QB Matt Stevens sets Wildcat record for consecutive completions; nearly ties national record
DETROIT – The Northern Michigan football team picked up its second consecutive victory on Saturday afternoon, rolling past the Wayne State Warriors 45-12.
After Noah Dobert rewrote the record books with 406 rushing yards against the Warriors last season, it was another historic performance for the Wildcats against Wayne State. Quarterback Matt Stevens started the game 20-of-20, setting a new program record for consecutive completions in a game. His 21st pass attempt landed just wide, which would have tied the NCAA Division II all-time record of 21 (Jonn McLain, Chadron State, 2012).
It was still one of the best passing performances in program history for the freshman in just his third career start. Stevens finished 26-of-27 for 405 yards and three touchdowns, connecting all over the field. His longest completion was a 65-yard connection with Wilson Ptacek in the first quarter. After building a 45-0 lead through three quarters, Stevens sat out the fourth.
Freshman Ptacek continued to establish himself as a favorite target of Stevens, building an impressive connection with his quarterback. He hauled in seven catches for 169 yards. Another freshman, Jacob Halicek, added six receptions for 62 yards and a score, Chris Battley had four catches for 53 yards, and Lachlin Acker added two receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. Kyle McGowan also found the end zone.
On the ground, Noah Dobert again led the effort with 15 carries for 125 yards and three touchdowns.
The Northern offense totaled 602 yards, greatly outgaining the 167 put up by the Warriors. The defense was equally impressive, holding Wayne State off the scoreboard through three quarters. Murphy Monreal added the game’s only takeaway with an interception, while Nathan Pralle contributed a team-high six tackles and two sacks.
NMU led 14-0 after the first quarter, outgaining the Warriors 147-33. The Wildcats extended their advantage to 24-0 by halftime before delivering their most productive quarter of the afternoon in the third, scoring 21 points and gaining 252 yards. With a 45-0 lead entering the fourth, NMU turned things over to its backups for the final 15 minutes.
How It Happened
Northern set the tone right from the opening kickoff, putting together a dominant first-half performance on both sides of the ball. After a three-and-out defensively, the Wildcats opened the scoring with a 10-play, 60-yard drive, capped by a three-yard touchdown run from Noah Dobert.
After the defense forced another three-and-out, NMU quickly struck again, as Matt Stevens connected with Wilson Ptacek for a 65-yard gain before finding Jacob Halicek for a nine-yard touchdown to make it 14-0.
The Wildcats continued to control the game in the second quarter. Stevens remained flawless through the air, leading another scoring drive that ended with a 26-yard field goal. NMU then delivered another explosive play, with Stevens hitting CJ Cunningham for a 65-yard connection to set up a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kyle McGowan. The Wildcats carried a 24-0 advantage into halftime, outgaining Wayne State 311-57. Stevens was a perfect 17-of-17 for 281 yards and two touchdowns at the break.
NMU showed no signs of slowing down after halftime. Dobert added two more touchdowns on the ground in the third quarter, first punching in a short score before breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown run.
Stevens continued his historic afternoon, connecting with Lachlin Acker on a 40-yard touchdown pass to close out the third quarter. By that point, Stevens was 26-of-27 for 405 yards and three touchdowns. He had started 20-of-20 and finished just one completion shy of tying the NCAA Division II record for consecutive completions.
With the Wildcats holding a commanding 45-0 lead entering the fourth quarter, Wayne State found the end zone twice against NMU’s backups, bringing the final score to 45-12.
