Courtesy NW Missouri State Athletic Department:  www.NorthwestBearcats.com

Northwest stopped a two-point conversion with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter and recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure a 28-26 victory against Central Missouri Saturday at Bearcat Stadium.

The ninth-ranked Bearcats (5-1) remain alone atop the MIAA standings with a 5-0 record, while the Mules (4-3) drop to 3-2. Washburn, with its win against Emporia State Saturday, is the only one-loss team in the league at 4-1. It’s the 10 th time in the last 12 years that Northwest has won its first five conference contests.

Xavier Omon ran for more than 200 yards for the second consecutive game and for the fifth time in his career. He had an 80-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and finished with 217 yards on 25 carries to lead the Bearcats.