ALVA, OKLAHOMA - The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Football team kicked off the 2025 season Thursday evening. against the Harding Bisons. Harding would find the end zone seven times and defeat Northwestern 49-7.

Harding started the scoring with three touchdowns in the first quarter, putting the Rangers in an early hole. The Ranger offense totaled 17 yards in the first half but showed sparks of a good rushing attack led by Eli Martinez. Northwestern's defense kept the Bison's offense to 68 rushing yards , but Harding put two more touchdowns on the board giving the Bisons a 35-0 lead at the first half.

The Ranger defense was the highlight of the night, recovering two fumbles. Linebacker Aiden Lewis recovered the first fumble and returned it 80 yards for Northwestern's first touchdown of the 2025 season. Lewis also led Northwestern's defense in tackles with 10 on the night. The Ranger offense found success both on the ground and through the air in the second half but could not overcome the deficit.  

Northwestern will travel to Russelville, Arkansas next week to take on Arkansas Tech University. Kick Off will be at 6 p.m.

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