By ELY NOBLE
Senior Reporter
The Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers battled against the Henderson State Reddies in their last home game of the 2024 season on Saturday.
The Reddies took control of the game early, getting the 44-10 victory. This victory bring Henderson State to a 7-2 record, pulling the Rangers down to 2-7 on the season.
The game began with both teams trading off punts, but Henderson State found the endzone first. A 40-yard rush and a 12-yard pass set up a two-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Reddies ahead 7-0 in the first quarter. They added to their lead with a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter bringing the score to 10-0.
Senior running back Darien Gill, who led the team with 46 rushing yards, shared his reflections on playing his final game at Ranger Field.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling. I’ve put a lot into this team, and its been a great journey.” Gill said. “We didn’t get the win today, but I’m proud of the guys and the fight we brought.”
Halfway into the second quarter, the Reddies added a five-yard touchdown pass to make the score 16-0.
Northwestern’s special teams came through when Cade Reynolds recovered a muff punt, allowing kicker Kale Purvis to get the Rangers on the board with a 25-yard field goal. The Rangers would head into halftime trailing the Reddies 16-3.
In the third quarter, the Reddies lead with a 36-yard touchdown pass and a 41-yard rushing touchdown to extend their lead to 30-3. Senior linebacker Coby Tillman lead the team with 13 tackles and added two tackles for loss.
To start the fourth quarter, quarterback Caleb Deal connected with Travis Romar for an electric 84-yard touchdown pass, the Rangers only touchdown of the game, making the score 37-10.
The Rangers defense forced a turnover with Eric Hughes recovering a fumble, Northwestern couldn’t tighten the game. Henderson State sealed the game with a final touchdown making the final score 44-10.
Reflecting on his time as a Ranger, Gill said, “Playing for Northwestern has been a dream come true. No matter what, I’ll always be a Ranger at heart.”
The Rangers played the game through some of the .8 inches of rain that fell in Alva on Saturday.
The Rangers head to Southern Arkansas on Nov. 9 for their next game.
Ranger linebackers Wilson Cal, No. 11, and Coby Tillman, No. 44, tackle Henderson State wide receiver, during the game Saturday at Ranger Field. Henderson won, 44-10.