The Northwest Missouri Bearcats will be trying to book their fifth trip to the NCAA Division II National Championship game when they take on the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans tonight in Maryville. This will be the first ever meeting between these two schools.The Bearcats come into this game after a heart stopping win last week on the road against top ranked Central Washington. Northwest was able to block an extra point attempt with just six seconds on the clock that would have tied the score and sent the game into overtime.
The Vulcans had a much easier quarterfinal contest as they were also on the road playing West Liberty. California was in control from the opening kick off and won easily, 57-35.
Northwest will also have two winning streaks on the line tonight at Bearcat Stadium. The Bearcats have won 12 straight home games, and nine post season games in a row at home. Northwest has a record of 16-3 at home in the playoffs.
The Vulcans have never faced a team from Missouri or any of the current members of the 10-team Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Northwest Missouri State will be the the fourth opponent this season that California University never faced prior to the 2009 campaign. The Vulcans have won two of the three debuts against new opponents this year.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 7:30.