Game No. 8 - Central Missouri (3-3/1-3 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (4-3/4-2 MIAA)
Saturday, Oct. 19 | 2 p.m. (CT) | Maryville, Mo. | Bearcat Stadium (6,500)

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Radio Play-by-Play: John Coffey
Radio Analyst: Matt Tritten
Radio Sideline: Jackson Phelps

THIS WEEK'S MATCHUP
The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat football squad (4-3 overall, 4-2 MIAA) will celebrate its annual Homecoming weekend by playing host to the University of Central Missouri Mules (3-3 overall, 1-3 MIAA). Kick is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Stadium.

ALL-TIME SERIES
Northwest owns a 63-36-2 record against Central Missouri.
    UCM won 41-38 last season in Warrensburg, Mo., to snap a nine-game losing streak in the series.
    Northwest has won 25 of the last 28 matchups in the series, including 18 of the last 20.
    Northwest has won eight in a row at home against UCM. The Mules's only win at Bearcat Stadium since 1994 came on Sept. 20, 2003 when UCM scored a 52-24 victory.

HOMECOMING HISTORY
Northwest has won 25 of its last 28 Homecoming games dating back to the 1995 season.

HOMECOMING RESULTS
(since 1946)
1946 – W, 7-0 Missouri State
1947 – T, 0-0 Southeast Missouri St.
1948 – W, 13-12 Truman State
1949 – W, 41-14 Southeast Missouri St.
1951 – W, 7-0 Southeast Missouri St.
1952 – W, 28-27 Truman State
1953 – W, 27-7 Central Missouri
1954 – W, 20-6 Missouri State
1955 – W, 11-6 Missouri S&T
1956 – W, 13-7 William Jewell
1957 – W, 20-6 Central Missouri
1958 – L, 28-6 Central Missouri
1959 – W, 14-12 Missouri State
1960 – L, 26-20 Truman State
1961 – L, 34-7 Missouri State
1962 – L, 13-0 Central Missouri
1963 – W, 22-14 Missouri S&T
1964 – L, 20-8 Truman State
1965 – W, 40-12 Missouri S&T
1966 – W, 21-14 Central Missouri
1967 – L, 7-6 Missouri State
1968 – L, 28-7 Central Missouri
1969 – W, 28-16 Missouri State
1970 – L, 34-29 Southeast Missouri St.
1971 – L, 16-3 Truman State
1972 – W, 22-13 Southeast Missouri St.
1973 – W, 7-6 Truman State
1974 – L, 29-24 Missouri State
1975 – W, 30-7 Central Missouri
1976 – L, 17-12 Southeast Missouri St.
1977 – W, 27-12 Central Missouri
1978 – L, 27-22 Missouri State
1979 – W, 13-9 Truman State
1980 – L, 41-3 Missouri S&T
1981 – L, 52-0 Truman State
1982 – L, 24-21 Missouri S&T
1983 – L, 27-21 Truman State
1984 – W, 30-28 Southeast Missouri St.
1985 – W, 18-10 Central Missouri
1986 – L, 13-3 Missouri S&T
1987 – L, 23-0 Truman State
1988 – L, 65-42 West Texas A&M
1989 – W, 7-3 Missouri S&T
1990 – L, 14-0 Washburn
1991 – L, 37-28 Truman State
1992 – L, 10-7 Central Missouri
1993 – L, 21-17 Southwest Baptist
1994 – L, 20-15 Missouri S&T
1995 – W, 41-33 Missouri Southern
1996 – W, 31-24 Missouri Western
1997 – W, 59-3 Southwest Baptist
1998 – W, 49-9 Missouri S&T
1999 – W, 52-13 Missouri Southern
2000 – W, 62-7 Emporia State
2001 – L, 24-23 Truman State
2002 – W, 47-3 Missouri Southern
2003 – W, 47-14 Missouri Southern
2004 – W, 59-28 Emporia State
2005 – W, 31-21 Central Missouri
2006 – W, 59-0 Fort Hays State
2007 – W, 28-27 Washburn
2008 – W, 56-7 Fort Hays State
2009 – W, 22-19 Washburn
2010 – W, 45-27 Fort Hays State
2011 – W, 52-28 Washburn
2012 – W, 55-10 Emporia State
2013 – W, 43-7 Missouri Southern
2014 – L, 35-17 Pittsburg State
2015 – W, 45-24 Fort Hays State
2016 – W, 69-10 Pittsburg State
2017 – W, 19-0 Lindenwood
2018 – W, 27-13 Nebraska-Kearney
2019 – W, 56-9 Lincoln
2021 – W, 66-13 Nebraska-Kearney
2022 – W, 36-3 Northeastern State
2023 – L, 28-7 Pittsburg State

