards (2,681) in the MIAA this season.
    Northwest has limited the opposition to five rushing touchdowns - the fewest allowed in the MIAA.
    Northwest has posted a league-best 35 quarterback sacks.
    The Bearcats rank second in the league in kick return average (25.3 yards/return).

FEWEST RUSHING FIRST DOWNS ALLOWED IN NATION
The Bearcat rushing defense has been locked in this season. Northwest ranks No. 1 in the country in the fewest first downs allowed via rushing (32).
    Overall, Northwest has allowed the fewest first downs in the MIAA (146).
    Northwest is tied for No. 4 in the nation by allowing only five rushing touchdowns this season.

Div. II Fewest Rushing 1st Downs Allowed
1. Northwest Mo. St.    32
2. Indianapolis        33
3. Wingate        35
4. New Haven        36
    Grand Valley St.        36
6. Assumption        38
7. Ferris St.        39
8. California, Pa.        40
9. Bentley        41
10. Tiffin            43

Div. II Fewest Rushing Touchdowns Allowed
1. Bentley        3
2. Bemidji St.        4
    Indiana, Pa.        4
4. Northwest Mo. St.    5
    Indianapolis        5
    Grand Valley St.        5
    Northern St.        5
    Wingate        5
    Slippery Rock        5
    Shepherd        5
    Angelo St.        5
    Assumption        5
    Benedict        5

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. 1 in the nation in rush defense by allowing only 54.1 yards per game.

Div. II Rush Defense Leaders
1. Northwest Mo. St.    54.1
2. California, Pa.        55.6
3. Indianapolis        55.7
4. Grand Valley St.        59.9
5. Northern St.        66.2
6. Minnesota Duluth    71.3
7. Virginia Union        71.9
    Wingate        71.9
9. Slippery Rock        72.6
10. Ferris St.        72.7

MINIMAL RUNS ALLOWED
The Bearcats ranks No. 2 in the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed (541) and in fewest yards per carry (1.95).
    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        501
2. Northwest Missouri State    541
3. California, Pa.        556
4. Grand Valley St.        599
5. Ferris St.        654
6. Northern St.        662
7. Minnesota Duluth    713
8. Virginia Union        719
    Wingate        719
10. Slippery Rock        726

NO. 8 IN TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
The Bearcat defensive unit ranks tied for No. 8 in the nation in tackles-for-loss per game (8.7).

Div. II Team Tackles-For-Loss Per Game
1. Wingate        9.8
2. Chowan        9.5
3. Northern St.        9.4
4. Texas Permian Basin    9.2
5. Virginia Union        8.9
6. Slippery Rock        8.8
    Fayetteville St.        8.8
8. Northwest Mo. St.    8.7
9. Lane            8.6
    Allen            8.6

NO. 7 IN QUARTERBACK SACKS
The Bearcats rank tied for No. 7 in the nation in quarterback sacks per game (3.50).

Div. II Team QB Sacks Per Game
1. Colorado Mines        4.10
2. Chowan        3.80
    Northern St.        3.80
    Wingate        3.80
5. Minnesota Duluth    3.70
6. Ferris St.        3.67
7. Northwest Mo. St.    3.50
    Allen            3.50
    Chadron St.        3.50
    South Dakota Mines    3.50

NO. 14 IN TOTAL DEFENSE
The Bearcats rank No. 14 in the nation in total defense by allowing 268.4 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.
    Harris rushed for a season-high 83 yards and scored a touchdown against the Lions.
    Harris has rushed for a team-high five touchdowns – all five of which have come in the last three weeks. He scored once against Northeastern State, three times against Nebraska-Kearney and once against Missouri Southern.
    He has carried the ball 56 times for 269 yards (4.8 avg.). He is averaging 44.8 yards per contest.

COLE GETS HIS KICKS
Sophomore Cole Lammel has made 12-of-14 field goals this season to rank tied for No. 8 in the nation in field goal accuracy.
    Lammel ranks tied for No. 17 in the nation in field goals made per game (1.2).
    Lammel ranks tied for second overall (first among kickers) in the MIAA in scoring with 66 points. Lammel has tallied 115 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)        13-14
2. Ritse Vaes (Midwestern St.)    10-11
    Austin Wilkerson (Southern Ark.)    10-11
4. Brennan Schmitt (W. Va. St.)    9-10
    Brandon Gielow (Davenport)    9-10
6. Cameron Shirkey (Notre Dame)    15-17
7. Jesus Zizumbo (Arkansas Tech)    13-15
8. Cole Lammel (Northwest Mo. St.)    12-14
    Matt Greenwood (Wheeling)    12-14
10. Nick Hernandez (Sioux Falls)    11-13
    Alex Powders (Wayne St.)        11-13

