By Logan Jones
Asst. Sports Editor
Big plays on both sides of the ball gave the Rangers their first win of the 2018 season over the Henderson State Reddies, 30-24.
This marks the first time that HSU has lost to a team in the state of Oklahoma.
Northwestern jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead after their first two possessions thanks in part to big runs by redshirt-junior running back, Jacob Peyton, and a one-handed catch in the endzone by wide receiver, Kentrez Bell.
Peyton finished the night with 171 yards on 14 carries.
Quarterback, Isaiah Weed finished the game 20-for-35 with 298 yards and two touchdowns, while Bell led the Ranger receivers with 98 yards
On the defensive side of the ball, Jimmie Pace was all over the field with seven tackles, including five solo tackles, and two sacks. The Great American Conference’s leading tackler, Dakota Driskill, had nine tackles and a sack.
Henderson State would answer back with two touchdowns of their own later on in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, both teams seemed to reach a stalemate as neither were able to get into the endzone.
Coming down to the final seconds of the first half, Northwestern kicker, Zave Goodrich, notched a 29-yard field goal to put the
Rangers up 17-14 at halftime.
HSU answered back with a touchdown in the third giving the Reddies a 17-24 lead.
When the fourth quarter came around, NWOSU made their move, scoring a 57-yard touchdown pass from Weed to Miles Mitchusson. After the extra point, the game was tied at 24.
After the defense forced the Reddies to go three-and-out on their next possession, Weed completed four passes to move the ball down the field, including a huge catch at the one yard line by Gavin Garner falling out of bounds.
Jalen Williams punched it in for a touchdown to put the Rangers on top, 30-24.
With time still on the clock, the Ranger defense had to shut down the Henderson State offense.
After a huge interception by Trey Merritt, Northwestern looked to burn out the clock for the win.
However, things didn’t quite go as planned.
The Reddies forced a fumble and recovered the ball a few yards shy of mid-field. Due to their field positon, HSU was forced to take a few shots downfield but to no avail.
On the final play of the game, Qua’Shawn Grey picked off an HSU pass, sealing the game and the Rangers victory.
With the win, NWOSU moves to 1-2 on the season.
The Rangers are set to take on the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm in Durant on Sept. 22.