BEARCAT STADIUM DOMINANCE
Since the 2001 season, Northwest football has gone 125-13 in Bearcat Stadium.
    Eight of the 13 losses have come against MIAA opponents - Emporia State in 2023; Fort Hays State in 2017, 2018; Pittsburg State in 2014, 2023; Missouri Western in 2012; Washburn in 2005 and Central Missouri in 2003.
    The five non-conference losses came against Northern Colorado (2002 playoffs), Nebraska-Omaha (2007 season opener), Abilene Christian (2008 season opener), Texas A&M-Kingsville (2010 season opener) and Minnesota State (2024 season opener).

EXPECT SOME POINTS
Central Missouri ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in scoring at 36.7 points per game and Northwest ranks No. 3 in the league at 30.3 points per game.

BEARCATS POSSESS 2ND-RANKED DEFENSE IN MIAA
Northwest's defense ranks No. 2 in the MIAA by allowing 302.7 total yards per game.
    Pittsburg State ranks first in the MIAA in total defense by allowing 299.5 yards per game.

NORTHWEST PASS DEFENSE RANKS SECOND IN MIAA
Northwest's pass defense ranks second in the MIAA and No. 32 in the nation in pass efficiency defense (109.68).
    The Bearcats have intercepted eight passes and have given up 10 touchdown passes.

FEWEST PASSING YARDS
ALLOWED IN MIAA
The Bearcat defense ranks No. 2 in the MIAA in fewest passing yards allowed per game (221.7).

Opponent        Passing Yds.
Minnesota State    209
Nebraska-Kearney    141
Fort Hays State        213
Missouri Southern    104
Emporia State        161
Washburn        273
Central Oklahoma    451

BLOCKED KICKS
Northwest is tied for No. 18 in the nation in blocked kicks with three this season.
    Langden Kitchen is tied the nation's lead with two blocked kicks and Shane Fredrickson has Northwest's other blocked kick.

RED ZONE DEFENSE IS KEY
Northwest ranks No. 20 in the nation, and tied for No. 3 in the MIAA, in red zone defense. Northwest has allowed 66.7% of its red zone scores on defense.
    Opponents have made 24 trips to the red zone against the Bearcats and converted 16 scores (11 rushing TDs, 3 passing TDs, 2 FG).

THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY
Northwest ranks No. 2 in the MIAA and No. 13 in the nation in third-down conversion percentage.
    The Bearcats have converted 48.5% of their third-down chances this season. Northwest is 50-of-103 on third downs.
    In its four wins this season Northwest is 33-of-60 (55.0%) on third downs. Northwest went 10-of-16 on third downs vs. Fort Hays State, 12-of-16 at Missouri Southern, 6-of-15 vs. Emporia State and 5-of-13 at Washburn.

BEARCAT POSSESS EYE-
POPPING PASSING NUMBERS
Northwest ranks No. 4 in the MIAA and No. 11 in the nation in passing offense at 289.9 yards per game.
    In terms of total passing yards, Northwest ranks No. 6 in the nation and No. 3 in the MIAA with 1,955 yards through the air.

NCAA Div. II Passing Yards
1. Central Missouri            2,551
2. CSU Pueblo            2,418
3. Emporia State            2,303
4. Central Oklahoma        2,162
5. MSU Moorhead            2,068
6. Northwest Mo. St.        2,029
7. Limestone            1,985
8. Clark Atlanta            1,855
9. Fort Hays State            1,791
10. Findlay            1,776

THAT'S THREE 300-YARD GAMES FOR RUHNKE
Junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke put up his third 300-yard passing game this season with a 310-yard output at No. 13-ranked Central Oklahoma.
    Ruhnke's performance against the Bronchos marked the 72nd time in program history the Bearcats had a 300-yard passer.

Ruhnke's 300-Yard Games in 2024
311, at Nebraska-Kearney (25-of-38)
331, at Missouri Southern (26-of-33)
310, at No. 13 Central Oklahoma (25-of-48)

RUHNKE WORKS HIS WAY ONTO NATIONAL SCENE
Junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke is among the national and MIAA leaders in a handful of statistical categories through the seven weeks.
    
