Benedictine, Baker, MNU all win, share 2024 league title | Area college football
Action-packed small-college football games were once again the rule across and beyond the Kansas City metro Saturday.
Here’s a rundown of highlights from the weekend:
MidAmerica Nazarene 70, Central Methodist 14: The Pioneers had a 41-3 advantage over Central Methodist in first downs and out-gained Central Methodist 740 yards to 36 in this blowout at Fayette, Mo.
With the victory, MidAmerica Nazarene clinched a share of the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship, along with Baker and Benedictine. Adrian Parsons completed 22 of 25 passes with four touchdowns for the Pioneers (9-1), who lost their first game of 2024 last week against Baker.
Benedictine 86, William Woods 0: The Ravens turned it on in Fulton, Mo., and did not let up. Benedictine scored 41 of its 86 points in the second quarter. The victory gave the Ravens a share of the Heart of America Athletic Conference title. Benedictine held William Woods to minus-61 yards rushing and 48 yards of total offense. Five of Vince Dooley’s 10 pass completions were for touchdowns for the Ravens.
Baker 16, Missouri Baptist 7: The Wildcats, playing at home in Baldwin City, Kan., clinched a share of the Heart of America Athletic Conference crown. Seth Simpson booted three field goals for Baker.
North Dakota State 59, Missouri State 21: The Bears’ eight-game win streak ended in Fargo against FCS No. 1 North Dakota State. Jacardia Wright had 68 yards rushing and 41 yards receiving for the Bears. Missouri State (8-3) next faces South Dakota State in Springfield on Nov. 23.
Pittsburg State 23, Northwest Missouri State 7: The Gorillas improved to 8-2 (7-2 MIAA) with a win at Maryville, Mo. Pitt State’s Luke Niggemann scored on a 7-yard return off a blocked punt and also rushed for two short TDs. The Gorillas will find out Sunday where they’ll play in the postseason, while the Bearcats’ season ends at 6-5.
Central Missouri 62, Missouri Southern 47: Senior Mules quarterback Zack Zebrowski completed an astounding 43 of 46 pass attempts for 569 yards and three TDs as host UCM earned its fifth straight victory ... on senior day, no less. Senior receiver Derrick Rose caught 10 passes for 148 yards, including a 60-yard TD. This one was a shootout from start to finish —Zebrowski also rushed for three TDs, while Lions QB Luke Sampson threw for 418 yards and six TDs of his own.
Fort Hays State 27, Nebraska-Kearney 20: Fort Hays State built a 24-0 lead by halftime and then held on in Kearney, Neb. Workhorse running back Shane Watts rushed for 175 yards on 30 carries for FHSU. Gaven Haselhorst had 1.5 sacks as the Tigers won their third straight game.
William Jewell 45, McKendree 14: Jewell’s star senior running back, Keaundre McCullough, gained 167 yards rushing with four TDs on 27 carries. The Cardinals closed out their season with a home victory and finished 4-6. Eric Ohmer had 12 solo tackles for William Jewell.
Washburn 35, Northeastern State (Okla.), 28: The Ichabods claimed a season-ending victory in Tahlequah, Okla., thanks to a 16-yard TD pass from Sam Van Dyne to Tre Richardson. It broke a 28-28 tie with 48 seconds left. Jaquez White put Washburn up 7-0 early with a 30-yard pick-six. Kella Hurla’s 53-yard run to the house put the Ichabods (3-8) up 28-14 in the third quarter.
Central Oklahoma 55, Emporia State 38: The Hornets lost their third straight, falling by 17 points in Edmond, Okla. ESU’s Tyler Kahmann caught 12 balls for 191 yards. Two of those went for touchdowns, both in the fourth quarter (and one covering 60 yards). The Hornets’ Trenden Collins also had 12 catches; his went for 178 yards, including a 73-yard TD.
Missouri Western 31, Quincy 16: Kienen Gaskin picked up a fumble and returned it 43 yards for a TD and 7-0 Griffons lead at St. Joseph. Missouri Western kept rolling from there and earned this one on the ground, literally — the Griffons rushed for 328 yards. Missouri Western’s season ends at 4-7.
Avila 32, Saint Mary 24: Avila closed out its season on a three-game winning streak ... and this one came at home. Caleb Perry made a one-handed catch and took it 35 yards for a TD that put the host Eagles up 10-3. Saint Mary’s Raymond Webster rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown in the contest.
Tabor 20, Ottawa 7: De’Anthonhy Curtis caught eight passes for 93 yards in the Braves’ season-ending loss at Hillsboro, Kan. Ottawa finishes its 2024 campaign with a record of 1-10.
Indianapolis 52, Lincoln 0: The host Blue Tigers could not keep up with the Greyhounds in a loss at Jefferson City, Mo. Linebacker Donte Moore was in on 11 tackles for Lincoln.
This story was originally published November 16, 2024 at 7:49 PM.