By TRAVIS HARMON-SMITH
Sports Editor
Northwestern hosted its home finale of the season against Great American Conference opponent Southern Nazarene Saturday afternoon on Senior Day, defeating the Crimson Storm 39-29.
“Today was a total team effort. I liked the way the guys responded,” said Head Coach Kevin Turco. “Reid Miller and Avery Morris played phenomenally well, and so did our offensive line.”
Southern Nazarene (0-10, 0-10 GAC) won the toss at center field and opted to kick off. With just 13:32 on the clock during the first quarter, Northwestern sophomore quarterback Miller handed off to senior running back Morris from the Ranger 44-yard line and Morris erupted for a 56-yard touchdown run to put Northwestern (2-7, 2-7 GAC) up 7-0.
Early in the second, Morris rushed for an 8-yard gain to the SNU 31. Shortly after, Miller scrambled outside the pocket for another 12-yard rush. Miller’s three-yard pass to Ranger receiver Micah Kee set up Morris for another 11-yard touchdown run, making the Ranger lead 14-0. As the second quarter started to wind down, SNU quarterback James Mauro found a little momentum offensively for the Crimson Storm as he connected with SNU receiver Myles Smith for a 14-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-7.
With 1:40 left before intermission, Mauro connected again with SNU receiver John Page for a 13-yard touchdown. Northwestern regained the lead seconds later, as Ranger kicker Will Dawkins kicked a 24-yard field goal in the last two seconds of the quarter, giving the Rangers a 17-14 lead at the half.
Crimson Storm quarterback James Mauro was ineffective in starting the third quarter, throwing two incompletions. When Northwestern regained the ball, Morris took the handoff for a one-yard loss before the Crimson Storm defense capitalized on a safety, which gave SNU two points on the board to cut the score 17-16. Two minutes later, Ranger punt returner Traveon Kelly fumbled a punt on the Northwestern 46. SNU’s BJ Smith recovered the ball and took it in for a five-yard touchdown, giving the Crimson Storm their first lead of the game, 23-17.
As the third quarter became more intense, Northwestern’s offense showed its play-making abilities and effective signal calling. With 2:41 left in the third, Northwestern freshman receiver Micah Kee wowed the Ranger fans as he escaped from the SNU defensive line for a 64-yard touchdown run, giving the Rangers a 24-23 lead.
SNU started off the fourth quarter gaining more efficiency in the running game. Crimson Storm running back Alex Laffoon’s 14-yard rush put SNU above Northwestern yet again 29-24 to start the fourth. However, the duo of Miller and Morris immediately responded.
Miller displayed some versatility at the quarterback position. Northwestern’s offense started the drive at its own 36 as Miller rushed for runs of three and 13 yards. Miller connected on a 16-yard pass to Morris for a first downSNU 28. Miller handed off to Morris once again for a 13-yard touchdown run, putting the lead in favor of Northwestern 32-29 with 9:02 left in the game.
Defensively, Northwestern performed solidly . Senior linebacker Alex Hemberger, who ranks second in the Great American Conference in tackles, put on a miraculous performance. He ended the day with 13 tackles, bringing his season total to 114. Northwestern’s secondary was led by senior cornerback Traveon Kelly. SNU had possession in a first and 10 situation with 6:23 left in the game, but Kelly intercepted a Crimson Storm pass for a 56-yard touchdown return, which solidified the Ranger’s second conference victory 39-29.
For the first time in weeks, the Ranger offense produced enormous numbers as they racked up 448 yards of total offense to SNU’s 437. Morris controlled the ground game, racking up 19 carries for 137 yards with three touchdowns. Miller also had an astounding performance, ending the day with 11 carries for 114 yard rushing and going 11-30 for 87 yards passing.
Ranger Football will travel this weekend to Weatherford, facing Great American Conference opponent and in-state rival Southwestern Oklahoma State for their last match-up of the season. Kick-Off is 2 p.m.