Ruhnke in NCAA, MIAA Rankings
Stat (Ruhnke's total)    Nat'l    MIAA
Passing Yards (1,955)    4th    3rd
Completions/Game (22.9)    10th    4th
Total Offense (278.6)    13th    4th
Passing Touchdowns (13)    21st    3rd
Completion % (.648)    27th    4th
Pts. Responsible For (90)    29th    4th
Passing Efficiency (147.2)    52nd    4th

RUHNKE RANKS FOURTH IN THE NATION IN PASS YARDS
Chris Ruhnke ranks No. 4 in the nation and No. 3 in the MIAA with 1,956 passing yards.
    Ruhnke is 160-of-247 passing (64.8%) and 13 touchdowns through seven contests. He is averaging 279.4 yards per game.
    For his career, Ruhnke is 181-of-291 passing for 2,255 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has a career passing efficiency rating of 134.44.

NCAA Div. II Passing Yardage Leaders
1. Zach Zebrowski (Central Missouri)    2,540
2. Jack Strand (MSU Moorhead)    2,048
3. Jett Huff (Central Oklahoma)    2,042
4. Chris Ruhnke (Northwest Mo. St.)    1,956
5. Dustin Noller (Limestone)        1,916
6. David Wright III (Clark Atlanta)    1,845
7. Brett Pullman (Bentley)        1,761
8. Jackson Ostrowsky (Lock Haven)    1,717
9. Jake Martinelli (South Dakota Mines)    1,700
10. Devin Larsen (CSU Pueblo)    1,674

SPREADING IT AROUND
Bearcat quarterback Chris Ruhnke has thrown 13 touchdown passes to eight different receivers in 2024.
    Ruhnke has thrown at least one touchdown pass in every game.

Ruhnke TD Passes
Andrew Bradley - 43 yards vs. Minn. St.
Luke Mathews - 80 yards vs. Minn. St.
Tank Young - 13 yards vs. Minn. St.
Eric Richardson - 10 yards at Neb.-Kearney
Zach Atkins - 23 yards at Neb.-Kearney
Jadon Brady - 5 yards vs. Fort Hays St.
Wentric Williams III - 2 yards vs. Fort Hays St.
Eric Richardson - 68 yards at Mo. Southern
John Giagiari - 8 yards at Mo. Southern
Zach Atkins - 5 yards at Mo. Southern
Luke Mathews - 29 yards vs. Emporia State
Andrew Bradley - 8 yards at Washburn
Eric Richardson - 46 yards at Central Okla.

MATHEWS IS THE TOP TARGET
Junior wide receiver Luke Mathews ranks No. 5 in the MIAA in receiving yards per game (80.0).
    Mathews has caught 28 passes for 560 yards in 2024. In his previous three seasons, Mathews had caught one pass for one yard.
    Mathews had a five-catch, 140-yard game vs. Minnesota State for his first career 100-yard receiving game.

Career 100-yard Receiving Games
Luke Mathews - 1
Tank Young - 1

FISHER RACKS UP SACKS, TFLS
Senior defensive lineman Jake Fisher has posted 29.5 career tackles-for-loss and 15.5 career quarterback sacks.
    Fisher ranks No. 9 among active NCAA Div. II leaders in tackles-for-loss yards lost with 169.

FREDRICKSON STOPS 'EM
Junior safety Shane Fredrickson gained his fifth career interception and returned it 55 yards for his first collegiate pick-six against Missouri Southern.
    Fredrickson is Northwest's active career leader in interceptions (5) and total tackles (160)
    Fredrickson leads the Bearcats this season with 50 total tackles.

EDWARDS PILING UP STOPS
Junior linebacker Carter Edwards leads the team in tackles-for-loss (6.5). He ranks second on the team in tackles (46).
    Edwards has also tallied two quarterback sacks and two interceptions.

12-12 VS RANKED OPPONENTS SINCE 2017
Northwest has produced a record of 12-12 against opponents since head coach Rich Wright took over the Bearcat program in 2017.
    Northwest is 2-2 vs. ranked opponents this season with wins over No. 11 Emporia State and No. 25 Fort Hays State.

