MARYVILLE, Mo. —  The No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football program clinched its 32nd MIAA regular season title with a 38-7 manhandling of the Missouri Western Griffons at Bearcat Stadium.

This victory marked Northwest's 12th consecutive win over Missouri Western and its ninth straight win this season.

Before the game, Northwest honored 27 seniors, celebrating their contributions to the program. 

Northwest Missouri State began the game by deferring possession, allowing the Griffons to start with the ball. MWSU capitalized on its opening drive, advancing 75 yards on seven plays, culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Kane Donovan to Damir Abdullah, putting the Griffons ahead 7-0.

Northwest Missouri State responded with a methodical 12-play drive spanning 55 yards. Chris Ruhnke connected with Erwin Nash and Andrew Waltke on key receptions, setting up a 38-yard field goal by Mo Alwaely to cut the deficit to 7-3. The period concluded with Northwest Missouri State trailing as it maintained possession, concluding with a strong drive deep into opponent territory. The score stood at 7-3 in favor of MoWest.

The second quarter opened with Northwest Missouri State extending its lead. Ruhnke connected with Dominic Myers for a 6-yard touchdown pass, followed by Alwaely's successful extra point, moving the score to 10-7. Momentum continued as Jackson Miller capped a drive with his first career rushing touchdown, a 10-yard run, with Alwaely adding another extra point, pushing the lead to 17-7. It was Miller's fourth overall touchdown as a Bearcat.

Northwest Missouri State's defense then made a pivotal stop, with Jordan Pigram intercepting a pass for his first career interception, setting up another scoring opportunity. This led to Luke Mathews securing a 5-yard touchdown reception from Ruhnke, and Alwaely converting the extra point, closing the period at 24-7. The defense maintained pressure, ending the period with a sack by Clayton Power, ensuring a strong finish to the first half. Notably, Northwest has won 93 consecutive games when leading at the half. Head coach John McMenamin is 15-0 when leading at the half, including a 9-0 mark at Northwest.

In the third quarter, Northwest Missouri State extended its lead with a 75-yard drive that culminated in a 19-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Gatlin Samuel. It was Samuel's first career touchdown reception.

The home team capitalized on strong defensive plays, including a sack by Power that pushed MoWest back, leading to a punt. Northwest Missouri State then added another score with Ruhnke's 2-yard touchdown run, further increasing the margin. As the quarter concluded, Northwest Missouri State led 38-7, maintaining control with effective offense and defense. It marked the seventh time this season that Northwest has accumulated 400 or more yards of total offense.

Northwest Missouri State began the fourth quarter with possession deep in Griffon territory but was unable to convert on a fourth down, turning the ball over with 14:22 remaining. MWSU's subsequent drive was disrupted by a strong defensive effort from Northwest Missouri State, highlighted by a pass breakup by O'Shea Davis. The defense consistently pressured MoWest, forcing a punt with under ten minutes remaining.

Taking over at their own 21-yard line, Northwest Missouri State managed a series of short gains before punting back to the Griffons. The defense held firm once again, with Cody Simoncic breaking up a third-down pass, leading to another MoWest punt. Northwest Missouri State then orchestrated a methodical drive, highlighted by Duke Timmons' 11-yard rush that moved them deeper into opponent territory.

As the clock wound down, Northwest Missouri State had quarterback Hayden Jay take three kneel downs to finish the contest. The game concluded with Northwest Missouri State securing a decisive 38-7 victory. For the seventh time in nine games, Northwest held the opposition to less than 16 points.

Ruhnke completed 20 of 39 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns marking his second three-touchdown passing effort this season and sixth of his collegiate career, while also rushing for a career-high 75 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. Miller contributed 71 rushing yards on 13 attempts and added a touchdown. Power recorded three tackles and led the defense with two sacks. Samuel had a single reception for 19 yards, resulting in a touchdown.

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will face Pittsburg State on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. 

Game Notes:
- Northwest captured a share of the program's 32nd MIAA regular season championship.
- Jackson Miller recorded his first career rushing touchdown.
- Gatlin Samuel notched his first collegiate touchdown reception.
- Northwest has defeated Missouri Western 12 straight times.
- Northwest honored 27 seniors prior to the game.
- Northwest has won nine consecutive games.
- For the seventh time in nine games, Northwest held the opposition to less than 16 points.
- Chris Ruhnke rushed for a career-high 75 yards on nine carries.
- Jordan Pigram secured his first career interception.
- Northwest has won 93 consecutive games when leading at the half.
- Head coach John McMenamin is 15-0 when leading at the half, including a 9-0 mark at Northwest.
- It is the seventh time this season Northwest has accumulated 400 or more yards of total offense.
- Ruhnke passed for three touchdowns marking his second three-touchdown passing effort this season and sixth of his collegiate career.