WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern jumped out fast and traded punches with Evangel, but the Valor ground game and late defensive stand proved decisive in a 35-25 setback for the Moundbuilders on Saturday at Jantz Stadium.
Southwestern struck first on its second drive of the night when quarterback Jamie Odom found Matthew Holthusen streaking downfield for a 71-yard touchdown with 1:21 left in the opening quarter. The extra point was blocked, but the Builders had momentum early.
Evangel responded with a flurry in the second quarter, scoring three straight touchdowns. Quarterback Reid Potts connected with Eric Williams on a 13-yard scoring pass, then hit Jeremiah Barnes for another touchdown just over a minute later after a Southwestern turnover. Williams added a 6-yard touchdown run with 2:56 left before halftime to make it 21-6.
The Builders answered before the break. Odom led a 57-yard drive in 1:33, capped by an 8-yard touchdown toss to Jaydon Sundgren, cutting the deficit to 21-12 at halftime.
Southwestern seized control in the third quarter. Corbin Williams intercepted Potts near midfield to set up a quick score — a 16-yard touchdown pass from Odom to Aidan Koenig. Moments later, Odom engineered a 94-yard march that ended with a 42-yard strike to Holthusen, giving the Moundbuilders a 25-21 lead with just 33 seconds left in the quarter.
But Evangel had the last word. Cameron Harris capped a short field with a 7-yard touchdown run early in the fourth to put the Crusaders back on top. After Southwestern's offense stalled, Williams delivered the dagger with his second rushing touchdown, a 3-yard plunge with 2:34 remaining.
Odom finished 27 of 41 for 399 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Holthus was his top target, hauling in six passes for 166 yards and two scores. Reaves added 73 receiving yards, while Smyth caught five passes for 44 yards.
Despite the aerial success, Southwestern struggled to establish the run, gaining just 74 yards on the ground compared to Evangel's 273. Williams carried 29 times for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Harris added 75 yards and a score. Potts threw for 111 yards and two touchdowns for Evangel.
Defensively, the Moundbuilders were led by Corbin Williams, who not only snagged an interception but also finished with six tackles. Jamarion Citize registered a sack, and DreShaun Flower added four stops. Southwestern, however, was hurt by nine penalties for 108 yards and a costly second-quarter fumble.
The loss drops Southwestern to 2-1 on the season, while Evangel stays unbeaten at 3-0. The Moundbuilders continue KCAC cross-divisional play next week on the road, aiming to rebound after letting a late lead slip away.