Results vs. Ranked Foes (Since 2017)
10/12/24    L, 48-20 at No. 13 Central Oklahoma
9/28/24    W, 14-9 vs. No. 11 Emporia State
9/14/24    W, 32-20 vs. No. 25 Fort Hays State
8/29/24    L, 36-22 vs. No. 13 Minnesota State
10/21/23    L, 28-7 vs. No. 2 Pittsburg State
9/30/23    L, 41-38 at No. 21 Central Missouri
9/7/23        L, 33-13 vs. No. 18 Emporia State
11/26/22    L, 13-8 at No. 1 Grand Valley State
11/19/22    W, 47-17 at No. 3 Ouachita Baptist
11/12/22    W, 27-21 at No. 22 Emporia State
10/8/22    L, 24-22 at No. 7 Pittsburg State
12/4/21    L, 41-20 at No. 1 Ferris State
11/27/21    W, 28-9 at No. 7 Harding
10/30/21    W, 66-13 vs. No. 17 Neb.-Kearney
12/7/19    L, 25-3 at No. 2 Ferris State
11/23/19    W, 7-6 vs. No. 12 Harding
11/16/19    W, 45-23 vs. No. 10 Central Missouri
10/12/19    W, 38-17 vs. No. 15 Pittsburg State
11/24/18    L, 27-21 at No. 2 Ferris State
11/17/18    W, 42-17 at No. 7 Grand Valley State
10/6/18    W, 31-7 at No. 8 Pittsburg State
11/26/17    L, 21-18 at No. 9 Ashland
11/5/17    L, 13-12 vs. No. 6 Fort Hays State
8/31/17    W, 34-0 vs. No. 4 Emporia State

ONE-SCORE GAMES
Under head coach Rich Wright, Northwest has produced a mark of 13-9 in one-score games.
    Northwest is 1-1 in one-score games this season with a win over Emporia State (W, 14-9) and a loss at Nebraska-Kearney (L, 21-14).

61 TIMES OF 50 OR MORE
Northwest has scored 50 or more points in a game 61 times in the history of the program.
    Northwest has scored 50 or more points 17 times since head coach Rich Wright took over in 2017.

GUASTELLA CAPTURES MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS HONOR
Senior kicker Noah Guastella was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week after a 51-34 win at Washburn.
    Guastella made 3-of-4 field goals and was 6-of-6 on extra points in a 17-point road win over the Washburn Ichabods. Guastella tallied 15 of Northwest's 51 points.
    It's the first time in three years that a Bearcat kicker has made three or more field goals in a single game. Guastella tied for the sixth-most field goals made in a game in Bearcat history against the Ichabods. Guastella drilled field goals of 26, 24 and 38 yards.

EDWARDS NAMED MIAA DEF. ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Junior linebacker Carter Edwards has been named the MIAA's Defensive Athlete of the Week for his play against No. 11 Emporia State.
    Edwards racked up eight tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a quarterback sack in guiding the Bearcat defense to a 14-9 win over ESU.
    Edwards and the Bearcat defense allowed only one scoring drive all day (12 yards) in securing the victory. Northwest held ESU to 161 passing yards and 55 rushing yards (216 total yards).

TANK TOPS 100-YARD MARK
Junior running back Tank Young collected his second career 100-yard rushing game in its 51-34 win at Washburn.
    Young carried the ball 12 times for 134 yards (11.2 yards/carry) and two touchdowns. Young had scoring runs of 23 and 45 yards in the triumph over the Ichabods.
    Ironically, Young's only previous 100-yard rushing game also came at Washburn in 2023. Young carried the ball 12 times for 109 yards on Oct. 28, 2023, in a 52-31 win at Washburn.
    Young is Northwest's active career leader in rushing yards (845) and rushing touchdowns (5).
    Young has amassed 1,353 all-purpose yards in 25 games in a Bearcat uniform.
    He has scored nine touchdowns for 54 points as a collegian.

MARTIN FINDS HIS NICHE
Backup quarterback Henry Martin has been a very productive piece of Northwest's red-zone offense.
    Martin has passed for two touchdowns and has rushed for three touchdowns this season when inserted at the quarterback slot.
    Martin has rushed for four career touchdowns.

NOAH ARCS IN THREE FIELD GOALS AT WASHBURN
Senior Noah Guastella tied for the sixth-most field goals made in a game in Bearcat history as he drilled a trio of field goals at Washburn.
    Guastella made field goals from 26, 24 and 38 yards.

CARTER COLLECTS TWO PICKS
Linebacker Carter Edwards collected two interceptions at Washburn. He became the 30th Bearcat player to record at least two interceptions in a single game in program history.
    Edwards was also credited with seven tackles in the 51-34 win at Washburn.

