The Red Raiders moved up to 17th in this week’s NAIA poll after a 59-38 win over Briar Cliff last Saturday, September 25. Northwestern’s record improved to 3-1.
The Raiders gained 514 yards and scored the most points since 1994, when they scored 65 against Concordia.
Senior Taylor Malm and sophomore Brandon Smith led the NW rushing attack, which totaled 332 yards. Malm rushed for 123 yards on 13 carries and had a career-high four touchdowns. Smith found the endzone twice and gained a career-high 151 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per carry. Freshman Theo Bartman scored the first touchdown of his college career and had six carries for 32 yards.
Junior Jayme Rozeboom had his best day yet at quarterback, completing 12 of 16 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Tyler Walker was his top target, totaling four catches for 100 yards and one touchdown. Malm also added three catches for 13 yards and sophomore Jon De Haan had two for 18 yards.
Junior Ben Aguilera led the defense with seven tackles. Seniors Caleb Blauwet and T. J. Lensch each added six tackles. Seniors Caleb Van Otterloo, Jon Gerber and Jordan Halvorsen each had one interception, and sophomore Nate Fischer recovered a fumble as NW forced four turnovers.
The Raiders host Morningside for homecoming this Saturday, Oct. 2, at 1:30 p.m. The Mustangs also moved up in this week’s poll, holding the number four spot to go along with an undefeated record.