Sterling scores four touchdowns in loss to no. 16 ranked Southwestern

Sterling College was defeated by the no. 16 ranked Southwestern College 74-28 on Saturday, Oct. 18. Sterling's passing game saw some success with four touchdown passes, but Southwestern's offense was dominant, amassing 510 total yards. Despite two interceptions by Sterling's defense, Southwestern's five passing touchdowns propelled them to a decisive victory.

Sterling opened the game with a kickoff that resulted in a fumble forced by Samuel LeBlue, but Southwestern retained possession. Sterling's defense initially held strong with Charles Jones stopping an early rush play for no gain. However, Southwestern completed a 36-yard pass, eventually leading to a touchdown pass from Jamie Odom to Joe Smyth, with Preston Fansher's kick making it 7-0.

Sterling's first offensive drive was hindered by a false start penalty and an interception by Aidan Koenig, setting up the Moundbuilders' second score, a 14-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Reaves. Following a successful extra point, Southwestern led 14-0.

Sterling's next possession saw a promising 23-yard pass from Rocklin Baptista to Kenneth Arroyos, moving the ball to the Southwestern 27-yard line. However, the drive stalled at the 2-yard line. As the quarter closed, Sterling's defense forced a fumble, recovered by Tyler Fassio, setting up a potential scoring opportunity as the quarter ended with the Moundbuilders leading 14-0.

The second quarter began with Sterling putting point up on the board with Baptista connecting with Will Stokes for a 15-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point from James Henisey. However, Southwestern quickly responded with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Smyth, though the extra point attempt was missed. Sterling's next drive was highlighted by AJ Brown's strong running, gaining 11 yards on two carries, but ultimately stalled, leading to a punt.

Southwestern then capitalized on a strong drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Odom to Joshua Mazyck, and extended their lead with another drive ending in a touchdown pass to Matthew Holthus. Despite Charles Jones's interception in the endzone that halted one of the Moundbuilders' drives, Sterling struggled to regain momentum. The half closed with Southwestern leading 33-7.

The third quarter began with Sterling showing offensive promise but ultimately faced a setback when Baptista fumbled, leading to a Southwestern recovery. Sterling's defense held briefly, highlighted by Nate Criqui's sack, but the Moundbuilders capitalized with a touchdown, extending their lead. Sterling responded later in the quarter as Jeremyah Raguin connected with LeBlue for a touchdown, narrowing the gap slightly. However, Southwestern quickly answered with another touchdown, keeping the momentum in their favor. As the quarter closed, Sterling trailed, with the score at 60-14 in favor of the Moundbuilders.

Sterling's defense started the fourth quarter strong with Jacob Bauman tackling Thelonius Jones for a 6-yard loss, forcing Southwestern to punt. However, Sterling's subsequent drive ended with an interception by Jason Wickliff, setting up the Moundbuilders' scoring opportunity. Eric Erbe capitalized on this with a rushing touchdown, extending Southwestern's lead.

After a quick Sterling possession, which included a fumble recovery by AJ Brown, Southwestern regained possession but was unable to capitalize, punting back to Sterling. Rocklin Baptist then led a determined drive, completing a touchdown pass to Kenneth Arroyos, narrowing the gap.

A subsequent kickoff return by Thelonius Jones for the Moundbuilders resulted in a touchdown, rebuilding the visitor's advantage. Sterling responded with a strong drive, capped by Ethan McCarthy's touchdown reception, bringing the score closer. Despite their efforts, Sterling ended the fourth quarter with a 74-28 loss as time expired.

Baptista completed 15 of 33 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns, despite two interceptions. Jones contributed defensively with one interception and added three tackles while Derek Bean led the defense with 12 tackles and secured one interception. Arroyos caught three passes for 51 yards and one touchdown.

The Warriors move to 1-6 overall, 0-1 in the Bissel Division. The are set to take on Kansas Wesleyan University (5-2, 1-0) in Salina, Kan. on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.

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