HALFTIME LEADS ARE SECURE
Northwest is a perfect 54-0 under head coach Rich Wright when the Bearcats lead at the half.
    Northwest has won 82 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.

FIRST 400-YARD PASSING GAME SINCE 2015
Northwest produced its first 400-yard passing performance since a 414-yard effort vs. Washburn Nov. 14, 2015 in a win at MSSU.
    Northwest's quarterback duo of Chris Ruhnke and Henry Martin combined to throw for 401 passing yards at Missouri Southern. Ruhnke threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, while Martin threw for 70 yards and one score.

STOCKARD GAINS FIRST SACK
Redshirt freshman Jacob Stockard tallied his first collegiate quarterback sack in the final two minutes of Northwest's 59-0 win at Missouri Southern.

SHUTOUTS UNDER WRIGHT
Northwest has recorded 12 shutouts under the direction of head coach Rich Wright, following its 59-0 win over Missouri Southern at Hughes Stadium.
    It is the third time the Bearcats have shut out Missouri Southern in Wright's head coaching era.

Shutouts Under Coach Wright
59-0 at Missouri Southern (9/21/24)
52-0 at Northeastern State (11/4/23)
59-0 vs. Lincoln (9/23/23)
38-0 vs. Central Oklahoma (9/25/21)
79-0 vs. Northeastern St. (11/2/19)
41-0 vs. Emporia State (9/29/18)
63-0 vs. Missouri Southern (9/15/18)
30-0 at Missouri Western (11/12/17)
19-0 vs. Lindenwood (10/21/17)
63-0 vs. Missouri Southern (9/23/17)
13-0 at Nebraska-Kearney (9/16/17)
34-0 vs. #4 Emporia State (8/31/17)

TANK TAKES TWO
Junior running back Tank Young scored Northwest's first two rushing touchdowns of the season in its 32-20 win over Fort Hays State.
    Young scored on a 10-yard run on a 4th-and-2 with Northwest facing a 14-0 deficit to the Tigers.
    Young added a four-yard score to put Northwest on top, 24-17, with 7:25 left in the third quarter.

FIRST START FOR EDWARDS
Junior linebacker Carter Edwards made his first start at linebacker against Fort Hays State and tied for the team lead in tackles with six.
    Edwards recorded a sack and two tackles-for-loss against the Tigers. Edwards and the Bearcat defense did not allow an FHSU touchdown in the final three quarters after going down 14-0 in the first eight minutes of the game.

COMEBACK 'CATS
Northwest has produced 22 come-from-behind victories in head coach Rich Wright's era at Northwest.
    Northwest faced a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter vs. FHSU in its 32-20 victory over the Tigers.
    The 14-point comeback tied for the third-largest margin overcome by the Bearcats in the Rich Wright era.
    It was the sixth time the Bearcats have faced a double-figure deficit under coach Wright and were victorious.

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)
-14 at Missouri Southern (8/31/23)
-10 at Missouri Western (10/14/23)
-14 vs. Fort Hays State (9/14/24)

60TH WIN FOR COACH WRIGHT
Northwest head coach Rich Wright earned his 60th career victory in a 32-20 victory over Fort Hays State.
    Wright ranks No. 4 on Northwest' all-time coaching wins chart.
    Wright is one MIAA win away from tying Adam Dorrel for the second-most league wins in school history. Dorrel went 57-5 from 2011-2016, while Wright is 56-14 since taking over the program in 2017.

Northwest Football Coaching Win Leaders
1. Mel Tjeerdsma (1994-2010)    183-43
2. Ryland Milner (1937-1957)    92-61-13
3. Adam Dorrel (2011-2016)    76-8
4. Rich Wright (2017-pres.)    63-20
5. E.A. Davis (1927-1936)    38-43-8
6. Gladden Dye (1971-1975)    32-17
7. Jim Redd (1976-1982)    29-42-2
8. Ivan Schottel (1963-1970)    27-44-1
9. Bud Elliott (1988-1993)    27-39-1
10. Vern Thomsen (1983-1987)    25-29-1

Northwest FB MIAA Games Only Wins
1. Mel Tjeerdsma (1994-2010)    131-20
2. Adam Dorrel (2011-16)    57-5
3. Rich Wright (2017-pres.)    56-14
4. Ryland Milner (1937-57)    45-37-7
5. Bud Elliott (1988-93)    25-27
6. Gladden Dye (1971-75)    19-11
7. E.A. Davis (1927-36)    16-21-3
8. James Redd (1976-82)    15-23-2
9. Ivan Schottel (1963-70)    13-28
10. Vern Thomsen (1983-87)    11-14

