By BRANDON WILLIS
Student Writer
The Northwestern Oklahoma State football team loses on Senior Day against crosstown rival Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs 31-17 at home on Saturday.
Senior Day in college football is an emotional day for fans, players, and coaches. It is a day of celebrating the commitment to their team and university but it is also a farewell as it will be there last game in Alva.
There were 15 seniors honored for the Rangers.
When play got underway at Ranger Field, the Rangers faced adversity early as the Bulldogs running back Kenneth Martey exploded for a 93 yard touchdown run on their first possession of the game.
Northwestern managed to respond in their first possession with a 14 play drive that resulted in a 21 yard field goal by Will Hawkins.
At the 10:30 mark of the second quarter, the Bulldogs struck again as Karltrell Henderson broke out for a 66 yard touchdown which tied his longest run of the season.
After a stalled drive that resulted in a 44 yard punt by Will Hawkins, the Bulldogs wasted no time as they scored in three plays.
A 51 yard touchdown connection between Marc Evans and Derrick Styles put SWOSU up 21-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Red and Black got on track after a key stop by the Rangers defense. Then junior quarterback Reid Miller led a five play 29 yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run by Miller.
The Rangers defense led by junior defensive end Joby Saint Fleur, who ended the game with 8 tackles and 2 sacks, got another key stop as they forced SWOSU into a field goal.
The Rangers offense quickly responded with a 12 play 80 yard drive as Miller rushed for a 22 yard score to put the game at 24-17 SWOSU.
The Rangers needed one more stop and a quick score to force the game into overtime.
Unfortunately, it was not to be for the Red and Black as the Bulldogs put the nail in the coffin when Karltrell Henderson again broke free for a 25 yard touchdown run to seal the game at 31-17.
Reid Miller ended the game with 224 yards passing and two rushing touchdowns.
Senior running back Zachary Doyle finished his final game with 10 rushing attempts for 86 yards while also catching two passes.
Also in his final game wearing the red and black, Justin Schanbacher finished with four receptions for 16 yards. Senior kicker Will Hawkins ended the game a 21 yard field goal as well as 675 yards combined off of punts and kickoffs.
The Rangers finished the season with a disappointing 3-8 overall record and GAC record.