SHAWNEE -- Oklahoma Baptist rode a stout defensive effort and timely scoring drives to secure its first win of the season, defeating Northwestern Oklahoma 16-8 on Saturday at Crain Family Stadium.
The Bison (1-2, 1-2 GAC) struck first late in the opening quarter, capping an 11-play, 68-yard drive with a 25-yard field goal from
Carter Lowry. Running back
Deuce Wise powered the offense from there, finishing with two short touchdown runs. His first, a one-yard plunge midway through the second quarter, gave OBU a 9-0 lead at halftime after the point-after attempt failed. Wise struck again in the fourth quarter, finishing an 84-yard drive with another one-yard score to stretch the lead to 16-0.
Northwestern Oklahoma (0-3, 0-3) struggled to find rhythm offensively until late in the game. Quarterback Caleb Deal battled under constant pressure—sacked twice and hurried repeatedly—but still threw for 158 yards and added 57 on the ground. With just over two minutes remaining, Deal connected with Isaiah Taylor on a two-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 16-8. However, the Bison's offense converted a key third down in the final minutes to run out the clock.
OBU quarterback
TJ McMahon efficiently guided the passing attack, completing 25 of 37 passes for 316 yards, spreading the ball to nine different receivers.
Nick Harris led the way with 108 yards on seven catches.
Both defenses had strong nights. Cade Reynolds paced Northwestern with 11 tackles, while
Jahden Brown anchored the Bison defense with a sack and multiple backfield stops. Plus, senior cornerback
Chase Whitebear attained four pass break-ups.
Penalties plagued both sides—each team was flagged 13 times—but OBU's ability to sustain a couple drives proved decisive.
Next Saturday, OBU will visit Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford.
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