Ottawa, Kan. – The No. 6-ranked Friends University Falcons stayed perfect with a 28-7 win yesterday (Oct. 4) at the Ottawa University Braves.

Below are the top takeaways from the Falcons' sixth straight victory to begin the 2025 season:

Get your Grind on: The Falcons entered yesterday's game outscoring the opposition by nearly 55 points, so this most recent victory showcased the Falcons' ability to methodically win and execute in tighter situations. Ottawa scored first on the game's opening possession, but the Falcons promptly answered with a touchdown on the next drive that started a run of 28 unanswered points.   With games still on the schedule that are anticipated to be hard-fought battles in the KCAC Bissell Division, this was a good test for the Falcons to grind out a win on the road.

Sykes again: Running back E'derian Sykes continues to come up big for the Falcon offensive attack, rushing for 144 yards yesterday at Ottawa just one week after exploding for a career-high 154 yards vs. (RV) Evangel. Sykes broke free for a 67-yard scoring run in the third quarter and is now second on the team with 499 rushing yards on the season.

Big D Dominance: The Falcon defensive unit continues to stand tall, shutting out the Braves and giving up just 185 yards after Ottawa opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive.  Friends ranks second in the NAIA in points allowed per game (7.2) and still paces the nation in yards allowed per game (155.3), rushing yards allowed per game (19.5) and sacks (26).  

Balanced Ground Attack: As has been their calling card in the Terry Harrison era, the Falcons sported a balanced rushing attack in the victory over the Braves. Sykes led the way with 144 rushing yards, with Nick Cordova close behind with 123 yards on the ground. Friends also got 78 rushing yards from Michael Lopez and 55 rushing yards from quarterback K'Vonte Baker. The Falcons are far and away leading the NAIA in rushing yards per game at 488, exactly 200 yards per game ahead of second-place Taylor (Ind.).

Up Next: The Falcons will now have a bye before playing host on Homecoming Saturday (Oct. 18) to No. 24-ranked and fellow unbeaten McPherson College in what is shaping up to be a crucial KCAC Bissell Division-opening contest at Adair-Austin Stadium.