WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College football returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, as the Builders host Sterling College at 1:30 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium. The matchup marks the beginning of Bissell Division play in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and highlights Southwestern's Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend.
The Builders enter the contest with a 5-1 record and a three-game winning streak, while Sterling comes to Winfield at 2-4. Southwestern has been perfect at home this season, posting a 3-0 record, and is coming off a 19-14 victory over Avila University on Oct. 3.
Southwestern has established a strong offensive presence through six games, averaging 480.3 yards and 38.3 points per contest. The Builders have been particularly effective on the ground, averaging 274 rushing yards per game.
Christian Steward has led the rushing attack with 744 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 carries. Steward has also contributed 206 receiving yards and four touchdowns, giving him 11 total touchdowns this season.
Quarterback Jamie Odom has completed 81 of 151 passes for 1,134 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 233 rushing yards and five scores. Bryce Chambers leads the receiving unit with 30 receptions for 420 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Southwestern has limited opponents to just 15.3 points and 249.8 yards per game. The Builders have been especially effective against the run, allowing only 66.2 rushing yards per contest.
Adrian Avelar leads the defense with 40 tackles and two sacks, while Britt Wittschen has contributed 27 tackles, seven tackles for loss and an interception. The Builders have recorded 11 interceptions and 12 sacks as a team.
Sterling enters the matchup averaging 20.5 points and 325.8 yards of total offense per game. Running back Stephenson Kennard leads the Warriors with 461 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while quarterback Steven Werking has thrown for 741 yards and four touchdowns.
Khyaire Hines leads Sterling's receiving unit with 21 catches for 387 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Kenny Dominguez leads the Warriors with 50 tackles, while Dutton Taylor has recorded 42 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
Saturday's matchup presents an opportunity for Southwestern's rushing attack against a Sterling defense that has allowed 161.8 rushing yards and 38 points per game.
The contest also serves as the centerpiece of Southwestern's Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend. Festivities begin Friday, Oct. 16, with the Southwestern College Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony at 6 p.m.
With alumni and supporters returning to campus, the Builders will look to extend their winning streak and open Bissell Division play with a victory.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield.
