Northwest Missouri advances in NCAA D-II football playoffs. Central Missouri is out

It’s that time of year. Northwest Missouri is moving on in the NCAA Division II football playoffs.

MIAA co-champion Northwest Missouri State rolled past Lindenwood 63-7 Saturday in Maryville, Mo., in the second round of the playoffs.

Central Missouri, meanwhile, did not fare so well. The Mules, who shared the MIAA regular-season crown with Northwest, fell to top-seeded Ferris State 37-10 Saturday in Big Rapids, Mich.

Central Missouri finishes its season 11-2, tying a program record for most victories. Brook Bolles threw for 253 yards for the Mules, with wide receiver Drew Slager catching eight passes for 125 yards.

Northwest improved to 12-1 and will play at Ferris State Dec. 7 in the tournament quarterfinals. It could be a battle fought and won on the ground. In its win over Lindenwood, the Bearcats rushed for 413 yards. Ferris State ran for 372 Saturday.

Isaiah Strayhorn rushed for 178 yards for Northwest and had two touchdowns.

Northwest is now 50-17 all-time in the Division II playoffs and has won 24 consecutive home playoff games.

Kansas Wesleyan out in NAIA: In the NAIA quarterfinals, Kansas Wesleyan lost to Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 35-24 in Salina. It was Kansas Wesleyan’s first loss of the season. The Coyotes finish 12-1.

This story was originally published November 30, 2019 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Northwest Missouri advances in NCAA D-II football playoffs. Central Missouri is out."