WINFIELD, Kan. — No. 22 Southwestern College's offensive firepower was on full display as the Moundbuilders stormed past the University of Saint Mary, 69-28, improving to 6-0. Quarterback
Braden Howell led the charge, throwing for 379 yards and six touchdowns, nearly all in the first half, as Southwestern dominated from start to finish.
The Moundbuilders opened their scoring early, with Howell connecting on a 70-yard touchdown pass to
Christian Steward just two minutes into the game. Less than three minutes later, Howell found
Joe Smyth for a 39-yard score, pushing the lead to 14-0. Running back JB Burnett added a two-yard rushing touchdown after a lengthy nine-play, 56-yard drive, extending the lead to 21-0. With just 20 seconds left in the first quarter, Howell hit
Josh Edson for a 23-yard touchdown, capping off a blistering 28-point first quarter for the Moundbuilders.
In the second quarter, Howell continued to dominate, throwing his fourth touchdown of the game, a 28-yard strike to Smyth, before Steward broke loose for a 67-yard rushing touchdown on a single play. Howell's final touchdown of the half came on a 48-yard bomb to Edson, sending Southwestern into halftime with a commanding 48-6 lead.
After halftime, Howell added one more touchdown, finding
Matthew Holthusen for a 10-yard score to make it 55-6 in the third quarter. Backup quarterbacks
Carson Riney and
Eric Erbe also contributed, with Riney throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass to
Bryce Chambers early in the fourth quarter, and Erbe connecting with
Kymeion Turner for a 75-yard touchdown pass to close out the scoring for Southwestern.
Saint Mary added points on the board late, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from Cesar Vela and a fourth-quarter safety, but the outcome was never in doubt as Southwestern outgained the Spires 668-333 in total yardage.
Howell finished the game 19 of 23 for 379 yards and six touchdowns, with standout performances from his receivers.
Josh Edson led the team with 110 yards and two touchdowns, while
Joe Smyth caught four passes for 91 yards and two scores.
Christian Steward added 72 rushing yards, highlighted by his 67-yard touchdown run, and also caught a 70-yard touchdown pass.
Southwestern remains undefeated at 6-0 as they head into the bye week.