FISHER, SMITH NAMED TO ELITE 100 WATCH LIST
Northwest Missouri State University seniors Jake Fisher and Cahleel Smith have been named to D2Football.com's Elite 100 Watch List.
QThe D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with the input of numerous sitting head coaches as well as professional football scouting veteran Josh Buchanan.
    Fisher (Smithville, Mo.) was named to the D2Football.com's Elite 100 Watch List second-team defense. Fisher gained first-team all-MIAA status last season after notching third-team honors in 2022 on the defensive line.
    Smith (Independence, Mo.) earned an honorable mention nod on the Elite 100 Watch List. Smith is a three-time first-team all-MIAA performer. Smith started all 41 games of his Bearcat career at cornerback. Smith has notched 113 career tackles, 23 passes defended with four interceptions.

SMITH LANDS SPOT ON SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST
Senior defensive back Cahleel Smith has landed a spot on the 2025 Senior Bowl Watch List.
    This year's 12th annual list comprises an all-time record 859 prospects. This total number is up significantly from past years due to the new addition of specialists and underclassmen, as well as the inclusion of many fifth and sixth-year seniors opting to use their extra Covid year of eligibility. All the prospects who made the cut were evaluated by our staff and tape-based grades.
    The 2025 Senior Bowl is set for Feb. 1, in Mobile, Ala.

33 COMPLETIONS FOR RUHNKE
Junior quarterback Chris Ruhnke completed 33 passes in a 32-20 win over Fort Hays State. The 33 completions ranks tied for second for the most passes completed in a game in school history.
    Only Blake Bolles completed more passes (37) in a game than Ruhnke. Bolles hit on 37 passes vs. Washburn on Oct. 24, 2009. Josh Lamberson connected on 33 passes vs. Grand Valley State on Dec. 10, 2005 and John McMenamin completed 33 passes vs. Central Missouri on Oct. 27, 2001.

NW Single-Game Most Completions
37, Blake Bolles vs. Washburn (10/24/09)
33, Josh Lamberson vs. GVSU (12/10/05)
33, John McMenamin vs. UCM (10/27/01)
33, Chris Ruhnke vs. FHSU (9/14/24)
32, John McMenamin vs. Washburn (10/5/02)
32, John McMenamin vs. Truman (10/26/02)

OFFENSE CAN GET EXPLOSIVE
Northwest had a rare feat of scoring touchdowns on three consecutive offensive plays in the season-opening game vs. Minnesota State.
    Northwest's Andrew Bradley caught a 41-yard scoring strike from Chris Ruhnke with 3:05 left in the third quarter. Northwest's next offensive snap resulted in an 80-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Luke Mathews. The next snap ended in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Tank Young with 10:53 left in the fourth quarter.

FIVE CAPTAINS
Head coach Rich Wright has designated five captains for the 2024 football season.
    Wright has named running back Jadon Brady (Savannah, Mo.), defensive back Shane Fredrickson (Lee's Summit, Mo.), defensive lineman Jake Fisher (Smithville, Mo.), linebacker Andrew Dumas (Olathe, Kan.), offensive lineman Jake Winslow (Colona, Ill.) as team captains.

D-II PLAYOFF LEGENDS
Northwest owns the NCAA Div. II record for playoff appearances (26).
    The Bearcats extended their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 18 in a row, which is the best ever mark among Div. II playoff teams.

Most Div. II Playoff Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    26
Grand Valley State    22
North Alabama    21
Pittsburg State    20
Indiana (Pa.)    19
Valdosta State    19
UC Davis    18
North Dakota State    17
Carson-Newman    16
Shepherd    15
Albany State    14
Ferris State    14
Minnesota State    14
North Dakota    14
West Chester    14

Consecutive Div. II Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    18 (2004-2022)
Grand Valley State    10 (2001-2010)
Ferris State    9     (2014-pres.)
Pittsburg State    9    (1989-1997)
Albany State    8    (2004-2011)
Tex. A&M-Kingsville    7    (1992-1998)
Carson-Newman    7    (1993-1999)
UC Davis    7    (1996-2002)
North Alabama    7 (2005-2011)
North Dakota State    6    (1981-1986)
Valdosta State    6 (2000-2005)
Abilene Christian    6 (2006-2011)

DIVISION II'S ELITE PROGRAM
Northwest has captured six NCAA Div. II national championships – the most national titles by any Division II program. Northwest won national championships in 1998, 1999, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2016.
    The Bearcats have played in the NCAA Div. II national championship game 10 times in the last 23 years.

