KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Pittsburg State University defeated Northwest Missouri State University 27-14 at Children's Mercy Park, with the Bearcats unable to recover from four lost fumbles. 

Pittsburg State's victory also earned them a share of the 2025 MIAA football championship.

Pittsburg State is 9-2 overall and 8-1 in the MIAA. The Gorillas have won nine straight games. Northwest is 9-2 overall and 8-1 in the MIAA. The Bearcat loss to the Gorillas snapped a nine-game win streak.

Northwest Missouri State initiated the game with a strong offensive drive, highlighted by Quincy Torry's 65-yard rush that set the tone early. This performance contributed to Torry's third 100-yard rushing game this season. The drive concluded with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Zechariah Owens to Erwin Nash, putting the Bearcats ahead. Mo Alwaely's successful extra point extended the lead to 7-0.

PSU responded with a 14-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7. Northwest Missouri State's subsequent drive showed promise as Dominic Myers gained significant ground, but a fumble resulted in a turnover. The Gorillas capitalized on the opportunity with a 78-yard touchdown pass, taking the lead 14-7.

As the period neared its end, Northwest faced field position challenges, compounded by PSU's defensive pressure, leading to a turnover. The Gorillas' drive was halted by penalties and a strong defensive effort, but they retained the lead as the quarter ended with a score of 14-7 in their favor.

The second quarter began with Northwest on defense following a 47-yard punt by Tommy Warner that set PSU up at the Northwest 49-yard line. The Bearcat defense held strong, with Clayton Power breaking up a pass and Carter Edwards blocking a 47-yard field goal attempt, recovered by Michael Harrison at the Northwest 44-yard line.

Northwest's offense took over, moving the ball effectively with Chris Ruhnke connecting on a 22-yard pass to Erwin Nash. However, a turnover occurred when Madixx Morris fumbled after a reception, leading to a 71-yard touchdown return by PSU, extending their lead.

Late in the quarter, Quincy Torry's 16-yard run positioned the Bearcats for an offensive push, but the drive stalled, and the period concluded with a 24-7 score in favor of PSU.

The third quarter began with the Gorillas starting a drive at their own 31-yard line, but Northwest's defense quickly shifted momentum. Carter Edwards and Antwon Jenkins combined for a tackle to halt a 12-yard run by PSU, followed by a sack by Clayton Power that forced a punt. Northwest then advanced with Zechariah Owens leading the charge. Owens completed a 6-yard pass to Erwin Nash and rushed for 17 yards, moving the ball to PSU's 37-yard line before the drive stalled on a turnover on downs.

PSU took over, but Northwest's defense held firm, with Holden Zigmant and Shane Fredrickson making key stops. The Gorillas' subsequent possessions were marked by incomplete passes and short gains, resulting in another punt. Northwest regained possession at their 4-yard line, and Chris Ruhnke broke free for a 29-yard rush, but the drive ended in a punt after a sack. The quarter closed with Northwest trailing 24-7, maintaining a strong defensive presence despite the scoreline.

The fourth quarter began with a momentum shift when Northwest's defense made a key stop, as Nile Schuett recorded a sack on PSU's Jackson Berry, leading to a fumble that Berry recovered himself. This defensive stand forced PSU to punt, setting up Northwest with possession at their own 20-yard line.

Northwest capitalized on this opportunity with a methodical drive highlighted by Chris Ruhnke's precise passing. Ruhnke connected with Luke Mathews for a 14-yard gain and Quincy Torry for 10 yards, fueling an 80-yard march down the field. The drive culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Gannon Gragert, narrowing the deficit. Mo Alwaely's extra point brought the score to 24-14 with 7:45 remaining.

PSU responded with a field goal by Austin Schmitt, extending their lead to 27-14. Northwest then embarked on another promising drive, with Ruhnke hitting Gatlin Samuel for 21 yards and Mathews for 20 yards to advance deep into PSU territory. However, the drive stalled at the 12-yard line, as Ruhnke's pass on fourth down fell incomplete, resulting in a turnover on downs. The game concluded with PSU maintaining their lead, ending the contest at 27-14.

Ruhnke completed 20 of 30 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown, also adding 35 yards on the ground. Erwin Nash led the receiving corps with seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown. Quincy Torry posted an impressive 101 rushing yards on eight carries. On the defensive side, Holden Zigmant led the team with nine tackles.

The 2025 NCAA Division II football playoff selection show will air tomorrow at 5 p.m. on NCAA.com. The Bearcats will learn their playoff fate with either a home contest or a road assignment.