The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats advance to their fourth Division II national title game in a row after beating North Alabama 41-7 Saturday afternoon in Maryville.

The Bearcats are now 6-0 in semifinal games and head coach Mel Tjeersdma won his 25 th playoff game, most wins by any coach in Division II. 

Northwest jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter on two field goals from Tommy Frevert of 30 and 26.  The Bearcats also scored on a 10 yard pass from Joel Osborn to Brian Shannon half way through the first quarter.  LaRon Council also ran for his first of four touchdowns on the day.

Council ran for 139 yards on 28 carries.   Osborn threw for 7 of 16 for 54 yards.  The Bearcats never turned the ball over against a North Alabama team that was a +32 coming into the game.

The Bearcats will face Minnesota-Duluth next Saturday in Florence, Alabama for the Division II championship.  The Bearcats have lost the last three finals.