EMPORIA, Kan. — The No. 14-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football team secured a commanding 41-14 victory over Emporia State University at Jones Field at Welch Stadium, highlighted by four rushing touchdowns and 208 all-purpose yards from running back/returner Dominic Myers.
This victory extends Northwest’s dominance in the series, as they now hold a 38-3 lead all-time over Emporia State.
Northwest won its eighth straight game to move to 8-1 overall and 7-0 in MIAA play.
Northwest Missouri State opened the first quarter with a steady offensive drive starting from their 18-yard line. Te’Shaun Porter and Dominic Myers led the rushing efforts, while Chris Ruhnke connected with Erwin Nash for a key first down. Despite advancing into Emporia State territory, the drive stalled at the Emporia 28, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Following a rapid response by the Hornets, culminating in a 55-yard touchdown run by Diego Cearns, Northwest Missouri State regained possession and orchestrated a methodical drive. Ruhnke’s passing precision, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown pass to Luke Mathews, equalized the score. In the quarter’s closing moments, the Bearcats capitalized on a 66-yard drive, punctuated by Myers’ 25-yard touchdown run, securing a 14-7 lead.
The second quarter commenced with a momentum shift as Northwest Missouri State’s defense, led by Cooper Berry and Carter Edwards, halted the Hornets’ initial drive, forcing a punt. However, the Bearcats‘ subsequent drive stalled, resulting in a punt back to Emporia. The Bearcats‘ defense continued to apply pressure. Edwards executed a critical sack on Jamison Sarver, pushing the Hornets out of scoring range, which led to a missed field goal attempt.
Northwest Missouri State capitalized on the defensive stand when Quincy Torry rushed for a first down, propelling the Bearcats forward. Despite advancing into the Hornets’ territory, the Bearcats‘ drive concluded with an interception in the final minute of the quarter. As the period closed, Northwest Missouri State maintained their 14-7 lead, showcasing a strong defensive effort to preserve the advantage.
Northwest Missouri State opened the third quarter with a defensive stop, halting the Hornets’ drive by forcing a turnover on downs at the ESU 45-yard line. Quincy Torry’s 15-yard rush set the tone for a strong drive, culminating in Dominic Myers’ 5-yard touchdown run. Mo Alwaely’s successful extra point extended the lead to 21-7.
Momentum continued to swing in favor of Northwest Missouri State when Carter Edwards intercepted a pass at the ESU 24 and returned it to the 3-yard line. This was Edwards’ fourth career interception and the turnover was quickly converted into points with a 3-yard touchdown run by Quincy Torry, further lengthening the lead to 28-7 after Alwaely’s extra point.
A 31-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Myers, though followed by a missed extra point, pushed the score to 34-7. Despite the Hornets’ late touchdown, Northwest Missouri State maintained a decisive lead, closing the third quarter ahead 34-14.
Northwest Missouri State began the fourth quarter with a strong start, as Ruhnke connected with Nash for a 22-yard gain. Despite a couple of incomplete passes, Tommy Warner’s 46-yard punt placed the Hornets at their own 2-yard line. The defense held firm, forcing the Hornets to punt after a short possession, maintaining the momentum in Northwest Missouri State’s favor.
Myers showcased his rushing ability with a 21-yard run, setting up Northwest Missouri State deep in the Hornets’ territory. Ruhnke capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, extending the lead after a successful extra point by Alwaely. The Hornets struggled to respond, and a subsequent drive saw Hayden Jay’s effort ending in a fumble recovered by the opponent.
Northwest Missouri State controlled the remaining time, with Jackson Miller and Quincy Torry securing key first downs. As the clock wound down, the defense kept the Hornets from gaining any significant yardage, ensuring the game ended with Northwest Missouri State ahead, 41-14.
Ruhnke completed 18 of 30 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, adding 38 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Myers contributed significantly with 100 rushing yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, marking his second 100-yard rushing game this season, while also catching eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown, totaling 208 all-purpose yards. Torry added 53 rushing yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. On defense, Edwards recorded five tackles, including one sack and one interception.
In its next game, Northwest will face off against Missouri Western on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1:30 p.m., at Bearcat Stadium in Maryville, Mo.
(Courtesy NW Missouri St. Sports Information)
