By TRAVIS HARMON-SMITH
Sports Editor
Most nationally ranked programs have high-caliber expectations.
NCAA Division II seventh-ranked Henderson State showed its national powerhouse expectations Saturday afternoon, defeating the Rangers 63-14 at home.
Coming into last Saturday’s match-up, Northwestern knew that the Reddies of Henderson State would be their most prominent opponent on the Great American Conference schedule.
Henderson State started off the first half showcasing its dynamic offensive formations with All-American quarterback Kevin Rodgers under center. Rodgers, who is regarded as one of the best in the NCAA Division II ranks for passing yardage, seemed relaxed against Northwestern. The Reddies came out a little slow during the first quarter of play, as Northwestern’s defense performed solid early on at the. Northwestern retained possession after the Ranger defense forced the first punt of the game with 14:43 left in the first quarter.
Freshman quarterback Ty Hooper started under center for the Ranger offense. It was his first collegiate game as a young player against a nationally ranked, prolific program like Henderson State. Hooper did not feel any pressure in the first half, as he found four different Northwestern receivers who all caught passes longer than 25 yards against the Reddies defense.
Hooper’s performance against Henderson State proved why he has a bright future at quarterback. The freshman finished the day against the Henderson State defense, going 17-for-41 for 228 yards, three interceptions, and a touchdown.
Despite the interceptions, the Northwestern offense was still able to display some positives. Northwestern true freshman wide receiver DaShawn Gordon responded with a touchdown as he caught four passes for 86 receiving yards for the day.
Northwestern’s running back corps of Justin Lord and Malcolm Robinson accumulated a season low in rushing yards with 44 and 25 yards respectively on the ground.
Defensively, the Rangers could not capitalize on any of the Henderson State offensive plans as Reddies quarterback Rodgers accumulated enormous numbers to add to his season statistical average; he completed 76 percent of his passes for 296 yards, four touchdowns, and a late interception by Northwestern defensive back Jordan Norris.
Henderson State scored a significant amount points during the second half as they racked up high efficiency in total offensive yardage by gaining 619 yards on 90 plays, 6.9 yards per play. Henderson State accumulated most of their offensive success with short passes run out of the shotgun formation.
Toward the end of the fourth quarter, the Reddies scored four touchdowns in the last minutes of the quarter.
Northwestern will return back to Ranger Field Saturday for a home match-up against Great American Conference opponent Ouachita Baptist for Military Appreciation Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.