Entering his ninth season, Head Coach Brad Griffin and the Southwestern College Moundbuilders football team are ranked No. 1 by both coaches and media 2023 KCAC preseason polls for the Kessinger Division.
 
Last year's KCAC Co-Champions, SC finished 9-2 overall and 9-1 in the conference, and ranked No.10 in the nation. The Builders return eight offensive starters and eight defensive starters from their championship season and had 10 players receive All-KCAC Honors a season ago.
 
"We have a great core of guys returning, but we have lost some key players," said Griffin. "We will need to have some new guys step up and play at a high level if we want to continue to be competitive."
 
Coach Griffin took the Builders to back to back NAIA National Tournament appearances, but knows the Builders have some areas to strengthen up before they make a run at a third appearance. Offensively, coach Griffin is looking to be able to run the ball more effectively this season, focusing on the foundation up front and the offensive line.
 
SC's defensive line is certainly their deepest group and will be the anchor for associate head coach and defensive coordinator, Trevor Strong's defense. Returning two KCAC all conference line backers and experienced safeties, will again look to make the Moundbuilders' defense one of the best in the KCAC.
 
"We know last year's success plays a part in this year's ranking, but that won't stop us from trying reach that championship standard," said Griffin. "It's nice to be recognized for our work we've done over the past few years but doesn't guarantee us anything. Last year was last year, so we are just taking it one day at a time.
 
With the addition of Evangel University, located in Springfield, Mo, the KCAC is now made up of two six-team divisions.
 
The KCAC Kessinger Division, made up of, Southwestern College, Evangel University, Bethel College, Friends University, McPherson College, and Bethany College.
 
The KCAC Bissell Division, made up of, Kansas Wesleyan University, Avila College, Tabor College, University of Saint Mary, Ottawa University, and Sterling College.
 
KCAC poll results, click here.
 
The Moundbuilders open their season at home, Aug. 26 vs. Ottawa University, 6pm at Richard L. Jantz Stadium. A non-divisional opponent, Ottawa finished 2-8 overall a season ago and was voted to finish 5^th from both polls in the KCAC Bissell Division.

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.