WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College will return to the road Saturday as the Builders travel to Lindsborg, Kansas, for a matchup against Bethany College at Kessinger Stadium.
Southwestern enters the contest with a 3-1 record and is receiving votes in the latest NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The Builders are coming off a 30-14 victory over Ottawa and have outscored opponents 129-62 through their first four games.
The Builders have leaned heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 243.8 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry while scoring 12 rushing touchdowns. Christian Steward leads Southwestern with 370 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 55 carries, while Jamie Odom has added 225 yards and three scores.
Odom has also directed the passing game, completing 56 of 108 passes for 741 yards and four touchdowns. Bryce Chambers leads Southwestern's receivers with 19 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns, while Nick Roberts has 133 yards and two scores on eight receptions.
Defensively, Southwestern has limited opponents to 253.8 yards of total offense per game, including just 49.8 rushing yards. The Builders have recorded eight interceptions and eight sacks through four games. Avelar leads the defense with 26 tackles, while Britt Wittschen has 21 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two fumble recoveries.
Bethany enters Saturday at 1-3. The Swedes are averaging 92.5 rushing yards and 137.8 passing yards per game. Kendrick Hawkins leads the ground attack with 211 yards and a touchdown, while Lael Eddens has been Bethany's top receiving threat with 14 catches for 216 yards and four touchdowns.
Bethany's defense has allowed opponents to average 311 rushing yards per game, while Noah Penunuri leads the Swedes with 38 tackles through four games.
Kickoff between Southwestern and Bethany is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Kessinger Stadium in Lindsborg, Kansas.