Sterling Can’t Keep Pace with #9 Moundbuilders

Winfield, Kan. - The Warriors took on #9 Southwestern this past Saturday in Winfield. The undefeated Moundbuilders have been continuing to climb the NAIA polls over the last several weeks. Sterling knew the challenge that was ahead of them.

The game started with a lot of back and forth. Sterling started with a three-and-out and Southwestern turned the ball over on downs. Each team's next possession ended in an interception. For Sterling, Dexter Walker got his first interception of two for the game within the first four minutes. The rest of the first quarter went the way of the way with two scores and a safety. Sterling trailed after 15 minutes, 15-0.

Second quarter scoring got started by the faithful leg of Luis Franco who hit a 39 yard field goal to get Sterling on the board. The Warriors didn't score again until late in the fourth quarter when Rigdon Yates connected with Marcus Smithey for a 15 yard touchdown. The TD is the first of Yate's collegiate career. In addition to the fifteen first quarter points, Southwestern scored thirteen in the second, 6 in the third, and 14 in the fourth. Sterling found themselves on the wrong end of a 48-10 score. ElyJay Curry led the team with 75 rushing yards, while Myreik Goodwin-Lagree and Angel Ruiz both 46 receiving yards during the game.

The defense was led by Hunter Pullen with 11 tackles followed by Blake Montgomery with 10. Walker Jr. had two interceptions in the game, with Drake Courtney and Fisher Pullen both forcing fumbles. Flin Cameron added another sack to his season total. James Crane broke up a pass for the Moundbuilders that would have resulted in a touchdown. 

The Warriors take on the Friends University Falcons next week at Smisor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 pm. In the first five weeks of the season, Sterling has taken on the top four teams in the KCAC standings and take on the fifth place team in Friends this weekend. It has been a rough start to the season to say the least, but they have also taken on the best that the conference has to offer.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.