WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern will try to complete a season sweep of Texas Wesleyan when the teams meet Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at Karen Cramer Stadium in a non-conference matchup.
Southwestern is (6-5) (5-5), while Texas Wesleyan enters at (3-5) (0-0). The game comes just more than two weeks after the Builders defeated the Rams 26-0 on April 1 in Winfield, Kansas.
That meeting highlighted Southwestern's identity.
The Builders rely on an efficient passing attack led by quarterback Kennedi Hayes, who has thrown for 1,655 yards and 18 touchdowns. Southwestern averages 178.3 passing yards per game and has 21 touchdown passes. Mary Jones has been the primary target, totaling 40 receptions for 600 yards and nine touchdowns. She had five catches for 124 yards and three scores in the first matchup.
Southwestern has not established a strong running game, averaging 31.6 rushing yards per contest, but has offset that with production through the air. The Builders average 209.9 total yards per game. Vivianna Solis has added 474 receiving yards, and Devina Lytle has 34 receptions.
The defense has also played a key role.
Southwestern has 15 interceptions and 49 tackles for loss, consistently creating pressure and turnovers. Jones leads with seven interceptions, while Andrea Moon and Kennedy Wesley anchor the front. Moon has recorded 21.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks, including four sacks in the first meeting. The unit has limited opponents to 178.5 total yards per game.
Texas Wesleyan is coming off a 25-0 loss to Midland on April 11, when it was held to 88 total yards and just 14 rushing yards on 16 attempts. In the earlier loss to Southwestern, the Rams managed 74 total yards and finished with minus-5 rushing yards.
Despite the offensive struggles, Texas Wesleyan has shown an ability to create turnovers. The Rams intercepted two passes against Midland and had one interception in the April 11 meeting. Vaughn Aden, Ti'yanna Johnson and Mikela Nunez have led the defensive effort, with Nunez recording an interception in the previous matchup.
The Rams' challenge will be generating consistent offense. Texas Wesleyan has relied on a short passing game but has struggled without a steady rushing attack, limiting its ability to produce explosive plays.
Southwestern, meanwhile, has leaned into a defined approach; throwing the ball, applying defensive pressure and capitalizing on field position.
That formula proved effective in the first meeting and could again be a factor Friday. If Hayes and Jones connect early, Southwestern could force Texas Wesleyan into a catch-up situation.
For the Rams to make the rematch more competitive, they will need better protection, fewer negative plays and another strong defensive effort. Otherwise, Southwestern's passing game and attacking defense may once again set the tone.
