WINFIELD, Kan. — The No. 4-ranked Friends University Falcons maintained their perfect record and won their eighth straight game to begin the season for the first time since 2008 with a 42-28 victory over the No. 15-ranked Southwestern College Moundbuilders today (Oct. 25) in Winfield, Kan. It's the second consecutive week the Falcons have defeated an NAIA Top 20 opponent after winning 56-32 on Homecoming last Saturday over then No. 20-ranked McPherson College. 

The NAIA's leading rushing team, the Falcons got on the board first through the air as a nine-play opening drive was capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass from K'Vonte Baker to Austin Pratt. The drive was fueled by a 16-yard run by Baker and an 11-yard rush from Michael Lopez. Truitt Bosher added the extra point, making it 7–0 at the 9:24 mark.

Friends extended their lead later in the quarter when E'derian Sykes scored on a 12-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14–0. Baker connected again for a 28-yard touchdown pass to Samuel Becker to push the Falcon lead to three touchdowns at 21-0. 

The second quarter saw Southwestern get back in it when Jamie Odom connected with Joe Smyth for a 19-yard touchdown pass at the 8:39 mark to make it 21-7. Later, Odom's 2-yard rushing touchdown further closed the gap to 21–14 with 2:23 remaining. Friends though closed the half strong, with Baker scoring from nine yards out to make it 28–14 at the half.

The third quarter began with Southwestern again narrowing the gap as Odom connected with Matthew Holthus for a 28-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the third quarter to again cut the Falcon lead to one possession. Undeterred, Friends responded with a methodical drive, highlighted by a 23-yard rush from Lopez that culminated in Nick Cordova's 3-yard touchdown run to stretch the lead back to 35-21. 

After Southwestern struck first in the fourth quarter with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Odom to Holthus, the Falcons again pushed back with a determined drive, finished by a 1-yard touchdown run from Baker with 1:57 left to essentially put it away. Jairo Castillo and Taeylon Garland then had back to back sacks on the Builders' final possession to seal the victory. 

Baker led the offensive charge with 89 rushing yards on 20 carries, passing for a career-high tying two touchdowns and rushing for two more scores. Lopez contributed significantly on the ground, finishing with a career and team-high 126 yards on 11 carries. Cordova also had 11 carries for 66 yards, while Pratt added to the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown reception. On special teams, Bosher was perfect, converting all six PATs. Brock Zerger led the Falcon defense with five tackles. 

Odom paced the Builders with 212 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Holthus secured five receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Smyth contributed 48 rushing yards on five attempts and added a touchdown through the air with three catches for 47 yards. On defense, Jamarion Citize recorded seven total tackles, sharing the team lead with DreShaun Flower, who also tallied seven stops.

Friends outgained Southwestern 409-358 overall, powered by 359 yards on the ground. 

The Falcons will face (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University next Saturday (Nov. 1) at Equity Bank Park, home of the Wichita Wind Surge. Tickets to that game can be purchased HERE.