Northwest Missouri State showed its mark of being a good team early in the third quarter Thursday evening in front of 6,821 fans at Bearcat Stadium in the season-opener against Saginaw Valley.

The Cardinals stopped Northwest in the first possession of the second half. Saginaw then went 74 yards in six plays for a touchdown with a 11:40 left in the third.

Even though the Bearcats still held an 11-point lead, the momentum had clearly shifted to Saginaw. One miscue or poor offensive series and Northwest was looking at a nail biter.

The Bearcats quickly took the suspense out of the game when senior quarterback Trevor Adams tossed a 70-yard touchdown pass to senior Clint Utter.

It took Northwest less than two minutes to regain an 18-point lead. Saginaw Valley never recovered as the Bearcats came away with an impressive 45-24 victory.

“The momentum switched our way and that is huge in football,” Utter said. “When that happened, everybody got hyped on the sideline and our crowd got hyped. When it gets loud, it can mess with some team’s head.

“They are a tough team and we kept playing harder and harder and got the victory.”

Adams completed 15 of 20 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown. Utter caught four passes for 160 yards.

“The offensive line did a phenomenal job,” Adams said. “The backs did a great job picking up blitzes. We prepared as a unit.”

While the Bearcats weren’t perfect, it was the perfect type of first game that the Northwest players and coaches can gain plenty from.

“I’m very proud of our kids effort,” Northwest head coach Adam Dorrel said.”We put a lot of preparation in this first game and it started in spring practice. I’d also like to thank our strength and conditioning coach. I try to give Joe Quinlin the game ball but he had already left. I thought our kids’ conditioning took over in the second, third and fourth quarters. That is a testament to our kids’ work ethic.”

Northwest showed signs of a potent offense in weeks to come and a defense that could make stops when it absolutely needs to.

But the Bearcats made enough errors on both sides of the ball that the coaches will use to get Northwest ready for an early-season showdown against Central Missouri on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. In a shocking development, the game against the Mules will be played in Maryville. The previous three regular-season meetings with UCM have been in Warrensburg, Mo.

“It has been awhile since we played them at home,” Dorrel said. “The last time was in the playoffs in 2010. We are just excited to be home against a great conference opponent. Hopefully, we will have another great crowd at Bearcat Stadium.”

Against Saginaw Valley, the Bearcats showed another trait of a good team. Key players made big plays at important times.

Obviously, the long touchdown pass from Adams to Utter was huge in the third quarter.

But most of the game-changing plays by the Bearcats came in the second quarter when they needed to gain control of the game.

“The block punt for a touchdown and a block field goal for a touchdown were huge. Getting 14 points on special team is unbelievable,” Dorrel said. “I was proud of our kids there.

“We talked about winning the turnover battle. We didn’t turn the ball over once and got turnover on defense.”

Judging by Northwest’s sizeable 35-17 halftime lead, it is a bit hard to believe the score was so one sided unless you were there and witnessed Saginaw Valley’s gritty effort.

In fact, the Cardinals scored the first points of the game on a 28-yard field goal a little more than three minutes into the game.

The Bearcats answered four minutes later on a two-yard run by senior running back Billy Creason, giving Northwest its first lead of the season at 7-3.

Northwest, though, had to fight from another deficit when the Cardinals scored four minutes later. It was that type of first half. Northwest led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter and was clinging to a 21-17 lead with just under five minutes left in the second quarter.

Obviously, the Bearcats finished the half strong. With 2:32 left in the second quarter, junior running back Robert Burton scored his second touchdown of game on a 13-yard run that gave the Bearcats a 28-17 lead.

And just before the second quarter ended, the biggest play of the half occurred for the Bearcats when senior defensive back Brandon Dixon recovered a fumble and raced 70 yards for a touchdown with 10 seconds before halftime.

“I saw the ball, picked it up and ran for a touchdown,” Dixon said.

The late scores were important because the Cardinals demonstrated an explosive offense.

— Northwest Sports Information —

The Northwest Missouri State women’s basketball team and first-year head coach Michael Smith have released its schedule for the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.

“I think everyone here is excited about the start of the season,” said Smith. “We have a new staff and we are going to bring a new look and a new style to Bearcat basketball. We have a good mix of returners who bring some postseason experience along with a talented group of newcomers. I think our early season games will prepare us for a tough MIAA season.”

Following an exhibition game against Illinois State on Nov. 3, the Bearcatsopen regular season play on Nov. 9 when they take on Quincy University on the road. Northwest will host Truman State for its home opener Nov. 16 during the Winstead-Reeves Classic. The two-day tournament will conclude on Nov. 17 when the Bearcats host William Jewell.

MIAA conference play begins on Nov. 24 as Northwest heads to Pittsburg State to take on the Gorillas.

Bearcat Arena will see a lot of action early in the 2013-14 season, as six of the first eight conference games will be played at home. Three MIAA opponents qualified for last season’s NCAA tournament. The Bearcats will face Emporia State on the road on Jan. 9 and will head to Topeka, Kan., to face Washburn two days later on Jan. 11. Northwest will host Central Missouri on Jan. 18 before closing the regular season in Warrensburg, Mo., on March 1.

