Tahlequah, OK - McKendree University Football (4-5) looks to bounce back and finish its road slate strong on Saturday afternoon when the Bearcats travel to Oklahoma for their first-ever meeting with the Northeastern State Riverhawks (6-3). Coming off a tough setback at Upper Iowa, McKendree enters the final two weeks of the regular season with an opportunity to secure a .500 record and continue laying a foundation under
Jason Rejfek. With the Riverhawks soaring toward one of their best seasons in more than a decade, the Bearcats aim to respond with the resolve and edge that has carried them to four wins so far this fall. The game is set for a 1:00 PM kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME
Watch Live ($) (MIAA Network)
Listen Live (KEOK-FM)
Live Stats (Sidearm Sports)
Tickets (Vivenu)
RECAPPING UPPER IOWA
McKendree battled throughout but could not overcome a fast-starting Upper Iowa team last weekend, falling 57-7 in Fayette. The Bearcats controlled the clock for more than 32 minutes and generated 19 first downs, including a 17-play, 85-yard touchdown march in the fourth quarter, capped by
Philip Shaw's 11-yard score.
Eddie Clark continued to pace the ground attack with 84 yards on 18 carries, while
Nick Bova collected 10 total tackles and kicker/punter
Chase Reeves averaged 44.4 yards per punt. Despite the score line, McKendree showed discipline and drive-sustaining capability behind timely rushing and sustained possession.
McKENDREE UPDATES
The Bearcats enter Week 10 at 4-5 overall and 4-3 in GLVC play, highlighted by continued strong special teams and a balanced offense. McKendree has produced 195 first downs on the year while ranking among the GLVC's top units in passing offense, fourth-down conversion rate, and net punting. Running back
Eddie Clark continues to anchor the league as its leading rusher, while on defense,
Dameion Hatten has emerged as one of the nation's top backfield disruptors, ranking fourth in Division II in tackles for loss, supported by steady tackling production from Bova and
Logan Turbyfill. With the special teams, Reeves still continues to stand among the national leaders in both punting average and field goals made.
SCOUTING NORTHEASTERN STATE
Northeastern State has turned heads in 2025, already securing its first winning season since 2011 and entering the week at 6-3. The Riverhawks boast one of the nations most explosive offensive units, surpassing 60 points twice this fall and averaging nearly 39 points per game. Quarterback Donnie Smith guides an efficient passing attack, while Ramon McKinney Jr. provides a powerful rushing presence with 15 total touchdowns. NSU's defense has also been opportunistic, holding opponents under 20 points per game and excelling in red-zone execution and third-down efficiency. With a potent offense and renewed confidence under second-year head coach Darrin Chiaverini, Northeastern State presents one of McKendree's most balanced and dynamic opponents of the season.
McKENDREE'S KEYS TO THE GAME
Control the Clock & Run With Purpose
Sustain drives with names such as Clark, Dickerson Jr., and Shaw to shorten the game and keep NSU's explosive offense on the sideline.
Win on Early Downs
Put the Riverhawks behind schedule by limiting chunk plays and forcing longer second and third down situations.
Special Teams Edge
Lean on Reeves' leg and return threats to flip field position and generate momentum-swinging plays.
Finish in the Red Zone
Cap sustained drives with points to keep pace against a high-powered opponent.
Force Takeaways & Disrupt the Quarterback
Let Hatten and the front create havoc and give the offense short fields to convert into points.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Saturday marks McKendree's final road test and a chance to secure another win heading into Senior Day next week. A victory would notch the program's fifth win for a second consecutive season and serve as another benchmark under Coach Rejfek as the Bearcats continue building toward GLVC contention. Beyond the standings, its a statement opportunity. A road win over a surging Northeastern State side would reaffirm McKendree's growth, resilience, and identity as a tough, physical, and constantly improving program poised to close the season on a high note.
