NAIA Football Recap: Thrills, Comebacks, and Quarterfinal Showdowns

Last weekend, the NAIA Football Championship Series delivered exactly what postseason football should—drama, nail-biters, and a few dominant performances. With the new format creating closer matchups, fans were treated to fewer blowouts and more battles, where every snap felt like it mattered. Even in the games that ended with lopsided scores, the first halves were tense and competitive, proving that at this level, no lead is safe, and no team is an easy out.

Take Keiser’s 56-21 victory, for example. While the final score may seem like a rout, the Seahawks only held a 28-14 lead at halftime. It was the second half where they found their rhythm and broke the game wide open. Similarly, Morningside’s 35-0 win over St. Thomas hinged on a game-changing play: a 100-yard interception return by Dijion Walls that turned what could have been a 14-7 nail-biter into a commanding 21-0 advantage. From that point on, Morningside rolled.

For Montana Western, their 41-14 win over Dickinson State followed a similar script. A 10-0 halftime lead seemed vulnerable until a 17-point fourth quarter sealed the deal. Dickinson missed key opportunities early on, and Montana Western capitalized in a way that championship-caliber teams do.

But not all the games were runaway victories. Grand View found themselves trailing 17-7 at halftime to Friends University, whose defense stifled the Vikings’ run game early. Adjustments at the break opened things up for quarterback Jackson Waring, who threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 21-17 comeback win. It was a game defined by grit and resilience—qualities every NAIA team seems to have in spades this season.

Close Calls and Gritty Performances

Some games didn’t just test physical endurance but mental toughness, too. Georgetown’s 27-21 win over St. Thomas (Fla.) showcased clock management at its finest. Georgetown’s fourth-quarter drive lasted over nine minutes, effectively keeping the ball out of St. Thomas’s hands and securing the win. Running back Darius Neal shined with 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns, reminding everyone why he’s one of the Tigers’ most valuable assets.

Meanwhile, Southwestern pushed Indiana Wesleyan to the brink in a 24-13 loss that was closer than the score suggests. The Moundbuilders led 13-10 after the first quarter, and the Wildcats needed every ounce of effort to reclaim the lead before halftime. From there, it was a defensive slog, with neither team scoring in the fourth quarter.

The weekend’s most thrilling finish came courtesy of Northwestern and Montana Tech. The Red Raiders, leaning heavily on their ground game, eked out a 25-22 victory thanks to a 51-yard field goal by kicker Eli Stader as time expired. Northwestern’s commitment to the run paid off with 237 rushing yards, and Stader’s heroics capped off a game for the ages.

Quarterfinal Matchups: Predicting the Drama

This weekend’s quarterfinal matchups promise more of the high-stakes action fans crave. The bracket might not follow a perfect seeding logic—travel logistics always seem to win out—but the pairings make sense and set the stage for epic showdowns.

Georgetown at Keiser

Georgetown stunned the NAIA world by knocking off No. 5 St. Thomas on the road, proving that Thanksgiving leftovers aren’t the only thing tough to swallow during the holiday weekend. The Tigers rely on a mix of resilience and opportunistic defense, with Chad Holleran anchoring a unit that thrives on timely turnovers. But Keiser, the defending champions, won’t be fazed. With a disciplined defense and a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Shea Spencer, the Seahawks look poised to continue their postseason dominance.

Prediction: Keiser 24, Georgetown 14

Northwestern at Grand View

This matchup is a collision of NAIA titans. Northwestern enters the game with a renewed focus on the ground game, led by running back Konner McQuillan. Their freshman quarterback, Colby Duncan, showed poise last weekend, but he’ll face one of the toughest defenses in the country. Grand View’s ability to wear down opponents with relentless pressure and a balanced offensive attack makes them the favorites, but don’t count out Northwestern’s knack for late-game heroics.

Prediction: Grand View 21, Northwestern 17

Benedictine at Indiana Wesleyan

Benedictine showed explosive playmaking ability in their 42-33 comeback win over Texas Wesleyan, while Indiana Wesleyan proved they could handle adversity in their victory over Southwestern. This matchup boils down to which quarterback can outshine the other. IWU’s Zack Chevalier is an elite passer, but Benedictine’s defense has a knack for forcing mistakes. Expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of fireworks.

Prediction: Indiana Wesleyan 35, Benedictine 27

Morningside at Montana Western

In perhaps the most intriguing quarterfinal matchup, Morningside’s elite front seven will clash with Montana Western’s dual-threat quarterback Michael Palandri. Both teams boast dynamic offenses and opportunistic defenses, making this game one to watch. The edge may go to Montana Western, whose ability to control the tempo with their rushing attack could make all the difference.

Prediction: Montana Western 28, Morningside 24

Looking Ahead

This year’s NAIA postseason has already delivered unforgettable moments, and the quarterfinals promise even more. From explosive offenses to bend-but-don’t-break defenses, every team left standing has earned their spot. If you’re a fan of the underdog, the Cinderella story, or just good old-fashioned football, this weekend’s games are must-watch events.

For now, the NAIA continues to prove that the quality of football at this level is deeper than ever, with teams showcasing the grit, talent, and heart that make this championship series so special. So grab your popcorn—or maybe some postgame pizza—and get ready for another weekend of incredible action.