Before playing its final regular-season football game last week, Northwest Missouri already had a NCAA Division II playoff spot and fourth straight MIAA title locked up.
Senior cornerback E.J. Hawkins and senior defensive Sean Paddock played anyway despite having injuries that previously sidelined them.
After Northwest Missouri soundly beat Central Missouri 56-14, defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick called them and sophomore cornerback Ryan Jones the MVPs of the game because of their willingness to play hurt.
"It is kind of tough, but you want to be with the guys," Hawkins said of playing hurt. "You don't want to let them down. Your friends are out there. It means a lot to them. You can make a difference in a ball game.
"You may not be a 100 percent, but you can get the job done."
It's that mentality that has led the Bearcats to four straight undefeated seasons in conference play and their fourth straight first-round bye in the playoffs.
As much as Hawkins and Paddock enjoy playing football games, they certainly welcome this week off to prepare for the winner of the Abilene Christian-Midwestern State first-round game.
"It is great to get a week not only to heal up but also just to take advantage of some extra study on our opponents and stuff like that," Paddock said. "Even though we don't know who we will play, we will prepare for both teams and at least have a head start."
