It took overtime to decide a game for the second straight week as Northwest Missouri fell and Missouri Western advanced in the NCAA Regional Playoffs.
Missouri Western 45, Henderson State 21
Missouri western took a 17-7 lead in the first quarter and made it hold up as the rolled to a 45-21 victory. Missouri Western picked off four Reddie passes as they advance to their first ever NCAA Division II Regional Championship.
Travis Partridge was 22 of 29 for 204 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also rushed for 10 total yards, but scored two touchdowns on the ground. Michael Hill carried the ball 27 times for 122 yards and a score while Reggie Jordan caught both the touchdowns passes. On defense Marc Harrison had seven tackles while Ray Cottman made seven stops and picked off a pass.
Minnesota State-Mankato 38, Northwest Missouri 35 2OT
Northwestern Missouri erased a 21-0 halftime deficit and scored 28 total second half points to force overtime. They matched the Maverick score in the first OT but a Trevor Adams interception followed by an MSU field goal decided the game.
Trevor Adams was 22 of 32 for 218 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Simmons in his return to the line-up rushed for 96 yards and a sore. Tyler Shaw, Jordan Simmons and Joel Gantz all finished with touchdowns receptions. On defense DJ Gnader finished with 15 total tackles and Brian Dixon picked off a pass.
Northwest Missouri’s season comes to an end, while Missouri Western will travel to MSU-Mankato on Dec. 1 for a 12 noon kickoff.
