(Maryville, Missouri) The No. 16-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football squad etched a 14-0 blanking of the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers on Homecoming.
The Bearcats registered their first shutout of the season and it marked the second straight game they have not allowed an opponent touchdown.
Bearcat senior defensive lineman Nile Schuett was honored as the Don Black Award winner – given to the MVP of the Northwest Homecoming game.
Northwest limited UNK to six first downs and 111 total yards. UNK rushed the ball 29 times for 72 yards. UNK went 9-of-20 passing for 39 yards and three interceptions.
Northwest won its seventh consecutive game to move to 7-1 on the year. Northwest is a perfect 6-0 in MIAA action. UNK fell to 5-4 overall and 3-4 in league play.
Northwest started the first quarter by capitalizing on a defensive turnover when Clayton Power intercepted a pass from Neb.-Kearney’s Daron Bryden at the UNK 26-yard line. This set up a promising drive, highlighted by Te’Shaun Porter’s 13-yard rush, but the drive stalled at the UNK 4-yard line following a turnover on downs.
Later, the home team regained momentum with a drive starting at their own 43-yard line. Zechariah Owens connected with Madixx Morris for a 9-yard pass, and Quincy Torry’s rushing efforts moved the ball to the UNK 13-yard line. However, a fumble by Owens halted the drive, handing possession back to the Lopers. The quarter ended in a scoreless tie, with both defenses holding firm.
The second quarter began with a turnover for Northwest Missouri State as Chris Ruhnke’s pass was intercepted by CJ Kuehl. UNK took over but was ultimately forced to punt after a series of short gains. Northwest Missouri State then capitalized on a 17-yard completion from Owens to Dominic Myers, followed by a 15-yard penalty against the visitors, to advance into opponent territory.
A key play came with Owens rushing for 21 yards to maintain momentum. This drive culminated in Owens scoring a 3-yard touchdown run, after which Mo Alwaely’s extra point was successful, putting Northwest Missouri State in the lead. The quarter concluded with a missed field goal attempt by Alwaely from 46 yards, leaving Northwest Missouri State ahead 7-0 at halftime.
The third quarter began with Northwest Missouri State in possession, but a promising start was interrupted by a fumble recovered by the Lopers at the 47-yard line. The home defense quickly regained momentum when Michael Harrison intercepted a pass at the NWMSU33, returning it 8 yards. However, another turnover occurred when Owens was sacked and fumbled the ball, giving possession back to the visitors.
UNK attempted to capitalize on the turnover but was thwarted by an interception by O’Shea Davis at the NWMSU17. Northwest Missouri State then advanced the ball with a strong 11-yard rush from Torry, but the drive stalled, resulting in a punt. As the quarter wound down, the home team managed short gains through the air, with Ruhnke connecting with Morris for a 16-yard play to conclude the quarter. The period ended with the score remaining unchanged, Northwest Missouri State ahead 7-0.
Northwest Missouri State opened the fourth quarter with a determined drive, highlighted by Porter’s 11-yard rush and a critical 16-yard catch by Porter from Ruhnke to reach the UNK 38. The momentum continued as Morris secured a 24-yard reception on fourth down, setting up a 7-yard touchdown run by Porter. Alwaely’s successful extra point extended the lead to 14-0.
The Lopers responded with a drive that reached midfield, but their advance was halted by a turnover on downs at the Northwest Missouri State 41, with key defensive contributions from Carter Edwards and Parker Bowen. Northwest Missouri State then effectively managed the clock with a series of short gains, highlighted by Torry’s consistent rushing efforts, which sealed the victory. The game concluded with Northwest Missouri State maintaining a 14-0 advantage, marking their second consecutive game without allowing a touchdown.
Porter contributed significantly with 41 rushing yards on eight attempts and added a touchdown. Owens completed five of nine passes for 71 yards and scored a rushing touchdown on seven carries. On defense, Edwards and Benjamin Einess each recorded seven total tackles, anchoring the team’s defensive efforts. Davis made an impact with an interception, while Harrison also intercepted a pass, returning it for eight yards.
The Bearcats will be on the road next week at Emporia State. Kick is set for 1 p.m. in Emporia, Kan.
