By Denise Cronister
Student Reporter
After going into double-overtime, Southern Nazarene University made a charge to knock off the Rangers at home on Senior Day, 37-34.
NWOSU football held a two-score lead for three quarters. This was the first time since 2005 the Rangers were forced to compete in overtime. The Crimson Storm outscored the Rangers 20-7 in the fourth quarter.
SNU’s first possession in the first overtime resulted in a touchdown. Shortly after, quarterback Cesar De Leon hit Raphael Edwards Jr. on a slant route in the middle of the field to send the game into a second overtime.
The Rangers had the ball in the second overtime and after a nine-yard keeper by De Leon and interception in the end zone on second down, the ball found its way back to the Crimson Storm.
Rangers defense then forced SNU to attempt a field goal. SNU kicker Carlos Anguiano converted the field goal to give the visiting team the victory.
The Rangers offense racked up 532 yards, the highest output by the Rangers this season.
De Leon was 21-for 38 for 313 yards and three touchdowns.
This was the first time this season Northwestern had passed for over three hundred yards, while also posting 219 yards on the ground, also a season high.
The Northwestern Rangers have not had a 300-yard passing performance since 2016 against Arkansas Tech. Senior Horatio Smith hauled in six passed for De Leon for 114 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Rangers a two scored lead at that point.
Edwards had a career high five catches for 92 yards and the overtime touchdown.
Zave Goodrich, who took the home field for the last time in his career, had a successful afternoon with two field goals in the first half from 20 and 24 yards.
Tyson Gatewood was the leading rusher with his second 100-yard games as he finished with 113.
Fellow freshman Calion Baker logged his career high with 97 yards in 17 carries and a touchdown in the second quarter. Kyler Ferguson, Maurice Wright Jr, Trey Merreitt, and Huratio Smith all forced fumbles in the game.
Dakota Driskill led the defense with 13 tackles, and Furguson, a senior, was credited with 11.
Wright and Brent also wrapped up the SNU quarterback with on sack each.
NWOSU’s record dropped to 3-6 this season, while SNU’s moved to 2-8.
The Rangers look to get back on track next Saturday when they travel to Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.