Game No. 5 - Missouri Western (2-2) at No. 12 Northwest Missouri State (3-1)
Saturday, Oct. 1 | 1:30 p.m. (CT) | Maryville, Mo. | Bearcat Stadium (6,500)

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

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

THIS WEEK'S MATCHUP
The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football team will look to bounce back at home against the Missouri Western State University Griffons. Northwest and Missouri Western will meet Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest holds a 29-13 lead in the all-time series vs. Missouri Western.
    The Bearcats have owned the Griffons having won eight straight matchups in the series. Northwest has won 17 of the last 19 games between the two schools.
    Over the last eight meetings, Northwest is averaging 32.8 points and has an average victory margin of 25.9 points per game.
    Missouri Western's only win at Maryville in the last 18 years came on Nov. 10, 2012, when the Griffons scored a 21-20 victory.

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 45-11 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.
    Williamson enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Griffons after being named the sixth head coach in program history in December of 2016. This is his third stint at his alma mater, as he was a GA after graduating from MWSU and was also a coordinator from 2000-06. Williamson is 28-22 overall and 26-22 in the MIAA.

HOME WIN STREAK = 14
Northwest moved its home win streak at Bearcat Stadium to 14 in a row with a 24-7 triumph over Central Missouri.
    The 14-game home win streak ranks as the longest active streak among NCAA Div. II programs.
    The school record for consecutive home wins is 22 - set on two previous occasions. The first set of 22 straight home wins came from Sept. 5, 1998 to Nov. 18, 2000. The other 22-game home win streak came from Nov. 1, 2014 through Oct. 21, 2017.

Active Div. II Home Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 14
Notre Dame (Ohio) – 13
Ferris State – 10
California (Pa.) – 10
Angelo State – 8
Shepherd – 8

Active MIAA Home Win Streaks
Northwest Mo. St. – 14
Pittsburg State – 2
Central Oklahoma – 2

Active NCAA Home Win Streaks
Clemson (FBS) – 36
Cincinnati (FBS) – 29
Oregon (FBS) – 21
Linfield (III) – 20
Alabama (FBS) – 16
Miami, Ohio (FBS) – 15
Georgia (FBS) – 14
Montana State (FCS) – 14
Northwest Mo. St. (II) – 14
North Central, Ill. (III) – 14
Wartburg (III) – 14
North Carolina State (FBS) – 13
Aurura (III) – 13
DePauw (III) – 13
Hobart (III) – 13
Mary Hardin Baylor (III) – 13
Wisconsin-LaCrosse (III) – 13

BEARCAT STADIUM DOMINANCE
Since the 2001 season, Northwest football has gone 116-10 in Bearcat Stadium.
    Six of the 10 losses have come against MIAA opponents - Fort Hays State in 2017, 2018; Pittsburg State in 2014; Missouri Western in 2012; Washburn in 2005 and Central Missouri in 2003.
    The four non-conference losses came against Northern Colorado (2002 playoffs), Nebraska-Omaha (2007 season opener), Abilene Christian (2008 season opener) and Texas A&M-Kingsville (2012 season opener).

AVOIDING TWO STRAIGHT Ls
Northwest will be looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time since the 2017 season.
    Northwest last dropped two straight MIAA games on Oct. 28, 2017 at Pittsburg State and then lost the following week at home on Nov. 5, 2017, against Fort Hays State.
    Prior to those losses to PSU and FHSU in 2017, Northwest had not lost consecutive MIAA games since a three-game skid in 2001 against Truman State, Central Missouri and Missouri Western.

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 tied for No. 6 on the sack chart and is No. 10 in tackles-for-loss.
    Howard tallied three tackles-for-loss in a 23-14 loss at Central Oklahoma.
    Howard registered three sacks against Fort Hays State to give him 21.0 career sacks.

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. Ryan Waters (2003-06)        24.0
5. Erik Petersen (1988-91)        21.5
6. Matt Uhde (1992-96)        21.0
    Dave Tollefson (2004-05)        21.0
    Zach Howard (2018-pres.)    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
8. Aaron Becker (1996-2000)    41.0
9. Ryan Waters (2003-06)        38.5
10. Zach Howard (2018-pres.)    36.0

GREEN MACHINE
Senior defensive lineman Elijah Green leads the MIAA and ranks tied for No. 7 in the nation in tackles-for-loss. Green is averaging 2.2 tackles-for-loss per game. Green has totaled nine TFLs this season.

