WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College will look to extend its winning streak to six games when it faces McPherson College at Equity Bank Park in a matchup with divisional and postseason implications.
Coming off a 40-21 road victory over Friends University, the Moundbuilders enter at 7-1 overall and 2-0 in divisional play. Another victory would strengthen Southwestern's position in the division race as it pursues a berth and a postseason run in the NAIA National Football Championship.
The teams enter the matchup tied for No. 13 in the latest Football Performance Indicator, each with a performance index of 26. Southwestern also stands third in the Midwest in the latest Area Rating Committee ratings, ahead of fifth-place Friends and sixth-place McPherson.
Southwestern's victory at Friends continued a winning streak that began against Ottawa and has included victories over Bethany, Avila and Sterling. The Moundbuilders have scored at least 30 points in four of those five wins.
A productive rushing attack has helped drive that success. Southwestern averages 264.3 rushing yards and 474.3 total yards per game while scoring 37.6 points per contest.
Christian Steward leads the ground game with 959 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He needs 41 yards to reach 1,000 for the season and has added 21 receptions for 233 yards and four touchdowns.
Quarterback James Odom has thrown for 1,576 yards and 14 touchdowns against four interceptions while rushing for 362 yards and six scores. Bryce Chambers leads Southwestern's receivers with 39 catches for 593 yards and four touchdowns.
That offense will face a McPherson defense allowing 12.4 points and 233.9 yards per game. The Bulldogs have recorded 23 sacks and 14 interceptions while holding opponents to a 25.7% conversion rate on third down.
McPherson also brings an offense capable of testing Southwestern at every level. The Bulldogs average 559.4 yards and 46.3 points per game and are coming off a 63-7 victory at Saint Mary after a 48-24 loss to Friends.
Running back Jalil Brown has rushed for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 8 yards per carry. Quarterback Ryan Markarian has completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,058 yards and 18 touchdowns against five interceptions. Jamai Rutherford has caught 24 passes for 406 yards and seven scores.
Containing that balance will be a priority for a Southwestern defense allowing 15.4 points and 267.9 yards per game. The Moundbuilders have limited opponents to 91.6 rushing yards per contest and 3.1 yards per carry. Jackson Meadows leads Southwestern with four interceptions.
The matchup pairs Southwestern's stingy run defense against Brown and a McPherson rushing attack averaging 252 yards per game. Limiting the Bulldogs on early downs and creating difficult third-down situations could help the Moundbuilders carry their momentum into another consequential divisional contest.
With both programs sharing the same Football Performance Indicator position, Southwestern has an opportunity to continue to build its postseason case.
Fans can purchase tickets online for the game at Equity Bank Park.
