WINFIELD, Kan. — The Moundbuilders improved to 2-0 on the season with a commanding 40-21 win over Avila University. Southwestern's offense put on an impressive display, led by quarterback Braden Howell, who threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, including two to receiver Matthew Holthusen.
 
SC struck early in the first quarter when Howell connected with Holthusen on a 41-yard touchdown pass, capping a 10-play, 92-yard drive. Holthusen finished the game with 10 receptions for 139 yards and two scores, giving Southwestern a 13-0 lead after another touchdown in the second quarter.
 
Running back JB Burnett also contributed on the ground, breaking free for a 20-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to extend the lead to 20-0. Burnett finished with 65 yards on 11 carries.
 
Avila (1-1) got on the board in the third quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run by Jalen Thach, who led the Eagles with 76 total yards and two touchdowns. However, Southwestern responded quickly, as Howell connected with receiver Josh Edson on a 46-yard strike to push the lead to 34-7.
 
Avila showed life late in the fourth quarter after recovering a Southwestern fumble, which led to a 23-yard touchdown pass from Thach to Kareem Chambers, cutting the deficit to 34-21. However, Southwestern sealed the game with a 3-yard touchdown run by Jaydon Sundgren as time expired.
 
Southwestern's defense pressured Avila all night, recording five sacks and holding the Eagles to just 243 total yards. The Moundbuilders racked up 497 yards of total offense, including 341 through the air and 156 on the ground.
 
The Builders will look to extend their winning streak as they travel to Salina, Kansas, to face Kansas Wesleyan University next Saturday, September 14, kickoff set for 6pm.