NCAA Division II National Titles
Northwest Mo. St.    6
North Dakota State    5
Grand Valley State    4
Valdosta State        4
North Alabama    3
Ferris State        2
Minnesota Duluth    2
Northern Colorado    2
Pittsburg State    2
Texas State        2
Troy                2
15 others have one national title

Championship Game Appearances
Northwest Mo. St.    10
North Dakota St.    7
Grand Valley St.    6
Valdosta St.        6
North Alabama    5
Pittsburg St.        5
Jacksonville St.    4
Carson-Newman    3
Delaware        3
Ferris St.        3

53 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF WINS
The Bearcats are 53-20 all-time in the playoffs, which marks the most victories in Division II playoff history.
    The Bearcats (.726) 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.    53
Grand Valley St.    39
North Alabama    35
Valdosta St.    31
North Dakota St.    30
Pittsburg St.    27
Ferris St.    26
Indiana (Pa.)    22
Carson-Newman    20
Shepherd    20

Div. II Playoff Win Percentage
West Florida    12-4    .750
Northwest Mo. St.    53-20     .726
North Dakota State    30-12     .714
Tex. A&M-Commerce    9-4    .692
Grand Valley State    39-18     .684
Ferris State    26-12    .684
Valdosta State    31-15     .674
North Alabama     35-18     .660
Delaware    7-4    .636
Northern Colorado    12-7    .632
minimum of 10 games played

50-WIN PLAYOFF CLUB
Northwest is one of four NCAA schools 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 77 playoff victories. Wisconsin-Whitewater has posted 58 playoff triumphs.
    NDSU won 30 NCAA Div. II playoff games before transitioning to FCS where the Bison have picked up 47 more playoff wins.

MEASURE UP WITH BEARCATS
Northwest owns an NCAA Division II playoff record 53 victories. The other current members of the MIAA have won a combined 44 playoff games.

MIAA Playoff Records
Northwest Missouri    53-20 (26 years)
Pittsburg State    27-18 (20 years)
Central Missouri    4-5 (5 years)
Central Oklahoma    3-4 (4 years)
Emporia State    3-4 (4 years)
Northeastern St.    2-2 (2 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)

NORTHWEST'S MARK AS A RANKED TEAM
Northwest has played 351 games as a ranked team in the AFCA Top 25. Northwest has posted a record of 298-53 as a ranked team.

BEARCATS BOAST OF 28 STRAIGHT WINNING SEASONS
Northwest has produced 28 straight winning seasons. It is the longest active streak among NCAA Division II programs.
    The 28 consecutive winning seasons ranks as the fourth-longest active streak among current NCAA schools.
    UC Davis holds the Div. II mark with 37 straight winning seasons (33 at D-II before transitioning to FCS) from 1970-2006.

Active Consecutive Winning Years
    School    Streak    Began
1. Linfield (Ore.)    67    1956
2. Mount Union    45    1979
3. Wartburg    30    1993
4. Northwest    28    1994
5. Hobart    26    1997
6. Wheaton (Ill.)    25    1998
    Boise State    25    1998
7. Mary Hardin Baylor    24    2000

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 23 players on the list, including 22 since 2003. In 2016, Kyle Zimmerman (QB) took home the top honor – Academic All-American of the Year – something no Bearcat had ever done.
    Zach Howard became the second three-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® selection in football (joining Trevor Adams) by earning second-team status in 2022.    

