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Nov. 16, 2019Game | Football

Northwest 45, Central Missouri 23

(Photo courtesy Todd Weddle, Northwest Athletics)

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Northwest Missouri State dominated from start to finish as they knocked off No. 9 Central Missouri 45-23 to claim a share of their 30th MIAA Title.

Sophomore cornerback Trey Washington intercepted Central Missouri's Brook Bolles on the first play of the game, and the Bearcats (10-1) punched in a touchdown four plays later to take a 7-0 lead.

Northwest quickly forced a three-and-out on the next UCM drive, and the offense put together another four-play scoring drive capped off by a Braden Wright touchdown run. Despite facing the most prolific offense in the country, the Bearcats limited the Mules to just three points in the opening quarter.

Leading 14-3 entering the second quarter, the teams began trading touchdowns prior to halftime.

Justin Rankin rushed into the end zone from one yard out for his second rushing touchdown of the game to make it 21-3 Northwest. UCM answered with a Koby Wilkerson two-yard touchdown run to bring the Mules back within 11.

Central got the ball back after a defensive stand, but promptly gave it back on the ensuing possession. Spencer Phillips stripped Bolles, Brody Buck recovered it, handed the ball off to Trey Washington before getting tackled, and Washington took it 26 yards into the end zone to put Northwest ahead 28-10.

The Mules quickly drove down the field and scored again on a pass to Shae Wyatt to cut the deficit to 11 before halftime.

The scored remained 28-17 throughout the third quarter as the defenses refused to bend.

In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats were the first team to break the scoring drought.

Parker Sampson hit a field goal to extend the lead to 31-17.

On UCM's next drive, Jackson Barnes jumped in front of a pass and returned it 29 yard to the end zone to put the 'Cats ahead 38-17.

The Mules responded with a quick touchdown strike to Cameron Saunders, but it was too late.

Wright raced 49 yards into the end zone with 2:48 remaining in the game to seal the victory.

The Bearcat defense finished with eight sacks, and Washington and Barnes each had two interceptions apiece.

Wright threw for 183 yards and rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Rankin picked up 64 yards and two scores on the ground in the win.

Kaden Davis posted career-highs with 4 catches going for 105 yards.

Northwest advances to the NCAA Division 2 Playoffs. The Bearcats will face Harding at noon Saturday, November 23 at Bearcat Stadium. Pregame on KXCV 90.5 and KRNW 88.9 begins at 11am.