Bearcats win again

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) - Blake Bolles threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as Northwest Missouri State defeated Central Missouri 37-20 Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs.

Bolles completed 20-of-32 passes for 226 yards in leading the Bearcats (12-1) to the semifinals for the sixth straight season. Northwest Missouri State will play Minnesota Duluth next weekend.

Eric Czerniewski threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns for the Mules (11-3), and Anthony Stewart caught eight passes for 57 yards and a score.

Bolles threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Jake Soy, a 23-yarder to Tyler Shaw and connected with Josh Baker on a 6-yard TD.

Jordan Simmons scored on a 2-yard run with 14:55 left in the second quarter as Northwest Missouri State took a 14-7 advantage, and the Bearcats led the rest of the way.

Defensive end David Bax (Helias High School) had two solo tackles and two assists for the Mules.

Logan Freeman (Helias High School) started at center for Central Missouri and helped the Mules amass 261 yards of offense.

Wide receiver Justin Eiken (Blair Oaks High School) played for the Bearcats but did not record any catches.