GOODMAN – Behind a season-best 530 yards of total offense, Northwest delivered its most dominating performance of the season on both sides of the ball, as the Rangers defeated Holmes 41-13 on Thursday afternoon at Ras Branch Stadium.

With the win, Northwest remained unbeaten at 4-0 on the season while also avenging last season's 47-42 loss to the Bulldogs. Holmes dropped to 0-4 with the loss.

Northwest wasted little time getting on the scoreboard early, as the Rangers went 65 yards downfield on four plays with sophomore Jaquerrious Williams capping off the drive with a 13-yard touchdown. Tucker Barefoot followed with the PAT to push Northwest to a 7-0 advantage just three minutes into the contest.

Although the Rangers were unable to convert on their next drive, Northwest would go up 14-0 late in the first quarter as Michael Hiers connected with D.T. Sheffield on a 39-yard touchdown pass, setting up what would become a solid effort for both players.

Holmes responded quickly and found a spark on its next possession as Jevon McDonald took it 75 yards into the end zone on the first play of the drive, closing out the first quarter with a 14-7 score.

Northwest would then retaliate early in the second quarter as a Rod Daniels and Kylan Robinson sack resulted in a fumble recovery for Desmyn Baker, setting up a quick one-yard score from Hiers. The offense took off from there to dominate the rest of the first half, as Hiers connected with Sheffield and Keyon Fordham on a pair of back-to-back 77 and 65-yard touchdown strikes, granting the Rangers a dominating 34-7 lead.

Although Holmes would add a spark just before halftime with a 42-yard touchdown pass from McDonald to Danny Woodard, the Rangers' defense would shut out the Bulldogs for the remainder of the contest, forcing the Bulldogs to go 0-for-9 on third down conversions.

Northwest opened the second half by delivering an early dagger to the home team as Hiers connected with freshman E. Jai Mason on a six-yard touchdown reception to make it a 41-13 lead with nearly nine minutes remaining in the third quarter, a score that would hold throughout the rest of the contest.

Several Rangers put up season and career highs in the victory, led by 337 passing yards and a season-best four touchdowns from Hiers. The Birmingham, Ala. native also completed 16 of his 19 passes, finishing with an 80 percent completion rate for the second time in four games.

Sheffield posted his best performance as a Ranger, hauling in three receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Mason also shined in his first career start, catching six passes for 90 yards, followed by Keyon Fordham's two receptions for 75 yards.

Northwest also turned up the ground game in the second half as Williams rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, followed closely by 65 yards on eight carries from Jamie Shaw.

Jarvis Townsend led the defensive charge for the Rangers, finishing with seven tackles and a pass breakup. Robinson also compiled six total tackles along with five from Daniels, who also posted 2.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries.

Holmes was held to just 161 yards of total offense with 112 of those yards coming through the air. Da'Travion Knight, Justice Robinson and Jordan Milton led the defensive attack from the Bulldogs, posting a combined 35 tackles on the evening.

Northwest now turns its attention to Thursday, Nov. 19 as the Rangers make the long-awaited return to Ranger Stadium at Bobby Franklin Field for a rematch with Mississippi Delta. The Trojans were previously scheduled to visit Senatobia on Oct. 1 before the game was postponed.

Kickoff for that contest is slated for 7 p.m. with live coverage on nwccrangers.com/watch. Any updates on potential admission can also be found on nwccrangers.com in the coming days.