Jacob Kalogonis and Tyson Kooima highlighted a near record-breaking showing by the Red Raiders in their 41-16 season opening win over Ottawa played tonight  at People Bank Field in Ottawa, Kan. The Red Raiders, now 1-0 on the 2017 season, improved to 2-1 in the GPAC vs KCAC Challenge, while Ottawa (0-1) remains winless in three games in the inter-conference showdown.

Northwestern gained 674 yards of total offense, second most all-time and just two yards shy of the record (676) set last year against Dordt. The Red Raiders had their way against the Ottawa defense, totaling 402 yards rushing, fourth most all-time, and 272 yards passing, behind an o-line that did not give up a sack. 

Kalogonis, who ranked third in the GPAC in rushing last season despite missing the first two games, rushed for a career-high 254 yards and 21 carries and three touchdowns. This was the most rushing yards in a single game since the 2001 season (Dave Perrigo vs Lindenwood) and sixth most all-time. The sophomore added three catches for 29 yards. 

Tyson Kooima, making his first career start under center for the Red Raiders, was outstanding, completing 17-of-28 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns. The freshman showcased his athleticism as well, rushing for 78 yards on 11 carries. 

The Red Raiders opened the game's scoring on their second possession when they marched 80 yards on 10 plays, capped by a 28-yard touchdown pass from Kooima to Jared Nelson with 2:01 left in the first quarter. Following an Ottawa punt early in the second, Kalogonis took a handoff and scampered 80 yards for a touchdown to give the Red Raiders a 13-0 lead. Northwestern showcased its big play capabilities once again on its next offensive series as Kooima connected with Shane Solberg for a 29-yard touchdown to put NW up 20-0 with 11-minutes left in the first half.

Ottawa answered with its best offensive series, going 72-yards on 11 plays and scoring on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Connor Byers to Mauricio Uribe. The Braves added a 35-yard field goal later but with Northwestern leading 20-10, the Red Radiers were on the verge of scoring again late in the half but Kooima was intercepted in the Braves endzone with two second left. 

Northwestern pushed its lead to 26-10 when Kalogonis scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from eight yard out, on the Red Raiders first possession of the second half. The score remained there until early in the fourth quarter when Northwestern scored on back-to-back possessions to take a 41-10 lead. Kooima hooked up with Levi TeBrink for a 69-yard scoring strike on the first scoring drive and, following an Ottawa punt, Kalogonis ran one win from 52 yards at the 9:24 mark of the fourth quarter. 

The host Braves scored off a late rushing touchdown by Byers to put the final score at 41-16.

Solberg caught six passes for 92 yards and J.C. Koerselman totaled 33 yards on four catches. Another Red Raider freshman, Gabe Toki, rushed seven times for 62 yards. The o-line set the tone, leading the way for a near-record setting day for the offense. The starting o-line was: Tyler Alger, Paxton De Haan, Grahm Kenobbie, Brad Mould and Taylor Kooi.

Defensively, the Raider D was led by Joey Novotny, Sean Powell and Garrett Sayler all with 7.5 tackles. Powell forced a fumble and Jerod Hansen registered an interception to go with 2.5 tackles and three passes defended. Northwestern gave up 439 yards to the Braves offense, 255 on the ground and 184 yards rushing. 

Ottawa was led by Byers, who threw for 184 yards, accounted for 66 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Uribe caught eight passes for 87 yards and a score. 

Northwestern will host No.15 Dickinson State (N.D.) for its home opener on Sept. 9 at 1pm.

Coach McCarty's postgame comments:

about the offense  "Our offense executed at a high level The o-line line played a tremendous game and really set the tone for us on that side of the ball."
 
about the play of Kalogonis  "Jacob is such an explosive player and a threat to score every time he touches it. He put that on display tonight. What is exciting is he continues to improve from day to day as a running back and works extremely hard to get better."
 
on Kooima's first start :I was very impressed with Tyson's composure. You couldn't tell it was his first college football game. He was able to keep plays alive and break off a couple big runs and was very effective throwing the ball."
 
Overall-"Coach Davis did a tremendous job calling the offense.  He kept Ottawa off balance and did a great job of getting the ball in the hands of a variety of playmakers on offense."