For the first time since 2002, John McMenamin earned a win while wearing the Bearcat paw.
The first-year head coach guided Northwest Missouri State (1-1, 1-0 MIAA) to a 34-7 victory over Washburn Saturday in Topeka, KS, then was given the game ball in the postgame celebration by athletic director Dr. Andy Peterson.
"It's so much fun to be home, coaching these guys, and being a part of the Bearcats," McMenamin said after the win. "It's an honor."
An All-MIAA quarterback during his playing days from 1998-2002, McMenamin saw his offense take off with a balanced attack. The Bearcats racked up 246 rushing yards and 249 passing in a game they dominated.
Quarterbacks Chris Ruhnke and Zechariah Owens each had a touchdown pass to a running back in the opening quarter to stake Northwest to a 13-0 lead. They tacked on another score in the third on an 11-yard run by Dominic Myers.
The rout was on when Owens hit tight end Gannon Gragert on 4th & 4, and Gragert turned upfield and scored from 17 yards out.
Northwest had a stranglehold on the Washburn offense throughout the day. The Ichabods didn't register a first down until later in the second quarter, and converted just one of 14 opportunities on third downs.
Washburn quarterback Justin Lewis had pressure in his face throughout the day, and was sacked seven times. Sophomore Jordan Pigram tallied three of the take downs — the first three sacks of his career.
Northwest will play its home opener next Saturday, September 13, when Texas A&M Kingsville visits for the first time since 2010. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30pm. Pregame on KXCV 90.5 and KRNW 88.9 begins at 12:30pm.