Div. II Indiv. Tackles-For-Loss Per Game
1. Andrew Farmer (Lane)        4.4
2. Caleb Murphy (Ferris State)    4.2
3. Ian Marshall (Northern State)    2.9
    Ben Straatmann (Missouri S&T)    2.9
5. DJ Horne (Wingate)        2.7
6. Marquise Fleming (Wingate)    2.5
7. Elijah Green (Northwest Mo. St.)    2.2
    Matt Feeney (Shippensburg)    2.2
9. Mike White (Central State)    2.2
    Jeffrey Johnson (Lane)        2.2

MOYA CAN DO MANY THINGS
Senior running back Jamar Moya leads the Bearcats in rushing (274 yards), receptions (21), all-purpose yards (426) and touches (74).
    Moya ranks No. 6 in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (67.3). He is second in the league with 21 pass receptions. He ranks No. 5 in the MIAA in all-purpose yards per game (106.5.).
    Moya ranks second on the Bearcats in scoring with 24 points.

GRIFFIN IS AN ALL-PURPOSE TYPE OF PLAYER
Junior transfer Kashan Griffin is averaging a team-best 115.3 all-purpose yards per game this season.
    Griffin ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in kick return average (28.0).
    Griffin has tallied 196 kick return yards, 86 receiving yards and 64 punt return yards. He is averaging 28.0 yards per kick return. He is averaging 12.8 yards per punt return. He has caught five passes and is averaging 17.2 yards per catch.

TREVON IS A TOP TARGET
Junior wide receiver Trevon Alexander leads the Bearcats in receiving yards (283) and receiving touchdowns (3).
    Alexander has caught at least three passes in each game this season, including a season-high six grabs against Central Oklahoma.
    He has scored a receiving touchdown in three of the four games this season.

ISAAC EYES TACKLES
Junior linebacker Isaac Vollstedt is Northwest's top tackler through the first four games.
    A team captain from Iowa City, Iowa, he has registered a team-best 22 total tackles. He has added 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks.

RHETT GOES SOLO
Sophomore safety Rhett Jordon has tallied a team-best 17 solo tackles through the first four contests.
    The Waverly, Neb., native has also broken up three passes.

COLE CONNECTS
Sophomore Cole Lammel is a perfect 4-of-4 in field goal attempts this season.
    Lammel is one of nine NCAA Div. II kickers to have made all of his field goal attempts this season (minimum of 1.0 made per game).
    Lammel had made field goals from 21, 22, 37 and 46 this season.
    He leads the Bearcats and the MIAA in scoring with 27 points. Lammel has tallied 76 points in two seasons as Northwest's primary kicker.
    He was named the MIAA's Special Teams Player of the Week for his play vs. Fort Hays State.

MIKEY IS OH SO ACCURATE
Quarterback Mike Hohensee ranks No. 8 in the nation in passing percentage at 68.1% this season.
    Hohensee has completed 64-of-94 passes. He ranks No. 39 in the nation in passing efficiency (142.9).
    Hohensee collected his first career 300-yard passing game against Lincoln. Hohensee shredded the Blue Tigers by going 21-of-24 passing for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
    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 72.3% of his passes (224-of-310) for 3,041 yards and 31 touchdowns. He possesses a career passing efficiency mark of 177.98.

Div. II Indiv. Completion Percentage
1. Turner Pullen (McKendree)    .745
2. Mak Sexton (Indiana, Pa.)        .730
3. John Matocha (Colo. Mines)    .712
4. Aidan Willard (Black Hills State)    .709
5. Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)        .701
6. Jason Whittaker (Davenport)    .686
7. Jacob Cavazos (Texas A&M-King.)    .682
8. Mike Hohensee (Northwest Mo. St.)    .681
9. Andrew Edwards (Henderson St.0    .671
10. Drake Davis (Northern Michigan)    .663

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 140 total rushing yards (35.0 yards per game) this season.

Div. II Rush Defense Leaders
1. Northwest Mo. St.    35.0
2. Saginaw Valley State    42.2
3. Wingate        46.8
4. Augustana        48.5
5. Newberry        50.2
6. Ferris State        50.7
7. California, Pa.        55.0
8. Shepherd        55.5
9. UIndy            56.3
10. Wheeling        61.0

MINIMAL RUNS ALLOWED
The Bearcats lead the nation in fewest rushing yards allowed at 140 this season. Northwest is allowing 1.27 yards per rush.
    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 12 opponents to 20 rushing yards or less in a game.

