ALVA, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State opened the 2023 season at home against Arkansas Monticello with a 49-24 loss to the Weevils. The Rangers were within one possession trailing 27-24 before a 22-0 run put the game away in favor of UAM.

The loss drops the Rangers to 0-1 to start the season as Arkansas Monticello improves to 1-0.

Northwestern was led offensively by Darian Gill rushing for 116 yards. Caleb Deal finished with 99 yards and his first career touchdown connection with Gavin Green. 

Thursday night's contest opened with an Arkansas Monticello touchdown run, a five play drive ending in a Hayden Thomas rushing touchdown for an early 7-0 lead. The Rangers ran an eight play drive looking to even the score but on a 4th and 8 Monticello ended that drive with an interception.

Northwestern's defense was able to force a Arkansas Monticello mistake as a fumble by Brown allowed the Rangers to even the score as Antoine Martin scored the first touchdown of the season with a fumble recovery for a touchdown as the score was even at 7-7.

The Rangers forced a turnover on down after a timeout stopping the run. Northwestern continued to carry the momentum as Gill ran for 52 yard run to set up the next Ranger score. Blake Jones rushed one up the middle for a touchdown and a 14-7 lead. Arkansas Monticello was able to get a field goal to end the quarter in favor of the Rangers at 14-10.

Arkansas Monticello struck first in the second quarter throwing a 35 yard touchdown pass to regain the lead at 17-14. After kick returner Julian Jackson ran one back for 89 yards down to the UAM 11 yard line the Monticello defense took back control forcing a fumble and retaking possession and extending their lead to 10 at 24-14. The score remained that way for most of the quarter until the closing seconds when the visitors were able to connect on their second field goal of the half for a 13 point halftime lead.

The teams traded punts to open the second half before the Rangers struck to bring the deficit back to six. A seven play drive led by Caleb Deal was finished off with an 18 yard touchdown pass to Gavin Green. The Rangers scored again on a field goal to bring the game back within one possession at 27-24.

A Northwestern fumble toward the end of the third quarter allowed Monticello to gain control once more scoring a touchdown and a 2pt conversion for a 35-24 Weevil lead. Arkansas Monticello continued to be led by the defense and shut the Rangers out in the fourth quarter while striking twice more.

Arkansas Monticello closed the games scoring the final 22 points to take the game over the Rangers.

Northwestern will return to action on Saturday September in Arkadelphia against Ouachita Baptist.