ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Oct. 28, 2023) – Missouri Western scored touchdowns on five straight drives in the first half as the Griffons downed Northeastern State 44-0 on a soggy Saturday afternoon on Craig Field at Spratt Stadium.

Missouri Western (7-2, 6-2 MIAA) maintained its perfect record against Northeastern State (1-8, 0-8), as the Griffons have won all 13 meetings against the RiverHawks, dating back to 1994 – the season NSU won the NAIA football championship.

The RiverHawks were outgained 534 yards to 112. Running back Blake May had 13 carries for 48 yards while Jordan Guidry had a team-high four catches for 17 yards.

Missouri Western had two quarterbacks throw a touchdown pass in the first quarter, with Reagan Jones hitting Garrett Watson on a 3-yard strike and Armani Edden connecting with Jonas Bennett on a 19-yard scoring play. In the second quarter, Seth Cromwell (3 yards) and Jared Scott (1 yard) each rushed for a touchdown and Edden hit Tyler Carey on a 20-yard scoring pass. Scott later scored on a 37-yard run for Missouri Western.

NSU's best chance at scoring came when the RiverHawks drove 51 yards in 11 plays to the Missouri Western 24 in the second quarter, but Tyler Crawford missed a 40-yard field-goal attempt. In the third quarter, NSU reached the Missouri Western 33 before losing possession on downs.

Johnny Jean led the NSU defense with seven tackles, with Dalton Crumbly, Makarios Brown and LaKedrick Holmes each contributing six stops. Michael Moton recorded a first-quarter interception for the RiverHawks, returning it 25 yards.

NSU's final home game will be next Saturday, when Northwest Missouri State will visit Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium for a 2 p.m. game. The RiverHawks will close the season on Nov. 11 at Washburn (Kan.).