ALVA, Okla. - SWOSU Football managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as they fell to Northwestern 31-28 Saturday in Alva to complete a winless season. Turnovers and penalties plagued the Bulldogs all contest, which kept SWOSU from being able to flip momentum throughout the game.

The Rangers wasted no time scoring, as they took a quick 14-0 lead to start the first quarter.

Lafayette Wright started at quarterback for the Bulldogs, making his second start of the season. Wright connected with Patrick Lee for a four-yard touchdown pass, which got SWOSU on the board to make the score 14-7 early in the second quarter.

SWOSU got a three and out and got the ball back. On the next drive, SWOSU moved the ball, but Wright threw his second interception of the day in the endzone. The Rangers cashed in, with another touchdown, making the score 21-7, with four minutes left in the second quarter. 

SWOSU responded, when Bailey caught a four-yard touchdown pass, making the score 21-14 with less than a minute left in the second quarter.

On the kickoff, the Rangers fumbled and it was recovered by defensive back Elijah Reyes, with 25 seconds left in the second quarter. They were unable to score and trailed 21-14 at halftime. 

Wright threw for 163 yards and SWOSU rushed for only 35 yards. Northwestern beat SWOSU on the ground in the first half, as they rushed for 112 yards.

SWOSU scored a touchdown on their first possession in the second half, when Wright connected with Torin Justice on a 25-yard pass play on fourth down to tie the game at 21.

The Rangers scored a long touchdown pass, making the score 28-21 midway through the third quarter. Wright threw his third interception late in the third quarter and SWOSU trailed 28-21 going into the fourth quarter.

The SWOSU defense held the Rangers to a field goal, which made the score 31-21 with 3:30 left in the game.

SWOSU drove down the field and SWOSU had fourth down at the Ranger 17-yard line. Wright connected with Justice open for a touchdown, making the score 31-28 with 1:46 left to play.

SWOSU attempted the onside kick, but did not recover and because of penalties, Northwestern kept the ball, and they took the victory formation, giving SWOSU its final loss of the season

SWOSU committed 13 penalties for 129 yards. The Rangers had their fair share of penalties, with 11 for 132 yards. Wright had three interceptions but threw for 273 yards and threw all four touchdown passes. Bailey recorded 95 receiving yards, which was by far the most for SWOSU on the day.

With this loss, SWOSU concludes its season with a record of 0-11. SWOSU has not had a winless season since 1998.