Warriors Fall on the Road to Southwestern

WINFIELD, Kan. – After committing just one turnover last week against Kansas Wesleyan, the Sterling College Warriors struggled to keep the football in a 30-6 loss in Winfield, Kan. to Southwestern College. Sterling turned the ball over four times in the loss.

Southwestern jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, scoring on Tanner Strohl touchdown reception and a Nolan Davenport touchdown reception. The Moundbuilders missed the PAT on the second touchdown and took a 13-0 lead into the second quarter.

Sterling would cut the lead to seven early in the second quarter, scoring a touchdown on an Adam Haskin reception from John Cardona. Doug Dunn's PAT was blocked.

Southwestern would respond by forcing Cardona to fumble on the Warrior 15 yard line. Brandon Davis, who forced and recovered the fumble, took the ball back for a touchdown. At the half, Sterling trailed the Moundbuilders 20-6.

The second half was all Southwestern. Jordan Barrett would connect with Joe Vargas to increase the Builder lead to 27-6 in the third quarter and then Chris Mayer would put the nail in Sterling's coffin in the fourth quarter, connecting on a 31 yard field goal to make the score 30-6.

Offense was at a premium in the game, as both teams finished the game with less than 300 yards of total offense. Southwestern had 62 plays for 298 yards while Sterling had 62 plays for 232 yards.

On the ground, the Warriors were led by senior Chase Sperber who had nine carries for 61 yards.

Southwestern was led by Strohl who had a game high 29 yards on 20 carries.

Cardona was eight of 24 on passing for 114 yards with two interceptions for SC.

Barrett led the Builders in passing, going six for 12 for 140 yards and one interception.

Sterling's Jordan Coleman was the game leader in receiving, catching five balls for 89 yards.

Vargas led Southwestern with three receptions for 65 yards.

The leading tackler in the game for Sterling was Kerby Rice, who recorded 11 tackles.

Davis led Southwestern with seven tackles.

With the loss, Sterling falls to 0-4, 0-3 in the KCAC. The Warriors will host the University of Saint Mary in their next matchup on September, 29. Game time is 6:00 pm. Catch the game live on the Sterling College Sports Network.