(Maryville, MO) — For the second straight year, there will no post-season for NW Missouri St. football. The Bearcats fell in their season finale 23-7 to #13 Pittsburg St.
Northwest out-gained Pittsburg State in total yards, 282-171. However, the Gorillas took advantage of a blocked punt for a touchdown, a safety and a pair of scoring drives that began on the short side of the field.
The punt was blocked at the 4:56 mark of the 1st quarter and Luke Niggemann returned it 7 yards for a TD. Back to back Niggemann TD runs gave Pittsburg St. a 21-0 lead at the half.
Henry Martin scampered for a 38 yard TD run late in the 3rd quarter to get Northwest on the board but that’s all the points for the Bearcats on the afternoon.
Penalties were costly — the Bearcats saw the yellow hanky 14 times for 127 yards compared to 6-36 for the Gorillas. Chris Rhunke was 16-26 for 161 yards while Martin was 9-14 passing for 89 yards. Northwest was held to just 32 yards rushing.
The contest featured a 45-minute lightning delay between the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth quarter.
Northwest completes its season with a mark of 6-5 overall and 5-4 in the MIAA. Pittsburg State is 8-2 overall and 7-2 in the MIAA. The Gorillas will await the NCAA playoff announcement on Sunday to find out their next assignment in Super Region III.
