After an exciting 31-28 victory over the 3rd ranked Bearcats of Northwest Missouri State the Missouri Western football team jumped eight spots to 17th in the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Poll. Western defeated the 3rd ranked Bearcats for the first time since 2003 and it marks the highest ranked team the Griffons have defeated since joining the NCAA in 1989.

Three other MIAA school were in the top 15 as Washburn sits 6th while Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri sit at 9th and 11th after losses last week.

The Griffons have currently won six straight football games coming into this week’s match-up Fort Hays State Tigers. Western holds a 8-2 overall record and 6-2 in MIAA play while the Tigers are 4-6 overall and 3-5 in MIAA action. Game time is set for 2:00 pm from Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kan.

— MWSU Sports Information —