Click here to view the entire schedule.

— Northwest Sports Information —

The fourth-ranked Northwest Missouri State University football team will be holding its final scrimmage, Thursday, Aug. 29, at Bearcat Stadium. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday’s scrimmage will also feature the annual ‘Meet the Bearcats,’ as posters, schedule cards and other Bearcat items will be available at no cost. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet the 2013 Bearcats players and coaches on the turf of Mel Tjeerdsma Field for pictures and autographs starting at 5:15 p.m., with football action starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Bearcats will go through an intrasquad scrimmage to close pre-season camp. The evening’s format will consist of four-12 minute quarters. There will be a running clock in the first and third quarters andregular timing rules will be in effect for the second and fourth quarters. Regular game scoring will be in place. The squads will be broken up into green and white teams for the scrimmage.

The Bearcats will open the season Thursday, Sept. 5 for their only non-conference game of the 2013 season, hosting Saginaw Valley State. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m., at Bearcat Stadium.

Fans are also encouraged to become a member of the Bearcat Booster Club and support each and every Northwest student-athlete. In addition, you will receive a wide variety of benefits and specials offers based on your membership level.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State University head baseball coach Darin Loe has announced the signing of 21 true freshmen and two transfers for the 2013-14academic year.

“I really like the core of older players that we have returning to our program and did not want to cover them up with transfer players,” explained Loe. “I will look for that group to lead this great group of younger players for this year and years to come.

“This class has quality talent and depth and could be the most talented class we have had here at Northwest.”

Pitchers Alex Cross and Tony Forcelledo both arrive at Northwest after beginning their collegiate careers at North Central CC and Quincy University (Ill.), respectively. Both will be entering their junior seasons.

“We always need depth and experience on the mound and that is what our 2 transfer pitchers will give us,” Loe said. “We are excited to get our guys back on campus and start working in our fall season”

Freshmen signees from Missouri include Joe Adamson (Raytown South HS), Hondo Pearcy (Archbishop O’Hara HS), Matt Ridgway (Mexico HS), Tyler Tripp (Maryville HS), Zane Wilt (Savannah HS) and Jesus Villegas (Fort Osage, HS).  They will join Nebraska natives Chase Nuzum (Omaha North HS), Nate Walter (Omaha Millard North HS), Austin Wulff (OmahaMillard West HS), Brendan Jensen (Omaha North HS), Rex Raetz (Lincoln Pius X HS) and Austin Plath (Omaha Burke HS).

There are six California natives joining the Bearcats; Jacob Wagner (John F. Kennedy, HS), Luke Wilkinson (Sonora HS), Jaden Alsop (Ronald E. McNair HS), Nikko Pablo (Ronald E. McNair HS), Johnathon Dennis (La Serra HS) and Zach Ferreira (La Habra HS). Also included in the class are Illinois natives CJ Duffeck (Riverside Brookfield HS) and Thomas Smith (Lockport Township HS). Carter Gladstone (Valley Christian HS) comes to Northwest from Phoenix, Ariz. In all, this year’s class includes residents from five states.

“We really went after the top talented freshman for this year’s recruiting class,” said Loe. “We want this group to be a key part of our success for this year and the foundation of our success in future years.”

— Northwest Media Relations —

Northwest Missouri State head soccer coach Tracy Hoza has announced that the team will be hosting a free youth soccer clinic at Bearcat Pitch on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Registration for the free clinic, which is open to students in grades 1-thru-8, will take place at Bearcat Pitch beginning at 1 p.m. and the clinic will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Northwest soccer team will be having a scrimmage from noon to 1 p.m. and will be available for autographs and photos following the clinic.

“Finding ways to give back to the community is something our team takes great pride in,” said Hoza. “Our players really enjoy interacting with area youth soccer players. Teaching kids the game that our players love while benefiting the local area really makes this a great event for everyone.”

Participants are encouraged to donate school supplies, such as spiral notebooks, notebook paper, backpacks, glue, washable markers or folders to help benefit the Back to School Supplies Program, sponsored by Community Services, Inc. Cash donations will also be accepted with proceeds going directly to Community Services, Inc., which benefits the local five-county area (Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth).

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State University head tennis coach Mark Rosewell has been named to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Heart of America District Board of Directors. Rosewell will help coordinate efforts to promote the game of tennis to youths in the Midwest region.

“I’m very honored to be named to this board,” said Rosewell. “I’ve been on numerous committees and being a part of anything that helps grow the sport of tennis is something I feel very strongly about.”

Rosewell has amassed 948 career victories in his storied 31-year collegiate coaching career. He has been named MIAA Coach of the Year 23 times and has captured 25 MIAA Titles (12 men, 13 women). Rosewell has also guided his teams to 31 NCAA Tournament appearances, including last year’s round of 16 appearance for the Bearcat men’s team.

