By RYAN SHUMAKER, Student Reporter
Northwestern had a rough go against arch-rival Southwestern in Weatherford. The Bulldogs pulled away in the second half, downing the Rangers in the final game of the season by a final score of 47-16.
Senior quarterback, Reid Miller led the Rangers in passing despite leaving the contest in the third quarter due to injury. Miller finished his Ranger career going 16-28 for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Runningback Jacob Peyton led the Rangers rushing attack with 17 carries for 72 yards. Wide receiver Tamarick Courtney grabbed six catches for 135 yards throughout the evening. Halfback Riley Hess also had a productive night with five receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown grab.
Freshman Maurice Wright Jr. capped off his outstanding season with 12 total tackles as well as two pass break-ups. Safety Shane Collins followed up his impressive performance against Harding with seven total tackles. Corner Aharon Barnes had five pass break ups in the Rangers secondary.
It took both teams multiple drives to finally settle in, but Southwestern struck first with an 83-yard drive to put the first points on the scoreboard. Miller and company continued to struggle and wouldn’t find the end zone until after the Bulldogs scored again, making the score 14-7 late in the second quarter.
Following the Miller to Hess touchdown connection, the Bulldogs quickly found pay dirt again and extended their lead to 20-7, which they would carry into the half.
The Rangers regrouped and marched down the field in their opening drive of the second half, setting up a 36-yard Andrew Lesnick field goal. The ten-point cushion would only last 19 seconds however, as the Bulldogs scored on a 38-yard rush on the first play of the following drive.
The Rangers would hang tough and answer the Bulldogs quick strike with a one-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Cody Weinzheimer to slot-receiver Arte’ Miura Jr. Weinzheimer checked into the game after Miller left the contest in the third quarter, which seemed to be the major difference the rest of the way in.
Southwestern kept the Rangers at a comfortable distance throughout the remainder of the third quarter and then finished off the rivalry game with three straight fourth-quarter touchdowns, extending the score to 47-16.
Northwestern will begin off-season work outs and return to the field for the annual spring game next semester. The Rangers will look to continue to improve, as they have done in both seasons under head coach Matt Walter.