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 (10) and tackles-for-loss (19.0).
    Green ranks No. 5 in the nation in tackles-for-loss per game (2.5). He is tied for No. 6 in the nation in quarterback sacks per game (1.25).
    His 10 sacks this season is tied for the eighth-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. Caleb Murphy (Ferris State)    2.8
2. Andrew Farmer (Lane)        2.8
3. Ian Marshall (Northern State)    2.4
6. Ben Straatmann (Missouri S&T)    1.9
5. Elijah Green (Northwest Mo. St.)    1.9
    Matt Feeney (Shippensburg)    1.9
    Jaylen McDuffie (Seton Hill)    1.9
8. John McMullen (Northern Mich.)    1.8
9. Jackson Taylor (West Chester)    1.8
10. Jeremiah Owens (Kentucky St.)    1.8

Div. II Indiv. Quarterback Sacks Per Game
1. Caleb Murphy (Ferris State)    1.83
2. Ian Marshall (Northern St.)    1.35
3. Zach Durfee (Sioux Falls)        1.15
4. Hunter O'Connor (Chadron St.)    1.10
5. D.J. Adediwura (Slippery Rock)    1.05
6. Elijah Green (Northwest Mo. St.)    1.00
    Loobert Denelus (Benedict)    1.00
    Cedric Dashiell II (Bentley)    1.00
    Jaylen McDuffie (Seton Hill)    1.00

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
7. Austen Eskew (2018)        10.5
8. Cass Weitl (2016)        10.0
    Elijah Green (2022)        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. Matt Longacre (2013)        20.5
5. Tony Floyd (1984)        20.0
6. Brandon Yost (2015)        19.5
7. Cass Weitl (2016)        19.0
    Elijah Green (2022)        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. 3-ranked punt returner in the nation at 18.5 yards per return.
    Griffin ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in kick return average (29.3) and punt return average (18.5).
    He ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (99.8).
    He ranks No. 21 in the nation in yards per reception (19.42).
    Griffin has tallied 234 kick return yards, 466 receiving yards and 203 punt return yards.
    He has touched the ball 44 times (24 receptions, 11 punt returns eight kick returns, one rush) and is averaging 20.41 yards per touch this year.

Div. II Punt Return Leaders
1. David Durden (West Florida)    20.2
2. Trey Vaval (Minnesota St.)    18.6
3. Kashan Griffin (Northwest Mo. St.)    18.5
4. Andrew Cook (CSU Pueblo)    18.2
5. Kwincy Hall (Bowie St.)        18.2
6. Ben Thomas (Truman St.)        17.7
7. Dante Bowlding (UNC Pembroke)    16.0
8. Chali Bland (Savannah St.)    15.5
    Jaedon Stoshak (Mo. Southern)    15.5
10. Kendall Norman (Benedict)    15.4

MOYA CAN DO MANY THINGS
Senior running back Jamar Moya leads the Bearcats in rushing (520 yards), receptions (51), total touchdowns (7) and touches (160).
    Moya ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (106.1). Moya ranks No. 8 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (58.3). He ranks tied for second 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 through the first 10 games.
    A team captain from Iowa City, Iowa, he has registered a team-best 59 total tackles. He has added 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.0 quarterback sacks.

MIKEY IS OH SO ACCURATE
Quarterback Mike Hohensee ranks No. 6 in the nation in passing completion percentage at 67.6% this season.
    Hohensee has completed 133-of-194 passes. He ranks No. 26 in the nation (third in the MIAA) in passing efficiency (148.7).
    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) last season.
    In his career, Hohensee is completing 71.5% of his passes (293-of-410) for 3,827 yards and 38 touchdowns. He possesses a career passing efficiency mark of 172.16

Div. II Indiv. Completion Percentage
1. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)        .727
2. John Matocha (Colo. Mines)    .711
3. Turner Pullen (McKendree)    .707
4. Cooper Callis (Southwest Baptist)    .693
5. Braden Gleason (Emporia St.)    .691
6. Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.)    .686
7. Cedric Case (Central Missouri)    .669
8. Jack Strand (MSU Moorhead)    .668
9. Daulton Hatley (SE Okla. St.)    .659
10. Patrick Shegog (Delta St.)    .656

RARE AIR FOR BRADEN
Senior quarterback Braden Wright is one of 16 NCAA Div. II players, and the only MIAA player, to have passed for at least 4,000 yards and to have rushed for at least 1,000 yards.
    He has tallied 8,250 yards of total offense in his Bearcat career, which ranks No. 4 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)    9,076    1,286
2. Ivory Durham (Valdosta St.)    6,614    2,298
3. Nick Gerber (W. Texas A&M)    7,245    1,096
4. T.J. Davis (Neb.-Kearney)    4,747    3,555
5. Braden Wright (NW Mo. St.)    6,824    1,426
6. Kenny Hrncir (East Central)    6,578    1,291
7. Austin Brenner (Ashland)    6,146    1,450
8. Patrick Shegog (Delta St.)    6,002    1,535
9. Dre Harris (Newberry)    6,011    1,412
10. Demilon Brown (Ark.-Mont.)    4,796    2,200
11. Jake Cirillo (E. Stroudsburg)    5,799    1,104
12. Ivan Corbin (Car.-New.)    5,703    1,166
13. Carlton Aiken (Pace)    5,012    1,763
14. Jayden Johannsen (SD Mines)    5,426    1,147
15. Donovan Riddick (WVSt.)    5,342    1,023
16. Cade Peterson (GVSU)    4,598    1,119

