by Athletic Communications
Northwestern Oklahoma State University football closed the road portion of the season with an explosive first-half at Southern Nazarene, Saturday night as the Rangers rolled to a 35-21 victory.
With the Crimson Storm leading the game 7-0 early in the first quarter, the Rangers responded with a touchdown on their next possession to knot the game at 7-7. SNU would then retake the lead on the ensuing kickoff, that was returned 90 yards, and then they stretched the lead to 14 at the four-minute mark of the quarter.
The reigning Great American Conference Special Team Player of the Week Aharon Barnes, would return his own kickoff 99 yards to cut the SNU lead to 21-14, which is the score at the end of the first quarter. Barnes returned two kickoffs for 138 yards, 69 yards per return.
Gavin Garner started the scoring in the second quarter when he caught a pass from Tanner Clarkson, going 54 yards to the house, to tie the game at 21-21
Kenny Miller punched in a four yard run to give the Black-and-Red the lead with 7:11 to go in the first half.
The Rangers would add one more touchdown on the ground, this time by Calion Baker from two yards out to give Northwestern the 35-21 lead, the score which ends up being the final score.
Conner O’Neal was a perfect 5-for-5 on PAT attempts.
Clarkson threw for 162 yards on 18-of-30 passing, collecting two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing going for 81 yards on 13 attempts. Baker rushed for 30 yards on eight attempt and Miller gained 19 yards on nine attempts.
Garner was the leading receiver for Northwestern catching six passes for 95 yards, Raphael Edwards Jr. gained 34 yards on four receptions. Garner and Kentrez Bell each caught a touchdown for the Rangers.
Defensively Northwestern was led by Cam White and Maurice Wright Jr., who each had nine tackles, seven of which were solo. Qua’Shawn Gray also had seven solo tackles out of his eight total tackles. Marcus Brent collected 2.5 tackles for loss on five tackles.
The Black-and-Red will return home to face archrival Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday November 16 at 3 p.m., which will be senior day at Ranger Field.