November 20, 2018 – The Northland Community & Technical College Pioneer football team clinched the MCAC State Championship and NJCAA Region XIII titles for the second consecutive season defeating the North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats 34-10 on November 11, 2018. This victory advances the Pioneers to the Red Grange Bowl at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL to face Nassau Community College. The Pioneers have earned back-to-back bowl invitations participating in the Graphic Edge Bowl in 2017.

The Pioneers concluded the regular season with an 8-2 overall record going 5-0 in the MCAC Western Division. Pioneer quarterback Craig Wells has dominated the NJCAA leaderboard with a 300.4 yard per game average and 34 touchdowns on the season.  Wells, a freshman from Lowell, FL, was named 2018 NJCAA Region XIII Offensive Player of the Year by the MCAC Football Committee. "It feels so good to be recognized, honestly it's a blessing, I couldn't ask for more than what's going on right now," exclaimed Wells. "I am very thankful for the opportunity that Coach Cox gave me and the players I was surrounded with, the offensive line, the defense, they allowed me to do what I needed to do this season and I just want to thank them."  This is the second time the Pioneers have claimed the Offensive Player of the Year title. Pioneer quarterback Shannon Patrick brought home this honor in 2017. Wells was also selected for the NJCAA Region XIII All-Region Team.

I am very thankful for the opportunity that Coach Cox gave me and the players I was surrounded with, the offensive line, the defense, they allowed me to do what I needed to do this season and I just want to thank them.

-Craig Wells, Freshman Quarterback

The Pioneer defense has been lead by linebacker Tristan Murrin.  The 5'11', 235 lb Murrin leads the NJCAA in tackles with 130 on the season.  "All thanks to God, he's helped me through my ups and downs, I've stuck with football and kept pushing. The recognition is great, it means a lot to me, but winning with my team is more important. It's a total team effort." Murrin, a freshman from Richmond, VA, has been selected for the NJCAA Region XIII All-Region Team.

The recognition is great, it means a lot to me, but winning with my team is more important.

-Tristan Murrin, Freshman Linebacker

Second-year head coach Jim Cox set a goal for his team this season to not only repeat as state champions but to win a bowl game.  "Achieving that goal would make us the most successful Pioneer Football team in history," said Cox. "We've had a few ups and downs over the season. With only one returning starter on offense, we have a very young line, however, we've seen tremendous growth in a short amount of time."  The offensive line started five freshman players lead by Thomas O'Malley of Montevideo, MN, who has received First Team All-Division honors. Cox illustrates, "We have a number of players ranking near the top nationally which is a tribute to their hard work and dedication to the team" Devonaire Clarington a sophomore wide receiver from Miami, FL, is fifth in yards per game with an average of  91.6 and third in touchdowns with 11. Freshman Justin Murray, a defensive back from Lafayette, LA, leads the nation in interceptions with seven on the season. Clarington and Murray along with freshman wide receiver Kalel Grant of Woodbridge, VA, earned Region XIII All-Region honors.

Nassau is lightning fast. We've got to find a way to counteract their tremendous speed on both sides of the ball.

-Jim Cox, Head Football Coach

Looking ahead to facing Nassau Community College in the Red Grange Bowl, Cox states that "Nassau is lightning fast. We've got to find a way to counteract their tremendous speed on both sides of the ball." Sophomore defensive lineman Hunter Roller, who leads the Pioneers in sacks and ranks tenth nationally, along with Sophomore lineman Jonathan Pickett from Clermont, FL, combine for 21 sacks on the season and are expected to be a "major factor in the strategy to counteract our opponent," expresses Cox. Roller, a local recruit from Warren, MN, was selected for All-Division Second Team honors.

Recognizing Success

For the second consecutive season, the Pioneer football program has received a great amount of individual recognition for their overall team success. In addition to the Offensive Player of the Year title won by quarterback Craig Wells, Coach Cox has been chosen as NJCAA Region XIII Coach of the Year. This is the second year in a row Cox has received this honor. "With two consecutive state titles and regional recognition, Pioneer Football continues to attract a more talented pool of recruits from across the country. We have been successful in creating national exposure for the program and the college," expressed Jim Retka Director of Athletics at Northland, "The team has responded well to the diversity of our coaching staff. Coach Cox brings years of experience in coaching successful programs at our level in the NJCAA. The players, coaching staff and college community are all benefitting from our team's success."

Pioneers nominated to the 2018 NJCAA Region XIII All-Region Team include Devonaire Clarington, TE (Miami, FL), Kalel Grant, WR (Richmond, VA), Justin Murray, DB (Lafayette, LA), Tristan Murrin, LB (Richmond, VA), and Craig Wells, QB (Lowell, FL).

Players selected for the 2018 MCAC Western All-Division Team include first-team selections  Devonaire Clarington, TE (Miami, FL), Kalel Grant, WR (Richmond, VA), Justin Murray, DB (Lafayette, LA), Tristan Murrin, LB (Richmond, VA), Thomas O'Malley, OL (Montevideo, MN) and Craig Wells, QB (Lowell, FL). Second team selections include Jonas Dorvil, WR (Miami, FL), Brendon Foster, OL (Fairbanks, AK), Marquavious McCatty, DL (Belle Glade, FL), Hunter Roller, DL (Warren, MN) and Dwanye Taylor, WR (St. Louis, MO).  Several players also received honorable mention including Marquail Alexander, DB (Gainsville, FL), Misheal Amoah, DB (Worchester, MA), Stephan Gustave, DL (North Miami, FL), Jonathan Pickett, DL (Clermont, FL), Zachary Powell, DB (Jacksonville, FL), Nolan Williams, OL (Yuma, AZ) and Jarel Youree, RB (Noblesville, IN).

Related Media:

• Relive the MCAC State Championship action by visiting the game day photo gallery or by watching a video replay of the game on Pioneer TV.
• To purchase tickets or for further information on the upcoming bowl game visit Red Grange Bowl Game Central.
• The game will be broadcast live by KTRF 1230 AM and online by Sports Radio America.