STERLING, Kan. – No. 25 Southwestern College (5-0, 0-0) cruised to a 42-7 victory over Sterling College (0-5, 0-0) with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Braden Howell led the Moundbuilders with 195 passing yards, completing 15 of 20 passes, and throwing for four touchdowns. He also added an 8-yard rushing score. JB Burnett paced the ground attack, rushing for 73 yards on 10 carries, while Matthew Holthusen hauled in four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Howell connected with Bryce Chambers for a 33-yard score, and later found Josh Edson and Joshua Boyanton for short touchdown passes.

The Moundbuilders jumped out to an early 7-0 lead on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Howell to Chambers. Sterling (0-5) briefly tied the game with a 16-play, 65-yard drive, capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Rocklin Baptista to Ryan Stucky. Southwestern responded swiftly, as Howell hit Edson for a 3-yard score and Jaydon Sundgren powered in a 15-yard rushing touchdown to make it 21-7. Just before halftime, Howell connected with Holthusen on a 52-yard bomb, giving Southwestern a commanding 28-7 lead.

In the second half, Howell added an 8-yard rushing touchdown early in the third quarter before hitting Boyanton on an 8-yard pass to extend the lead to 42-7. Southwestern's defense shut down Sterling the rest of the way, forcing three interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Defensively, Joey Mars and Britt Wittschen led Southwestern with eight tackles each, while Mars also snagged an interception. DreShaun Flowers and Jaydon Sundgren each recorded sacks, keeping the pressure on Sterling's offense throughout the game.

Southwestern outgained Sterling 368-225 in total offense and converted four red-zone opportunities. The defense held Sterling to just 103 passing yards and three third-down conversions on 15 attempts. Southwestern also dominated the turnover battle, forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions.

The Moundbuilders (5-0) will look to continue their momentum next week as they take on Saint Mary University, for homecoming, Oct. 5 at 1:30 pm in Richard L. Jantz Stadium.