MARYVILLE, Mo. - The University of Central Missouri was likely eliminated from playoff contention Saturday in a 56-14 loss to Northwest Missouri State University, whose senior class completed a perfect 36-0 conference career.
Senior running back LaRon Council, a Kansas City native, helped NW Missouri complete the remarkable feat, rushing the ball 15 times for 130 yards in front of 6,642 fans at Bearcat Stadium.
Bearcat coach Mel Tjeerdsma said earlier in the week he wanted to
win this game for his seniors, but it was a junior who was named player of the game. Quarterback Blake Bolles, who took a seat on the bench in the 3rd quarter, finished the day 18-24 for 421 yards, 4 TDs and a rushing score.
The loss moves the Central Missouri Mules to 8-3 (5-3 MIAA). They came into the game ranked No. 6 in Super Region 4. With only the top 6 teams getting in, it is likely they will fall out of the hunt and not be included in this year's playoff bracket when it is announced Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Bearcats basically secure a 1st-round bye, which the top 2 seeds in each region earn. NW Missouri (10-1, 9-0), came into the week at No. 2 in the region and No. 3 in the country in both the AFCA Coaches Poll and the D2Football.com Media Poll.
Elsewhere in the MIAA, Missouri Western's playoff chances were seriously hurt in a 3
0-21 loss to Nebraska-Omaha, Pittsburg State completed its first losing series in coach Chuck Broyles' 20-year coaching stint, Washburn - who still has an outside shot at sneaking into the playoffs - beat Emporia State and Fort Hays beat Missouri Southern.
