LEAVENWORTH, Kans - Saturday, September 30, 2023, (8)Southwestern College football stayed undefeated as they beat the University of Saint Mary, 36-20.

The offense jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead as the defense held Saint Mary scoreless in the first half, but Saint Mary would make it a game late.

Southwestern set the tone in the first quarter as quarterback Braden Howell orchestrated an impressive drive, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown run. The Moundbuilders quickly gained a 7-0 lead.

Their dominance continued into the second quarter, with Howell connecting with Josh Edson for a 28-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0.

The Moundbuilders were relentless with a 17-yard touchdown run by Martez Jones, 20-0. Howell and Andre Jones connected for a 39-yard touchdown pass shortly before halftime, 27-0.

The first half Builder defense held Saint Mary in eight possessions to a punt, an interception by Josh Carter, three consecutive punts, a fourth down stop, a fumble recovery by Carter, and a punt to end the first half.

Halftime brought a scenario the Builders have become accustom to, building big leads, and making sure they can keep their foot on the gas in the second half.

The third quarter saw Southwestern College continue to control the game, with Preston Fashner nailing a 29-yard field goal to extend the lead to 30-0.

However, the University of Saint Mary managed to break through, with Alejandro Martinez-Loera scoring on a 22-yard pass from Erick Covington.

Still in the third quarter, the University of Saint Mary's Jartavious Martin found the end zone with a 9-yard run, narrowing the gap to 30-13.

The fourth quarter saw the University of Saint Mary continuing to fight back, as Covington scored on a 2-yard run, bringing the score to 30-20.

Southwestern College sealed the victory with Josh Edson's 14-yard touchdown reception from Howell, extending the lead to 36-20.

Howell had a standout performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Howell showcased his versatility by also contributing as a rusher, gaining 43 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown.

The Moundbuilders' receiving corps, led by Jones and Ziyon Kenner, played a crucial role for the offense. Jones tallied 107 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Kenner contributed 95 receiving yards.

Defensively, Southwestern College was led by Deago Stubbs, who recorded 11 tackles. Carter made key stops, with 10 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. Shane Rodriguez also had an outstanding game, registering three sacks.

Southwestern's impressive win, keeps the Builders undefeated as they head into the bye week to prepare for their matchup at Friends University on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 pm.