It was all Northwest on Oct. 11 at SMAC. The Cougars played SM East, the Sunflower League leader, who went into the game with only one loss. The Cougars were determined to hand them their second as this was a crucial game that had the potential to shuffle the standings for the top of the Sunflower League.

From the starting whistle, the Cougars controlled the game. Northwest had numerous looks on goal in the first half. Senior Bill Kolega finally put one in the final minutes of the half to give Northwest a 1-0 halftime lead.

The second half played out similarly. Senior David Fancher scored early. Then, again, Kolega scored to put away the Lancers for good. The team had even more chances but was not able to convert.

“ was a big confidence boost. It is always good going into playoffs with a couple of strong wins,” senior Colby Weishaar said.

The Cougars play SM North on Oct. 13, and then Lawrence Free State on Oct. 18 to wrap up the regular season.