Football | 9/1/2014 11:28:36 AM
Full Notes in PDF
Kansas City, Mo. -- The MIAA football season will kick-off this week under the Thursday night lights.
Lindenwood at Washburn
Washburn and Lindenwood will open the 2014 campaign as the two teams face off in Topeka, Kan. Washburn led the league last season in rushing defense allowing just 109 yards per game and only 14 touchdowns on the ground. Defensivley Calvin Kenney had 63 tackles and broke up 10 passes as well as adding a tackle for a loss. On offense Mitch Buhler averaged 251 yards per game passing with 23 touchdowns and Vershon Moore scored eight TD’s on the ground. Lindenwood sported the league’s third best passing offense averaging 295 yards per game. Dillon Miller averaged 259 yards per game passing with 13 touchdowns while Jaron Alexander caught 44 passes for 638 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively Clint Koons had 52 total tackles including 3.5 for a loss as well as adding a sack.
Nebraska-Kearney at #1 Northwest Missouri
Defending National Champion Northwest Missouri will begin the year at home as they play host to Nebraska-Kearney. The Bearcats led the league in scoring defense during 2013 allowing their opponents just 17.3 points per game. On the line they return Matt Longacre who have 57 tackles, 20.5 of which were for a loss and 12 sacks. Brady Bolles returns at quarterback after rushed for 607 yards and 12 touchdowns and passing for seven scores. The Lopers were fifth in the league last season in rushing offense averaging 203.7 yards per game. Romero Cotton led a stable of running backs with 801 total yards and five touchdowns. On defense linebacker Tyke Kozeal led the way with 119 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for a loss while also picking off two passes.
Central Missouri at Missouri Western
Missouri Western will play host to Central Missouri as the two teams open the season under the the Thursday night lights. Missouri Western was fourth in the MIAA last season in rushing offense averaging 220.6 yards per game. Raphael Spencer comes back after rushing for 1,312 yards during the 2013 campaign and scoring a team best 12 touchdowns. On defense Michael Jordan returns after recording 49 tackles and picking off three opposition passes. Central Missouri comes in after leading the league in 2013 in pass offense averaging 315.6 yards per game. The Mules offense was led last season by quarterback Hayden Hawk who averaged 303.4 yards per game passing and 29 touchdowns. On the other side of the ball Ricky Spratley had 84 tackles including 6.5 that were for a loss.
Central Oklahoma at Fort Hays State
Fort Hays State will open 2014 as they welcome Central Oklahoma to town having won three of their last four games to close out 2013. The Tigers were second in the league in interceptions last year picking off 18 opponent passes and taking two back for scores. Senior defensive back Michael Jordan led the way with five interceptions and 70 total tackles. On the offensive side of the ball Traveon Albert threw for 2,338 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for seven scores on the ground. The Bronchos were fifth in the league in 2013 in total offense as they averaged 459.9 yards per contest. Marquez Clark is the team’s leading offensive returner catching 82 passes for 1,348 yards last season hauling in five touchdowns. Defensively Kenny Allen had 54 tackles and a team best 17.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 total sacks.
Missouri Southern at #22 Emporia State
Emporia State comes off a trip to the playoffs by opening the season at home against Missouri Southern who won four of their last six games. The Hornets were second in the league last season in total offense racking up 482.6 yards per game. ESU was led by Brent Wilson who passed for 2,985 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 396 yards and four scores. On the other side of the ball Deshawn Dinwiddie had 69 tackles including 4.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. The Lions led the league in rushing offense last season compiling 368.4 yards per game on the ground. Jay McDowell rushed for 788 yards and nine touchdowns, throwing for 855 yards and five scores. Defensively Gaige Washington had 53 tackles, 2.0 for a loss and picked off a pass on the year.
Northeastern State at #9 Pittsburg State
Pittsburg State, winner of the 2013 Mineral Water Bowl, will host Northeastern State in the only Saturday game of the opening week. The Gorillas led the league in total offense averaging 499 yards per contest. Quarterback Anthony Abenoja passed for 2,954 yards and 30 touchdowns and carried the ball for 340 yards and five touchdowns. Tyler Disney had 101 tackles, 11.0 for a loss with 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. The Riverhawks ranked sixth in the league in interceptions picking off 15 opponent passes on the year. Kyler Harris picked off three of those passes and finished with 107 tackles on the year. Offensively Terrance Dixon carried the ball for 715 yards and scored a team best 10 touchdowns.