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)
Zach Howard, DT - 2022 (Second Team)
Kobe Clayborne, DT - 2023 (Second Team)

GENT, NOVAK ADDED TO COACHING STAFF
Ryan Gent has been added as Assistant Head Coach – Wide Receivers/Director of Camps and Neil Novak has been named Assistant Coach – Secondary/Recruiting Coordinator.
    Gent served on the Bearcat football staff from 2014-2016. He began as a graduate assistant in 2014 and 2015 when he worked with the offensive line and running backs. He was elevated to Running Backs/Tight Ends Assistant Coach in 2016 for then head coach Adam Dorrel. Gent's tenure saw the Bearcats capture undefeated NCAA Div. II national championships in 2015 and 2016. Novak was a graduate assistant on the Bearcat coaching staff in 2017 and 2018 when he worked with the defensive backs and assisted with special teams. Novak was a part of two NCAA Div. II playoff appearances at Norhtwest. Gent most recently served as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at South Dakota Mines for former Bearcat assistant coach Charlie Flohr from 2020-2023. Gent served a wide receivers coach at Abilene Christian from 2017-2019 as a part of Dorrel's staff.
    Novak spent the previous three seasons at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb. Novak coached the defensive line and the defensive backs, while also serving as the special teams coordinator for WSC. Novak helped the Wildcats to an NSIC title and a berth into the NCAA Div. II playoffs in 2022. Novak spent the 2019 season as the defensive coordinator at MidAmerica Nazarene, where he worked with current Bearcat offensive coordinator Todd Sturdy. Prior to his time at Northwest, Novak served as a graduate assistant coach at Black Hills State in 2015 and 2016 working with their safeties.

STAYING STINGY VS. THE RUN
Since 2017, Northwest has held 18 opponents to 20 rushing yards or less in a game.
    Northwest held Missouri Western to minus-17 yards rushing in its 27-23 win. It is the seventh time since 2017 that Northwest has held an opponent to minus rushing yards in a game.

20 Rushing Yds Allowed (or less) Since 2017
7 at Northeastern State (11/4/23)
-17 at Missouri Western (10/14/23)
2 yds vs. Lincoln (9/23/23)
7 yds at Fort Hays State (9/16/23)
18 at Ouachita Baptist (11/19/22)
-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)

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.

'CATS TABBED THIRD IN PRESEASON MIAA POLLS
The Northwest Missouri State University football team has been projected to finish third in the preseason MIAA coaches' and media polls.
    Central Missouri claimed the top spot on both the 2024 preseason coaches poll and preseason media poll. The defending MIAA co-champions collected eight first-place votes from MIAA head coaches and totaled 20 first-place selections in the media poll. Central Missouri finished 11-2 overall and 9-1 in the MIAA last season. The Mules ended last season in a 35-34 loss to Harding in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs – Harding went on to win the 2023 national championship. Pittsburg State, the league's other defending MIAA co-champion, was picked second in both polls with two first-place nods from MIAA coaches and six from media representatives.

2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri [8] - 80 pts
2. Pittsburg State [2] - 73 pts
3. Northwest Missouri St. - 58 pts
4. Emporia State - 56 pts
5. Fort Hays State - 55 pts
6. Missouri Western - 42 pts
7. Central Oklahoma - 31 pts
8. Missouri Southern - 24 pts
9. Washburn - 16 pts
10. Nebraska Kearney - 15 pts

2024 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Central Missouri [20] - 254 pts
2. Pittsburg State [6] - 231 pts
3. Northwest Missouri St. - 199 pts
4. Missouri Western - 158 pts
5. Fort Hays State - 155 pts
6. Emporia State - 145 pts
7. Central Oklahoma - 94 pts
8. Missouri Southern - 81 pts
9. Washburn - 60 pts
10. Nebraska Kearney - 53 pts

DUMAS NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR CAMPBELL TROPHY
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) proudly announced a record number of 203 semifinalists for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The new high-water mark eclipses the 201 nominees in 2023. The impressive list of candidates, from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, boasts an impressive 3.63 average GPA, with more than half of the semifinalists having already earned their bachelor's degrees.
    Linebacker Andrew Dumas is among the semifinalists for the prestigious honor. Dumas gained his undergraduate degree in chemistry (biochemistry) with a 3.89 grade point average. Dumas has a 4.0 GPA in grad school at Northwest he pursues a master's degree. Dumas would like to continue his education at UMKC in its master's of anesthesia program or other potential medical schools. Dumas was an MIAA Scholar-Athlete in 2023 and has been a five-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll selection.
    Dumas has served as a team captain for the Bearcat football team the past two seasons. He gained MIAA honorable mention honors in 2023.
    Dumas, a native of Olathe, Kan., is the son of Ronald and Lynn Dumas. He played high school football at Olathe Northwest.

HONORING BRANDON MISENER
The Bearcats will honor Brandon Misener, the founder of D2Football.com with a helmet decal.
    Misener suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. He has been hospitalized near his home in Kansas City since May 7.
    A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Brandon and his family. All donations are humbly appreciated.