Northwest's Career Total Offense Yards
1. Brady Bolles (2012-15)                      9,296
2. Blake Bolles (2007-10)                       9,254
3. Trevor Adams (2013-16)              8,260
4. Braden Wright (2018-pr.)           8,250
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 tied No. 9 on the NCAA Division II career list for touchdowns responsible for with 84.

Touchdowns Responsible For (Div. II)
1. Tyson Bagen (Shepherd)        161
2. Chris Brimm (Notre Dame, Ohio)    119
3. John Matocha (Colo. Mines)    117
4. Turner Pullen (McKendree)    100
5. T.J. Davis (Nebraska-Kearney)    99
6. Ivory Durham (Valdosta St.)    96
7. Shaw Crocker (Wingate)        92
8. Noah Mitchell (California, Pa.)    90
9. Braden Wright (Northwest Mo. St.)    86
    Brandon Alt (Bemidji St.)        86

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 27 career touchdowns, which ranks tied for No. 10 all-time at Northwest.
    Wright is five 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
10. Billy Creason (2009-13)        27
    Braden Wright (2018-pres.)    27

WRIGHT REACHES 50 CAREER VICTORIES
Bearcat head coach Rich Wright became only the fourth Northwest head coach to reach 50 wins with a 27-5 victory over Missouri Southern.
    Wright joins Mel Tjeerdsma (183), Ryland Milner (91) and Adam Dorrel (76) as the only football coaches in Bearcat history with 50 victories.

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

Active MIAA Home Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 18
Pittsburg State – 5
Central Missouri – 4
Emporia State – 2
Fort Hays State – 2

Active NCAA Home Win Streaks
Clemson (FBS) – 38
Cincinnati (FBS) – 31
Oregon (FBS) – 23
Linfield (III) – 23
Alabama (FBS) – 18
Northwest Mo. St. (II) – 18
Montana State (FCS) – 17
North Central, Ill. (III) – 17
Georgia (FBS) – 17
Wartburg (III) – 17
North Carolina State (FBS) – 16
Notre Dame, Ohio (II) – 16
Aurora (III) – 16
Florida A&M (FCS) – 15
Mary Hardin Baylor (III) – 15
Ole Miss (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.

HARRIS GETS FIRST CAREER TD
Freshman running back Jay Harris scored his first collegiate touchdown on a three-yard score in the first quarter of Northwest's 36-3 homecoming win over Northeastern State.

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.

FOR OPENERS
The Bearcats have won 11 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 11 Season-Opening Contests
9/1/22        W, 33-19 vs. Fort Hays State
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

NORTHWEST HAS DOMINATED D-II FOOTBALL SINCE 1990S
Since the start of the 1990 season, Northwest has accumulated 325 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.    325-90-1
2. Grand Valley State    317-74-2
3. Pittsburg State    298-85
4. Indiana, Pa.        278-87
5. Valdosta State        274-98

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 623-408-33.
    
NCAA Division II All-Time Wins
1. Pittsburg State    736
2. Tuskegee    707
3. Hillsdale    655
4. Central Oklahoma    650
5. Carson-Newman    649
6. West Chester    648
7. Northwest Mo. St.    624
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID

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.
    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.    28
Pittsburg St.    25
Indiana (Pa.)    22
Carson-Newman    20
Ferris State    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
Ferris State     20-11     .645
North Alabama     35-18     .660
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)

MIAA CHAMPS
Northwest earned a share of the program's 31st MIAA regular season title in the 2021 season.
    The Bearcats have claimed seven of the last eight MIAA crowns.
    It was the third MIAA title for head coach Rich Wright.

PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE
Northwest extended a pair of Division II playoff standards by earning a bid into the 2021 playoffs.
    Northwest earned its 25th overall appearance in the Div. II playoffs.
    The Bearcats extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 17 in a row.

Most Div. II Playoff Appearances
Northwest Missouri    25
North Alabama    21
Grand Valley State    20
Indiana (Pa.)    19
Pittsburg State    18
UC Davis    18
Valdosta State    18

Consecutive Div. II Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    17 (2004-pres.)
Grand Valley State    10 (2001-2010)
Pittsburg State    9    (1989-1997)
Albany State    8    (2004-2011)
Ferris State    7     (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

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.