Box Score

The Basics
Score: Monticello 56 – Northwestern 59
Records: Monticello (0-1, 0-1 GAC) – Northwestern (1-0, 1-0 GAC)
Location: Ranger Field - ALVA, Okla.
 
ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State came away with a big win in a thriller for the ages...and the record books. Northwestern's own, Reid Miller broke his own school record touchdowns in a single game, throwing seven in the 59-56 victory, while also tying the single-game touchdown record.

Individual Leaders

• In 2015 Reid Miller torched the Weevils for 379 yards and five touchdowns on 33-45, but had bigger plans in mind for this time around, throwing for 493 yards and a record-breaking seven touchdowns on the evening. 
• Anthony Cota was the leading rusher for the Black-and-Red, racking up 94 netted yards with a score, his first in a Ranger uniform.
• Horatio Smith also had a stellar game, going for two scores and 130 yards on three receptions.
• DB Aharon Barnes had a solid game for the defensive unit, earning 11 total tackles while also breaking up three passes.
• Leading tackler for the 2015 season, Devin Peyton led the defense again, recording 12 tackles and landing on a fumble as well.

Game Changer

• After leading by 28 through three quarters, the Rangers gave up 27-straight points to the Weevils who went for two on one of their last touchdowns and failed, putting them down one, 49-48.
• The game was far from over however as each team would go on to score another TD. Monticello was successful on the second two-point conversion try however, making it a tie ballgame at 56 all.
• With just 45 ticks left on the clock, Northwestern marched down the field where Blayne Lankford kicked the game-winning field goal with three seconds on the clock, ultimately sealing the game.

News & Notes

• Reid Miller broke his own school record with seven touchdowns in a single game and tied the GAC single game record for TD's.
• Back-to-Back season opening victories is the first consecutive opening game wins since 2003 and 2004.
• The 668 total offensive yards racked up by the Rangers is the first time Northwestern has reached over 600 yards since 2011.
• UAM did eclipse the Rangers in two categories however, in first downs and time of possession.
• This evening's game was in support of Pediatric Cancer Awareness where Northwestern runningback, Malcolm Robinson returned to the gridiron following a year off from the game as he battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He also ran for 35 yards on the evening.

Up Next
Northwestern will take the road next weekend where they will travel to Southern Arkansas to take on the Muleriders where it is set to be an offensive battle.
 
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