Southwestern College football continues its 2024 season as the Moundbuilders prepare to host the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars in the first round of the 69th NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS).
The game is set for noon, Saturday, at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
The Moundbuilders (10-1) are the No. 15 seed, earning an at-large bid into the playoffs after tying for first place in the Dr. Ted Kessinger Division of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) with a 4-1 record. Their opponents, the No. 18 Cougars (8-3), secured the automatic bid from the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League after claiming their first-ever Midwest League title and a record-extending 14th MSFA championship.
2024 NAIA Football Championship Series Overview:
The 20-team playoff field for the 69th NAIA Football Championship Series boasts a combined record of 176-30, translating to an 85.4% winning percentage. This year’s qualifiers showcase some of the best talent in collegiate football, and the matchup between Southwestern and Saint Francis promises to deliver an exciting contest.
Game Notes:
- Saint Francis Cougars (8-3, 4-1):
- The Cougars’ offense has been electric, scoring 459 points and amassing 5,142 total yards for an average of 467.5 yards per game.
- USF leads the nation with 45 passing touchdowns and has a dynamic quarterback in Joshua Kulka, who is tied for second in the NAIA with Southwestern’s Braden Howell with 36 passing touchdowns this season.
- Defensively, the Cougars have excelled with 750 tackles, 17 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. They are tied for first nationally in sacks (41) and fumble recoveries (14).
- Southwestern Moundbuilders (10-1, 4-1):
- The Moundbuilders’ offense has been equally potent, scoring 474 points and racking up 5,245 total yards for an average of 476.8 yards per game.
- Quarterback Braden Howell has been a standout performer, with 36 passing touchdowns, tying him for second in the NAIA. Wide receiver Matthew Holthusen is tied for third nationally with 14 receiving touchdowns.
- On defense, the Moundbuilders have tallied 647 tackles, 28 sacks, and an impressive 24 interceptions.
This will mark Saint Francis’ 20th appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series and their first since 2019. Southwestern makes its return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and seventh time overall.
The winner of this first-round matchup will advance to the NAIA FCS quarterfinals, bringing them one step closer to the ultimate goal of a national championship in Durham, NC. Continue reading below ad.
Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Location: Richard L. Jantz Stadium, Southwestern College, Winfield, Kan.
Tickets for the game will be available at the cash/card gates and gates will open at 10 a.m.
No reserved seating.
No passes.
Student $10. Home Side Purple Chairback $25. General Admission $15.
