subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite map
Tue, Nov 10 2009 

Published December 13, 2008 01:22 am -

Duluth, Bearcats seek D-2 title today



The Associated Press

FLORENCE, Ala. — Northwest Missouri State is back for another crack at the Division II national championship, while Minnesota-Duluth is playing in its first title game.

Northwest Missouri (13-1) is competing today in its fourth consecutive championship game, having lost the last three by a combined 12 points.

For Minnesota-Duluth (14-0), the game is only its third playoff appearance and marks the first time a Northern Sun Conference member has played for the title.

“We are such a young football team that I don’t think anybody would have thought we were going to be here, other than our seniors,” said Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma, who has a record 25 playoff wins. “As far as what’s happened here before, I don’t see that as being a big factor with them.

“They’re thrilled to be here and they’re thrilled to have an opportunity to play for a national championship.”

Northwest Missouri, which won the title in 1998 and ’99, lost its opener to Abilene Christian. The Bearcats haven’t lost again.

Minnesota-Duluth is glad to be playing for a title, too — and not just because of a warmer climate. Although not that much warmer, as a rare snowstorm passed through the area.

While it’s the first time a Minnesota-Duluth Division II team has made it to an NCAA championship game, the Bulldog women have won four Division I hockey titles.

“It’s a big deal,” quarterback Ted Schlafke said. “We’re more recognized as a hockey school and maybe it won’t be like that anymore.”

Both teams breezed through the semifinals. Northwest Missouri cruised past North Alabama 41-7 and the Bulldogs routed California, Pa., 45-7 on the road. They each have prolific running backs and quarterbacks who take care of the ball.

Northwest Missouri’s biggest weapon has been running back La’Ron Council, who has run for 1,640 yards and 35 touchdowns. He needs two touchdowns to match Xavier Omon’s school record set last season.

Quarterback Joel Osborn has thrown for 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions.

“You expect to be in a national championship game playing the nation’s best, and I certainly think we are,” Minnesota-Duluth coach Bob Nielson said. “They’re a team that plays very consistently. It’s hard to find a weakness and they have got good players everywhere on the field.”

Minnesota-Duluth’s Isaac Odim has run for 1,569 yards and 25 TDs while averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Schlafke has 33 TD passes against just eight picks.



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.


Add a comment on this story







autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Click here!!

: Special Offer For New Subscribers : 32 buy 1 get 1 free offers

Click Here!



Featured Jobs

ORTHOPAEDIC
Specialist of the Four States is currently accepting applications for the following postiions: Physical Therapist, Occcu...>MORE

See all ads

Featured Transportation

VOLKSWAGEN, 1998 BEETLE,
black, 5 speed, looks, runs and drives great, only 84,000 miles, $3400. 417-621-0850....>MORE

See all ads

Featured Homes

1995 16x72 2 BR, 2 BA,
fully furnished, all appliances, 1 owner, beautiful, smoke free, must move. $17,500. (417)423-2385....>MORE

Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE

NO CREDIT NEEDED QUALIFY
for 0 down Own completely remodeled 2/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, trees, corner lot, large deck...>MORE

NO CREDIT
needed qualify for 0 down Own completely remodeled 3/2 16x80 single section manufacturered home, 2 acres, new front deck...>MORE

See all ads

Other Cool Stuff

1993 KUBOTA 1560
lawn tractor, 42” cut with bagger, $800. (417)364-8231....>MORE

TEA CUP
Chihuahua pup, female, shots, wormed. Information (417)843-2735...>MORE

BASS BOAT, 2005
Lowe aluminum, 17’, 2005 90 hp Mercury, 2006 trailer, excellent shape, low hours. $7,500. (417)776-8846 evenings or 417-...>MORE

CRAFTSMAN
radial 10” arm saw; skil saw 7 1/4”; Singer Featherweight machine; clocks/pocket watches; 7.62-54 rifle, accessories; Ca...>MORE

10 YEAR OLD BUCKSKIN
mare, 14-hands, broke for anyone, $750; miniature Jack and bred Jenny, $400 pair. (417)434-3700....>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index

 

 

The Joplin Globe Electronic Edition