Previously, Rosewell had served for three years on the NCAA Division II National Tennis Committee. He was also a six-year member of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Board of Directors and was the national chair of the ITA awards for 10 years.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State punter Kyle Goodburn and defensive back Brandon Dixon each garnered preseason All-America honors from USA College Football and College Football America this week.

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Goodburn was named third team All-America last season as well as first team All-MIAA during his sophomore campaign while being tabbed the D2Football Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against then-No. 1 Pittsburg State.

Dixon was named to the Daktronics and D2Football second-team All-America squads in 2012. The senior snatched fiveinterceptions and returned one for a touchdown against East Central in the team’s 33-3 victory to start the 2012 season.

The Bearcats will open fall camp Aug. 15 in preparation for the season opener at Bearcat Stadium against Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State University head soccer coach Tracy Hoza has announced the Bearcats’ 2013 schedule. This year’s slate includes eight home games at Bearcat Pitch and features games against three 2012 NCAA tournament qualifiers.

“Our schedule this year is similar to last year,” said Hoza. “We are going to play some really good in-region teams that makes for a tough schedule and some great competition.

Hoza’s 2013 squad will feature 18 returning letterwinners and 10 starters.

“For us, the key to the season is to finish strong,” Hoza explained. “We have to keep the momentum throughout the season. Our biggest expectation is for our team to perform and if they do that, we will be better on the field. He have good players who have plenty of experience. We just need to stay disciplined especially near the end of the year when we have to play on the road.”

The season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 5, as the Bearcats welcome Wayne State in the home opener. Northern State will visit on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m.After a weekend trip in Minnesota to play at St. Cloud State (Sept. 13) andWinona State (Sept. 15), the Bearcats return home to host Lindenwood in theMIAA opener.

A unique four-day stretch pits Northwest against rival Missouri Western twice, beginning in St. Joseph on Sept. 24 followed by a rematch on Sept. 27 at Bearcat Pitch. October begins with trips to Graceland (Oct. 1), Northeastern State (Oct. 4) and NCAA qualifier Central Oklahoma (Oct. 6). After hosting Emporia State (Oct. 11), the team heads to Washburn (Oct. 13) then returns home for home matches against Nebraska-Kearney (Oct. 18) and NCAA qualifier FortHays State (Oct. 20).

After a trip to Southwest Baptist (Oct. 24), the Bearcats will play back-to-back games against NCAA qualifier Central Missouri, starting in Warrensburg on Oct. 26 and returning to Maryville on Nov. 1. The regular season concludes at Missouri Southern on Nov. 3.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State head volleyball coach Amy Woerth has announced the Bearcats’ 2013 schedule. This year’s slate includes four 2012 NCAA tournament qualifiers and seven 20+ win teams.

“This year’s schedule will be a good challenge for us,” explained Woerth. “We’re looking forward to not only taking on the tough MIAA schedule but also playing strong in-region opponents. We always preach that every night we have to bring our ‘A game’ to compete and I’m excited to lead this squad to that high standard.”

Northwest will gain a good feel for life on the road early as it plays 17 of its first 18 games away from the friendly confines of Bearcat Arena.

“In order to set ourselves up for a strong in-region record, we will have to become road warriors,” said Woerth. “Playing on the road that many games is really just a mind over matter focus. Obviously we would love to play at home every contest, but that’s not the case.  So you make the best of the situation and you have fun beating people on their home courts.”

The 2013 season begins with tournaments at Winona State (Sept. 6-7) and at Sioux Falls (Sept. 13-14). The Bearcats will open their home and MIAA schedule on Sept. 17, when they host rival Missouri Western at 7 p.m. Northwest thenhits the road again for the next nine matches, including a stop in the Missouri Southern Tournament in Joplin, Mo., where a match against NCAA qualifier Southwestern Oklahoma State will take place on Oct. 12.

The remainder of the 2013 home schedule includes games against NCAA tournament participants Central Missouri (Oct. 15), Washburn (Oct. 25) and Nebraska-Kearney (Nov. 9). Other home matches include Emporia State (Oct. 26), Lindenwood (Nov. 1), Missouri Southern (Nov. 2) and Southwest Baptist (Nov.15).

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri Sate head golf coach Patrick McLaughlin has announced the signing of Taylor Gardner for the fall 2013 season. Gardner is a native of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and will compete immediately for the Bearcats.

Gardner had had an accomplished prep career for the Lady Reds. As a senior, she was a first-team All-District and All-Region performer and finished third in the 2A Iowa State high school golf tournament. She also set school records for nine and 18 hole scoring as well as total wins in a season. As a junior, she was second-team All-State while placing second in district and winning seven of nine dual matches during the season.

“With our signing of Taylor Gardner, I believe we have put together one of the best recruiting classes we have ever had,” said McLaughlin. “All three newcomers are strong academically and were first team performers in their respective states. I am looking forward to having them immediately contribute to make our program even stronger in the MIAA and the region. I am very excited to get our golf season started.”

Northwest will look to improve on the team’s 2012-13 finish, which was the best in program history. The Bearcats will be comprised of five returnees along with freshmen signees Gardner, Hannah Sears and Kaydrie Bergner.

— Northwest Sports Information —