MARYVILLE, Mo. - The No. 19-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football team pounded the Fort Hays State University Tigers, 52-3.

Northwest rushed for a season-high 437 yards and piled up 580 total yards in the victory.

Northwest has won six games in a row for the first time since the 2022 season. Northwest is 6-1 overall and the only undefeated team in the MIAA at 5-0 in league games. FHSU is 4-4 overall and 3-3 in league play.

Northwest Missouri State opened the first quarter by capitalizing on their possession with a methodical drive that spanned 65 yards and culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Te'Shaun Porter. This drive was aided by significant contributions from Zechariah Owens and Dominic Myers, who propelled the team down the field with key rushes. Mo Alwaely's successful extra point extended the lead to 7-0.

Following a defensive stop, the Bearcats quickly regained possession. Owens broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, further extending the lead. Alwaely added the extra point, making it 14-0. Fort Hays managed to respond with a 39-yard field goal by Zane Hall, closing the quarter with the home team leading 14-3.

The second quarter started with Northwest's defense applying pressure, resulting in hurried throws and incomplete passes by Caleb Heavner of Fort Hays. After a touchback on the punt, the Bearcats initiated a strategic drive. Chris Ruhnke connected with Luke Mathews and T.J. Williams-Bey, moving the ball steadily downfield. Quincy Torry's 15-yard rush secured a first down, maintaining momentum. This drive culminated in a 2-yard touchdown rush by Porter, followed by a successful extra point from Alwaely, extending the lead to 21-3.

The visitors struggled to gain significant yardage, hindered by effective stops from Benjamin Einess and the defensive line. After a punt, Northwest took control again, as Ruhnke led the offense with precision, highlighted by a 33-yard field goal from Alwaely. The half concluded with a 24-3 advantage for the Bearcats, maintaining a strong lead as the teams headed into halftime.

The third quarter began with the home team extending their lead with decisive plays on both sides of the ball. Alwaely's kickoff set the tone, and the defense quickly forced a three-and-out, highlighted by a sack from Jordan Pigram. On the ensuing drive, Owens guided the offense downfield, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass to Mathews, pushing the score to 31-3.

Following another defensive stop, Owens broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run, further widening the gap. The relentless defensive pressure continued, with Clayton Power recording another sack. Torry then added to the score with an 85-yard touchdown rush, bringing the score to 45-3. As the quarter closed, Northwest maintained firm control over the game.

The Bearcats opened the fourth quarter with momentum, as Ruhnke's 8-yard rush set up a scoring opportunity. Myers capitalized with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra-point kick by Alwaely, extending the lead to 52-3. For the second time this season, Northwest had two 100-yard rushers in the same game, with both Owens and Torry achieving this feat.

Fort Hays attempted to respond, moving the ball into Northwest territory. However, penalties and solid defensive plays, including a critical pass breakup by Cody Simoncic, halted their advance, resulting in a punt.

Northwest controlled the remainder of the quarter with a consistent rushing attack, highlighted by a 16-yard gain from Hayden Jay. The drive ended with a turnover on downs, but the Bearcats maintained their dominant position, concluding the game with a decisive 52-3 victory. This win marked Northwest's sixth straight victory, a streak they last achieved in the 2022 season.

Owens completed six of eight passes for 63 yards and added 164 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring two touchdowns. T.J. Williams-Bey hauled in three passes for a team-best 48 receiving yards. Mathews contributed with three receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Torry ran for 114 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Owens rushed eight times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Pigram recorded three tackles and two sacks to lead the team. The Bearcat offensive line did not allow a sack and has only given up two sacks for the 2025 season.

Looking ahead, Northwest is set to face Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, October 25, in Maryville, Mo. The annual Homecoming game will kick off at 2 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.