Northwest Missouri State put together its most complete performance of the season in a 52-3 drubbing of Fort Hays.
The Bearcats (6-1, 5-0 MIAA) rushed for 437 yards — the first time they've crossed the 400-yard threshold since 2019 — while limiting the Tigers to a season-low 131 total yards on Saturday afternoon.
The tone was set on the opening possession as Northwest marched 65 yards in 10 plays, only one pass, and capped it with the first of two Te'Shaun Porter touchdown runs.
The second Bearcat drive wasn't as methodical. Quarterback Zechariah Owens bolted down the field for a 56-yard touchdown run to push the advantage to 14 points. Owens also added a 73 yard rush in the third quarter, and Quincy Torry took one 85 yards as Northwest broke the game open.
Fort Hays' Caleb Heavner had the worst game of his career thanks to a persistent pass rush from Northwest. The junior quarterback passed for 63 yards while getting sacked five times.
Jordan Pigram led the attack with two sacks, while Parker Bowen, Devin Wilson and Clayton Power each got one.
The Tiger ground attack was held to just 44 yards as the Bearcats improved upon its MIAA-best run defense.
Northwest will be at home again next Saturday for a Homecoming matchup with Nebraska Kearney. Kickoff is set for 2pm. Pregame on KXCV 90.5 and KRNW 88.9 begins at 1pm.