WINFIELD, Kan. - No. 21 Southwestern College endured a crushing 37-31 loss to No. 23 Friends University, as a blocked field goal in the game's final moments led to a 73-yard return for the winning touchdown.
 
With the score tied at 31-31 and five seconds remaining, Southwestern lined up for a potential game-winning 29-yard field goal. But Friends' Darius Diaz broke through the line, blocked the kick, and raced down the field to deliver the decisive score as time expired, sending the visiting Falcons to a dramatic victory with huge KCAC and national implications.
 
The thrilling finish capped off a back-and-forth contest that saw Southwestern (6-1) rally from a 24-10 third-quarter deficit. Quarterback Braden Howell sparked the comeback, throwing for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including a pair of third-quarter strikes that leveled the score at 24-24.
 
Howell's 9-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter once again tied the game at 31-31, setting the stage for the wild final sequence.
 
Despite amassing 474 total yards and converting 11 of 15 third downs, the Moundbuilders were undone by missed opportunities and costly special teams miscues. Friends (7-0) capitalized on the key plays, including Diaz's game-winning heroics.
 
Friends led 17-10 at halftime, bolstered by an 8-yard touchdown run from Elias Pino and a 46-yard touchdown pass from Jett Cheatham to Caden Lee.
 
The Falcons extended their lead to 24-10 early in the third quarter with another Pino rushing touchdown before Southwestern's offense began to click.
 
Howell connected with Martez Jones for a 9-yard touchdown fresh off his injury recovery, and then found Matthew Holthusen for a 27-yard score, swinging momentum back to the Builders.
 
Southwestern's defense had its moments, led by DreShaun Flowers and Isaiah Yehudah, who tallied seven tackles apiece, while Jacardon Hardemon contributed two tackles for loss. However, the unit struggled to contain Friends' ground attack, as the Falcons tallied 153 rushing yards.
 
Special teams played a pivotal role throughout the contest. In addition to the blocked field goal, the Moundbuilders' kicking game saw mixed results, with Corbin Grant converting a 28-yard field goal and all four extra points but coming up short in the game's crucial moment.
 
Southwestern looks to rebound on October 26 when they travel to North Newton, to face Bethel College, kickoff is at 1 p.m.