Ichabods push No. 7 Bearcats to the limit in 7-point loss

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Washburn Ichabods battled back from a 24-3 deficit midway through the third quarter, scoring three straight touchdowns to pull within seven, but could not complete the comeback in a 31-24 loss to No. 7 Northwest Missouri in its MIAA opener at Bearcat Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Washburn returns to Yager Stadium facing Central Oklahoma with a noon kick on Sept. 19. Opening the game Northwest Missouri struck first with a 76-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Zechariah Owens to Cooper Warren with 7:06 left in the opening quarter. Washburn (1-1-1) answered with a…