WINFIELD, Kan. — No. 22 Southwestern College will look to remain unbeaten when it travels to Ozark, Missouri, to face No. 19 Evangel in a matchup of nationally ranked NAIA teams. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Tiger Stadium.
The Moundbuilders (2-0) enter after opening the season with a 48-14 victory at Bethel and following with a 38-3 home win over Tabor. Southwestern has outscored its first two opponents 86-17.
Quarterback Jamie Odom has been a key contributor to Southwestern's unbeaten start, completing 30 of 54 passes for 451 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Odom has also rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, accounting for 628 yards of total offense and five touchdowns through two games.
Southwestern is averaging 43 points and 559.5 yards of total offense per game, including 325.5 rushing yards per contest. Christian Steward leads the ground game with 216 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per attempt. Wayne Carter Jr. has added 119 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Bryce Chambers leads the receiving corps with 12 catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Roberts has seven receptions for 131 yards and a score, while Dazurre Paggett has contributed 110 yards on three catches.
Defensively, the Moundbuilders have limited opponents to 8.5 points and 167.5 yards per game, including just 33.5 rushing yards per contest. Britt Wittschen leads Southwestern with 13 tackles and two fumble recoveries, while Jackson Meadows has recorded three interceptions.
Evangel (2-0) opened with a 73-7 win over Saint Mary before defeating Sterling 42-13 on the road. The Valor are averaging 57.5 points and 451.5 yards per game, including 243.5 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Matt Allen has completed 28 of 33 passes for 320 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. Broc Lyle leads Evangel with 11 receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns, while Gunner Ellison has seven catches for 158 yards and two scores.
Noah Bryant paces the Valor's rushing attack with 158 yards and two touchdowns, followed by Kyle Cummings with 123 yards and three scores. Both will face a Southwestern defense that has surrendered only one rushing touchdown through two games.
Odom and the Moundbuilders will face an Evangel defense allowing 10 points and 74.5 rushing yards per game. The Valor have recorded five sacks and five interceptions, with Cullen Snow accounting for two interceptions.
With both teams nationally ranked and seeking a 3-0 start, Saturday's contest shapes up as a marquee early-season NAIA matchup. For Southwestern, the trip offers an opportunity to earn another road victory and build momentum as division play quickly approaches.