20 Rushing Yds Allowed (or less) Since 2017
-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. Northwest Missouri State    140
2. Ferris State        152
3. Saginaw Valley State    169
    UIndy            169
5. Wingate        187
6. Augustana        194
7. Newberry        201
8. California, Pa.        220
9. Shepherd        222
10. Wheeling        244
     Indiana, Pa.        244

NO. 6 IN TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
The Bearcat defensive unit ranks No. 6 in the nation in tackles-for-loss per game (10.2).

Div. II Team Tackles-For-Loss Per Game
1. Wingate        13.1
2. New Mexico Highlands    12.0
3. Lane            11.5
4. Ferris State        11.0
5. Texas Permian Basin    10.5
6. Northwest Missouri State    10.2
7. Slippery Rock        9.8
    Virginia Union        9.8
    West Alabama        9.8
10. Fayetteville State    9.5

NO. 8 IN QUARTERBACK SACKS
The Bearcat ranks No. 8 in the nation in quarterback sacks per game (4.0).
Div. II Team QB Sacks Per Game
1. Wingate        5.75
2. Ferris State        5.00
3. Mars Hill        4.67
4. Henderson State    4.25
    Newberry        4.25
    Virginia Union        4.25
    Western New Mexico    4.25
8. Northwest Missouri State    4.00
    Angelo State        4.00
10. California, Pa.        3.75
    Sioux Falls        3.75
    Southwestern Oklahoma    3.75

NO. 12 IN TOTAL DEFENSE
The Bearcats rank No. 12 in the nation in total defense by allowing 237.5 yards per game through four games.

NO. 34 IN TOTAL OFFENSE
Northwest ranks No. 34 in the nation in total offense per game by averaging 425.8 yards per contest.
    Northwest put up 670 yards of total offense against Lincoln, which ranks as the No. 2 offensive output in NCAA Div. II football this season. Valdosta State put up 700 yards of total offense vs. Miles on Saturday.

AMONG THE MIAA LEADERS
Northwest's defense has allowed eight touchdowns - the second fewest in the MIAA. Northwest ranks No. 4 in the league in scoring defense (17.3 ppg).
    Northwest ranks second in the league in scoring with 129 total points (32.3 ppg).
    The Bearcats rank tied for second in the MIAA in touchdowns scored (17).
    Northwest's four field goals ranks tied for second in the league, trailing only FHSU's six field goals.

SIMPLY THE BEST
Northwest ranks No. 1 in the MIAA in fewest yards allowed per game (237.5).
    Northwest has allowed 950 total yards through four games.
    Northwest has limited the opposition to two rushing touchdowns - the fewest allowed in the MIAA.
    The Bearcats has given up a league-low 54 first downs through four games. Northwest has allowed only 13 rushing first downs this season.
    The Bearcats lead the league in kick return average (26.2 yards/return).
    Northwest has posted a league-best 16 quarterback sacks. Missouri Southern ranks No. 2 with 10 sacks this season.

ALLOWING 19 POINTS OR LESS
Northwest has produced a mark of 35-3 when limiting the opposition to 19 points or less under head coach Rich Wright.

HALFTIME LEADS ARE SECURE
Northwest is a perfect 41-0 under head coach Rich Wright when the Bearcats lead at the half.
    Overall, Northwest has won 69 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 7-6 in one-score games.

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 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.

ALEXANDER, STURDY SURPASS 100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES
Junior wide receivers Trevon Alexander and Keegan Sturgy each surpassed 100-yard mark in receiving yards in a 58-20 win at Lincoln.
    It was the first 100-yard receiving games for each player.
    Alexander caught five passes for 126 yards, including a 35-yarder fro a touchdown.
    Sturdy nabbed a team-best seven catches for 137 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown toss from Mike Hohensee.

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.

RARE AIR FOR BRADEN
Senior quarterback Braden Wright is one of nine 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 7,618 yards of total offense in his Bearcat career, which ranks No. 5 on the school's all-time chart.
    Wright ranks No. 5 on Northwest's all-time passing list with 6,251 yards.
    
