After starting the game three and out and a botched fourth down punt on the initial series for the Moundbuilders, Ottawa took over at the SC 15 yard line. SC was able to hold Ottawa to a Rhett Anderson field goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead. However, Southwestern College quickly responded with a field goal of their own, by Preston Fashner, to tie the score at 3-3.

The second quarter saw Southwestern College taking the lead as Braden Howell connected with Josh Edson for a 28-yard touchdown pass, followed by another Fashner successful kick, making it 10-3, Southwestern College.

At halftime, SC recognize Millard Management for the company's longtime support of Southwestern College. Millard Management is owned by Richard L. "Rich" Jantz, who grew up on a farm near Cimarron and graduated from Southwestern College in 1970 with a degree in business administration.

Jantz played tennis at Southwestern and was a member of the BetaRho Mu fraternity. 

Jantz founded Millard Management, a crop insurance agency, and in 36 years the business has grown to be one of the largest in the industry.

Jantz has generously supported Southwestern College and Moundbuilder athletics, including the naming gift for the Richard L. Jantz Stadium.

He served on the Southwestern College Board of Trustees from 2006-2009 and was inducted to the Southwestern College Business Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.

In the third quarter, Southwestern College extended their lead after halftime, with another touchdown, this time a 20-yard pass from Howell to Andre Jones, and Fashner's third successful kick, taking a 17-3 lead. 

The Builder defense held the Ottawa attack on the next  drive, blocking a 39 yard Anderson field goal attempt to hold on to the 17-3 lead.

After a fumbled punt return, Ottawa began a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Billy Maples scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown, and Andersen's successful kick got the momentum started 17-10. However, the Builders maintained their lead with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Howell to Matthew Holthus, and Fashner made it 24-10.

Ottawa, still alive late, with Wynton Ruth scoring a 3-yard rushing touchdown, although Andersen's kick missed the mark, 24-16. In the final minutes of the game, Derrick Curtis added another touchdown for Ottawa with a 4-yard run, but they failed to convert the two-point conversion, and the Builders escaped with the season opening win, 24-22.

The Moundbuilders will be back in action on the road, Saturday, Sep. 2, at 1pm, against Avila University, in Kansas City, Mo. 

For more information about Moundbuilder athletics including a schedule of sporting events visit www.buildersports.com. For additional information about Southwestern College visit www.sckans.edu.