Freshman running back Jacob Kalogonis accelerates through a hole that junior offensive lineman Taylor Kooi helps create with a bone-crunching block.
The Red Raiders bounced back from a tough loss against Dakota Wesleyan on Oct. 22 with a convincing performance against Midland University on Oct. 29.
The Red Raider offense racked up 41 points during the win, but it was the defense that really stole the show, keeping the Warriors out of the end zone for the whole game. The final score was 41-0.
Senior defensive end Sam Van Ginkel led the charge, picking up seven tackles and four sacks during the game. Van Ginkel’s four sacks broke both the Northwestern team and GPAC single game record.
This performance also earned Van Ginkel NAIA Defensive Player of the Week. This brings his season total up to 36.5 sacks, which is also a school and GPAC record.
Other Raiders to pitch in on defense were seniors Josh Treybal and Miguel Alvarado, as well as sophomore Logan Richard, who all registered seven tackles on the day.
The defense was further bolstered by a 34-yard pick six by senior Donovan Weldon and a 25-yard fumble recovery by sophomore Jed Van’t Hof.
The NW rushing attack was led by freshman Jacob Kalogonis, who picked up 178 yards on 19 carries. Junior J.C. Koerselman picked up NW’s only rushing touchdown.
Senior Jonathon Kodama completed 12 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns, and fellow senior Craig Bruinsma three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown as well.
Junior receivers Jared Nelson and Levi TeBrink as well as senior Landon Johnson all caught a touchdown pass apiece.
The win improved NW’s record to an even 4-4 on the season, 4-2 in the GPAC. The Raiders will host eight ranked Doane at home this Saturday, Nov. 5.
