MARYVILLE, Mo. — Northwest Mo. St. (4-1, 3-0 MIAA) secured a decisive 38-16 victory over No. 15-ranked Central Oklahoma (2-2, 1-1 MIAA) Saturday at Bearcat Stadium.
The Bearcats executed a balanced attack with 409 total yards of offense, highlighted by a 68-yard touchdown pass from Chris Ruhnke to Jackson Miller that contributed to a 24-9 scoring surge in the second half.
Northwest Missouri State opened the game with a series of strong defensive plays, forcing the Bronchos to punt from deep in their territory after only gaining minimal yardage. Following the punt, Northwest Missouri State capitalized on favorable field position, driving to Central Oklahoma’s 33-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Northwest is the only 3-0 team in the MIAA, underscoring their strong start to the season.
On their second possession, the Bearcats’ Chris Ruhnke executed a 54-yard touchdown run, concluding a 78-yard drive and securing an early lead. Central Oklahoma responded with a 75-yard drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run by Dev Matthews, leveling the score.
As the first quarter drew to a close, both teams exchanged possessions without further scoring. The period ended with the score tied at 7-7, setting the stage for a competitive contest.
The second period opened with a strong defensive stance from Northwest Missouri State, forcing the Bronchos to punt after a short drive. Northwest Missouri State capitalized on the opportunity, with Zechariah Owens completing a critical 10-yard pass to Erwin Nash to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, leading to another punt. Northwest has won 88 straight games when leading at halftime, a streak they would continue by the end of this game.
Central Oklahoma struggled to gain momentum, with a key sack by Jordan Pigram pushing them back in their territory. Later, a holding penalty further hindered their progress, resulting in a punt. As the period wound down, Northwest Missouri State struck with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Ruhnke to Nash, extending their lead. The scoring drive was set up by a 17-yard punt return by Dominic Myers. The half closed with Northwest Missouri State ahead, 14-7.
Northwest Missouri State opened the third quarter with a scoring drive, covering 75 yards in a rapid 2:31. Ruhnke connected with Nash on a 24-yard pass to set the tone, and Te’Shaun Porter capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown rush, extending the lead to 21-7. The home team’s defensive unit then held firm, allowing only a 32-yard field goal from Joseph Kim to Central Oklahoma, maintaining a significant advantage.
Later in the quarter, Northwest Missouri State’s offense continued its efficiency, embarking on another 75-yard march. Quincy Torry’s 4-yard rush into the end zone increased the lead further, with Mo Alwaely’s successful extra point making it 28-10. Alwaely also made his first field goal as a Bearcat during this game. The period concluded with Northwest Missouri State firmly in control, having expanded their lead and limited Central Oklahoma’s scoring opportunities.
The fourth quarter began with a defensive stand by Northwest Missouri State, as Cooper Berry and Nile Schuett combined for a tackle for loss on a 4th-and-2 attempt by Central Oklahoma, resulting in a turnover on downs. Northwest Missouri State capitalized swiftly, with Ruhnke connecting with Jackson Miller for a 68-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead. Alwaely’s extra point made it 35-10 in favor of Northwest Missouri State.
Central Oklahoma responded with a touchdown drive, capped by William Mason’s 11-yard rush, but they failed to convert on the subsequent two-point attempt. Northwest Missouri State’s next possession saw them drive into field goal range, where Alwaely successfully kicked a 40-yard field goal, increasing the lead to 38-16.
As the quarter progressed, Northwest Missouri State’s defense continued to apply pressure, highlighted by Parker Bowen’s interception and 19-yard return with just over two minutes remaining. Northwest Missouri State maintained possession and control, culminating in a decisive victory with the final score at 38-16.
Ruhnke completed 9-of-17 passes for 194 yards and threw two touchdowns while also rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Nash led the receiving corps with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Porter carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards, finding the end zone once. Defensively, Parker Bowen recorded 11 tackles to lead the team and collected his second career interception.
Game Notes:
– The Bearcats have won four consecutive games to move to 4-1 on the year … Northwest is 7-0 all-time at home vs. Central Oklahoma … the victory marked the first win over a ranked foe since John McMenamin took over as Bearcat head coach this season, improving his all-time record to 3-2 against ranked opponents … notably, Central Oklahoma was No. 15 in the nation in the AFCA NCAA Div. II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
(courtesy NW Missouri St. sports information)