NCAA Div. II 4,000 Passing/1,000 Rushing
Rk. Name            Passing    Rushing
1. John Matocha (Colo. Mines)    7,015    1,153
2. Braden Wright (NW Mo. St.)    6,251    1,367
3. Ivory Durham (Valdosta St.)    5,214    1,969
4. Dre Harris (Newberry)    5,488    1,353
5. Carlton Aiken (Pace)    4,805    1,524
6. Austin Brenner (Ashland)    5,018    1,267
7. Kenny Hrncir (East Central)    5,143    1,090
8. Demilon Brown (Ark.-Mont.)    4,206    1,988
9. Patrick Shegog (Delta St.)    4,526    1,086

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. Josh Lamberson (2002-05)                 8,064
5. Braden Wright (2018-pr.)           7,618
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.)    6,251
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. 4 on the NCAA Division II career list for touchdowns responsible for with 84.

Touchdowns Responsible For (Div. II)
1. Tyson Bagen (Shepherd)        139
2. Chris Brimm (Notre Dame, Ohio)    105
3. John Matocha (Colo. Mines)    96
4. Braden Wright (Northwest Mo. St.)    84
5. T.J. Davis (Nebraska-Kearney)    83
6. Turner Pullen (McKendree)    82
7. Noah Mitchell (California, Pa.)    81
8. Ivory Durham (Valdosta State)    79
    Shaw Crooker (Wingate)        76
10. Brandon Alt (Bemidji State)    69

WRIGHT CRACKS TOP-10 LIST FOR COMPLETIONS
Senior quarterback Braden Wright has completed 465 passes in his Bearcat career, which ranks as the eighth-best total 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. Chris Griesen (1995-98)        500
6. John McMenamin (1999-02)    488
7. Greg Teale (1993-96)        467
8. Braden Wright (2018-pres.)    465
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
6. Travis Miles (1997-00)        54
8. Greg Teale (1993-96)        52
9. John McMenamin (1999-02)    48
10. Brian Quinn (1980-84)        45

BRADEN NEARING BEARCAT RUSHING TOUCHDOWN LIST
Senior quarterback Braden Wright has rushed for 25 career touchdowns. He needs two more touchdowns to crack to the top-10 list for Bearcat career rushing scores.
    Wright is seven 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

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.

600+ BEARCAT VICTORIES
Northwest and Central Oklahoma are two of seven NCAA Division II schools to have reached 600 or more victories.
    Northwest has compiled an all-time record of 619-406-33.
    
NCAA Division II Football Wins
1. Pittsburg State    730
2. Tuskegee    701
3. Hillsdale    653
4. Central Oklahoma    647
5. Carson-Newman    645
    West Chester    645
7. Northwest Mo. St.    619
source: NCAA Football Record Book/Each Institution's SID

TWO IN THE NFL
Northwest Missouri State football is represented by a pair of players in the National Football League.
    Sam Roberts, a sixth-round draft pick in 2022, is a member of the New England Patriots' 53-man roster.
    Free agent Tanner Owen is a member of the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster.

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 320 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.    320-89-1
2. Grand Valley State    311-74-2
3. Pittsburg State    292-85
4. Valdosta State    273-93
    Indiana, Pa.        273-86

NORTHWEST'S MARK AS A RANKED TEAM
Northwest has played 336 games as a ranked team in the AFCA Top 25. Northwest has posted a record of 289-47 as a ranked team.
    Northwest is 46-8 when ranked No. 2 the nation.
    The Bearcats are 4-0 when ranked No. 12 in the country.

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).

26 STRAIGHT WINNING YEARS
The Northwest football program has produced a winning season in each of the last 26 seasons.
    The 26 consecutive winning seasons ranks as the fourth-longest active streak among all NCAA schools.
    Northwest's run of 26 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.)    65    1956
2. Mount Union    42    1979
3. Wartburg    28    1993
4. Northwest    26    1994
5. Hobart    24    1997
6. Mary Hardin Baylor    22    2000
    LSU        22    1999
    Oklahoma    22    1999

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.

SIX GRADUATES TAKE THE FIELD THIS YEAR FOR 'CATS
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame today released a list of 3,052 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing college football this fall while pursuing second diplomas. This season marks the fourth year the NFF has compiled the list of graduated players.
    Northwest will have six student-athletes suiting up this season who have already claimed their undergraduate degrees.

Graduates Playing at Northwest
Walker Graves
Woobendy Guerrier (Akron)
Tyler Miller
Sam Phillips
Isaac Vollstedt
Braden Wright

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.