WINFIELD, Kan. — In a game filled with momentum swings and big plays, Southwestern College secured a dramatic 31-24 victory over Saint Francis (Ind.) in postseason action at Richard L. Jantz Stadium. Quarterback Braden Howell's 34-yard touchdown pass to Joe Smyth with just 15 seconds remaining capped a thrilling contest and sent the Moundbuilders onto the second round of the NAIA Championship Series.
Southwestern (11-1) struck first on their opening drive when Howell found Christian Steward for a 50-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game. The quick strike set the tone for an offense that would prove to be explosive throughout the afternoon.
Saint Francis (8-4) responded with a methodical drive, but a strong Southwestern defense forced a field goal, cutting the lead to 14-3 late in the first quarter.
Southwestern extended their advantage early in the second quarter, as kicker Preston Fansher nailed a 42-yard field goal to make it 17-3. However, Saint Francis clawed back into the game on an efficient 14-play, 80-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grant Gremel to Adjaye Dandridge. The Cougars trailed 17-10 midway through the second quarter.
The Moundbuilders answered quickly. Howell engineered a four-play, 36-yard drive, culminating in a five-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Chambers just before halftime. Southwestern entered the break with a 24-10 lead, seemingly in control of the game.
The Cougars emerged strong in the second half, leaning on their ground game. Running back Lenny Bennett's four-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter brought Saint Francis within a touchdown, 24-17. The Cougars' defense tightened, forcing punts on Southwestern's next three drives.
The fourth quarter saw the tension escalate. Saint Francis capitalized on a short field, tying the game at 24 with 1:51 remaining on Gremel's 15-yard touchdown pass to McCall Ray. The momentum appeared to shift in favor of the visitors.
But Southwestern wasn't done. Starting from their 29-yard line with 1:32 to play, Howell led a six-play, 71-yard drive to secure the victory for southwestern . A critical turning point came midway through the drive on saint francis 44 yard line when Saint Francis was flagged for a horse-collar penalty by Shayne Spear which added 15 yards and moved the ball into Cougar territory on our 34 yard line. Two plates later Braden Howell Threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Joe Smyth, who kept his feet in bounds on the sideline to secure the cath and get the game-winning touchdown. Fansher's extra point sealed the 31-24 victory.
Howell finished with 200 yards and four touchdown passes, spreading the ball to multiple receivers. Steward led all receivers with 93 yards and a touchdown on four catches. On the ground, JB Burnett added 72 rushing yards to balance the offense.
The Southwestern defense played a crucial role, led by Carl Malvo, who recorded two sacks and seven tackles. The Moundbuilders limited Saint Francis to 4.1 yards per play and forced several critical stops in the first half.
Saint Francis, despite the loss, put up a valiant effort. Gremel threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns while Bennett tallied 53 rushing yards and a score.
Southwestern now advances to face their next opponent the number three seed Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats on Saturday November 30.
