LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary football team closed out their home schedule with a win over Southwestern College on Saturday, 49-35 at Berkel Memorial Stadium. The Spires outscored the Moundbuilders 22-7 in the fourth quarter to celebrate a win on Senior Day. Quarterback Drew Cortez also surpassed 10,000 career passing yards in the game.

Prior to the game, Saint Mary football seniors Cortez, Jordan Longoria, Bryan Barnhart, Joceice Cannon, Keanu Popejoy-Kanamu, Chandler Cocklin, Aiden Pirrin, Fredrick Crawley, Layne Powell, Paul Lednicky, John Cereceres and Trey Perkins were honored for their contributions to the Spire football program.

The Spires are now 3-6 on the season and in the KCAC.

GAME FLOW
Saint Mary was not fazed at all by the standings in the KCAC entering the day. The Spires sprinted out to a 10-0 lead six minutes into the first quarter. CJ Erwin kicked a 22-yard field goal before the Spires defense forced the first of six turnovers – this one a fumble recovery for a touchdown from Spencer Clayborn.

Southwestern added two touchdowns in the second quarter, but the Spires quickly regained the lead at 17-14 when Demontrel rushed for one of his three touchdowns, giving the Spires the lead. Cortez and the Spires then opened the third quarter with a touchdown as Cortez found Joceice Cannon for 65 yards. The Moundbuilders would fight back however, and take a 28-27 lead as both teams headed to the fourth quarter.

Southwestern would force a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and regain possession, before taking a 35-27 lead early in the final period. The Spires however, did not go down as they would tie the game at 35 after Cortez found Bryan Barnhart for a touchdown, then Michael Brown for the two-point conversion.

Wilson would later score his second and third touchdowns of the game to stretch the Spires' lead to 49-35, which was the final.

KEY STATISTICS

• Cortez threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
• Nicholas Holmes picked off three passes and now has 10 on the season, which leads the nation.
• Saint Mary outgained Southwestern in total yards, 393-345.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
The Spires close out the 2018 season with a trip to McPherson College on Nov. 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.