SENATOBIA – Going one-on-one with Thomas Blake in front of the net in overtime, Peyton McKnatt netted his third goal of the season to lift Northwest to a 2-1 victory against Itawamba Friday afternoon to send the Rangers to the postseason for a second consecutive year.

Northwest needed a win or a tie against the visiting Indians in order to wrap-up the third and final playoff spot in the north division. Charlie Baldwin has now led the Rangers to three postseason appearances in his four seasons as head men's soccer coach.

A foul in the box in the 36th minute helped Itawamba take a 1-0 lead, with Cameron O'Daniel connecting on a penalty kick. 

Northwest responded less than 10 minutes into the second half, as Bryant Young notched his third goal of the season to tie the match at 1-1.

Despite urgent play from both teams in the waning minutes of regulation, neither team was able to break the tie, forcing the Rangers into their fourth overtime match of the season.

Less than three minutes into the overtime period, McKnatt caught an open window to set up the golden goal, his first collegiate game-winner.

Itawamba outshot Northwest 18-10 and came away with a 9-6 on-goal advantage but the Rangers walked away winners.

Brandon Carrillo finished with eight saves on the day, while Thomas Blake notched four saves for ICC.

Northwest improved to 6-6-1 overall and ends with a 4-3-1 division record. Itawamba ended its season at 8-8 overall and 3-5 in division play.  

Northwest will travel to Jones County (7-7) for a 6 p.m. kick on Tuesday, Oct. 25 for the first round of the MACJC Playoffs. The Rangers and Bobcats met on August 30 in Ellisville, with Northwest coming away with the 2-1 road victory.

Tuesday's winner will advance to the MACJC Tournament at Mississippi Gulf Coast Oct. 28-29.