SALINA, Kan. — The Builders (3-0, 0-0) dominated Kansas Wesleyan 44-14 (1-2,0-0) to claim the Bishop's Cup for the fifth consecutive year, improving to 3-0 on the season.

Senior quarterback Braden Howell led the Moundbuilders' offense, accounting for five total touchdowns—three passing and two rushing—in a standout performance on the road.

The Builders opened the scoring with a 25-yard field goal by Corbin Grant at the 7:41 mark of the first quarter, capping an 11-play, 51-yard drive that took 5:44 off the clock. Braden Howell extended the lead early in the second quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run, finishing a 13-play, 89-yard drive in 6:35.

Kansas Wesleyan responded quickly after Zarek Fewell's 54-yard kickoff return, setting up Luke Armstrong's 6-yard rushing touchdown. The Coyotes covered 47 yards in four plays, cutting the lead to 10-7 with 11:47 left in the second quarter.

SC capitalized on a botched kickoff by the Coyotes, starting at the KWU 14. Howell punched it in with a 1-yard run after five plays to give the Moundbuilders a 17-7 lead with 6:17 remaining in the half.

Howell was efficient, completing 18 of 26 passes for 213 yards, while also adding 30 rushing yards on nine carries. He threw touchdown passes of 24, 18, and 59 yards, connecting twice with wide receiver Matthew Holthusen, who finished with six receptions for 114 yards and two scores. Jaydon Sundgren added a 24-yard touchdown catch, contributing to Howell's impressive night.

On the ground, J.B. Burnett carried the ball 21 times for 114 yards, helping Southwestern to a balanced offensive attack. The Moundbuilders finished with 436 total yards—236 passing and 200 rushing—while their defense stifled Kansas Wesleyan, limiting the Coyotes to just 228 total yards and forcing multiple key turnovers.

Christian Steward added a 14-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, while the Moundbuilders' defense took advantage of Kansas Wesleyan's mistakes, recovering three fumbles and holding the Coyotes to only 108 passing yards.

Howell connected with Jaydon Sundgren for a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, concluding a 10-play, 69-yard drive that took 4:25, pushing the lead to 31-7. Southwestern capitalized on a fumble shortly after, with Howell finding Matthew Holthusen for an 18-yard touchdown pass on the very next play, making it 37-7.

The Moundbuilders weren't finished. Howell hit Holthusen again for a 59-yard touchdown pass just 1:36 later, extending the score to 44-7. Kansas Wesleyan added a late touchdown when Junior Akintunde scored on a 1-yard run after a 12-play, 58-yard drive with 3:54 left, 44-14 final.

The Builders are back home next Saturday, September 21, at Richard L. Jantz Stadium, kick off set for 7 pm.