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.
Both offenses are averaging about 455 yards a game.
Minnesota-Duluth ranks in the top four nationally in total defense, scoring defense and run defense.
The Bulldogs are allowing just 231 yards, 11.4 points and 58 rushing yards a game.
Sports
December 13, 2008
Duluth, Bearcats seek D-2 title today
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Stanton’s homers fuel Marlins’ surge in May
- Five sign to join Missouri Southern women's track team
- Whisner ignites Joplin Miners past Webb City
- Venus Williams joins Serena on sideline in Paris
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
- Frontenac wins first state baseball title
- Joplin's Jeremy Lynn takes fifth at state tennis
- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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