The Coyotes conclude the regular season with a Senior Day game against Gene Bissell Division foe and 23rd-ranked Southwestern.
GAME INFORMATION
- Kickoff: 1 p.m.
- Day: Saturday
- Location: Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sport Complex
- Records: Kansas Wesleyan 7-3 (3-1 Bissell Division); Southwestern 7-3, (2-2)
LIVE COVERAGE
- The video stream of the game will be available online on the Urban Edge Network (https://urbanedgenetwork.net/watch/2873). The game will also be streamed on the KCAC Network.
- Live Stats will be available at https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
- The KINA Radio Pregame Show with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will start at 12 p.m. on KINA Radio. The online radio stream is available at https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2.
THE SERIES
The Coyotes haven't had much luck against Southwestern of late. They've lost the last five including a 44-14 setback last season at JRI Stadium and lost the last three in Salina. Despite that KWU has a 17-7 lead in the series since 2001.
KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE
- The Coyotes stunned 18th-ranked McPherson 20-17 last Saturday at JRI Stadium. The game-winning touchdown came on Henry Austad's perfectly executed 11-yard screen pass to D'Heaven Domena with 57 seconds left. It capped a 93-yard, 12-play drive and was their first lead of the game. It was the first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021.
- A win over Southwestern would keep the Coyotes' hopes of receiving an at-large bid to the NAIA playoffs alive. Evangel and Friends have clinched the Kansas Conference's two automatic berths.
- Domena, a senior running back, was unstoppable once again finishing with 147 yards rushing on 32 carries and two receptions for 32 yards. He was this week's KCAC Offensive Player of the Week - the second time this season he has been honored. In the last five games Domena has 170 touches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns.
- Junior safety Taylor Collins was the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week. He accounted for the Coyotes' first touchdown when he scooped up a McPherson fumble in the second quarter and returned it 32 yards. The defense, which was missing four injured starters, shut out McPherson in the second half. KWU allowed 286 total yards in the game - the Bulldogs came in averaging 45 points and 492 yards.
- Saturday's game will be the final home appearance for 27 seniors. The group will be recognized during a pregame ceremony on Bissell Field.
SOUTHWESTERN AT A GLANCE
- The Moundbuilders defeated Saint Mary 53-21 last Saturday in Leavenworth after losing back-to-back home games to Friends (42-28) and McPherson (53-40). Like KWU they're seeking to remain in contention for an at-large playoff bid.
- Offense is the name of the game. Southwestern averages 51 points and 533 total yards - 320 passing and 213 rushing. Evangel held the Moundbuilders to 25 points, their lowest out of the season. Southwestern is second in scoring in the NAIA behind Friends and third in yardage behind Morningside and Indiana Wesleyan.
- Junior quarterback Jamie Odom has thrown for 2,798 yards, 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He's also the leading rusher with 452 yards and 10 more touchdowns. Senior wide out Matthew Holthusen has 50 receptions for 1,104 yards and 15 touchdowns.
- Defensively Southwestern allows 23 points and 289 total yards - 155 rushing and 134 passing.
- Coach Brad Griffin is in his 10th season. He has led Southwestern to three KCAC titles and three NAIA playoff berths.
KWU HEAD COACH MATT MIDDLETON
"I think (the McPherson win) showed how resilient our group is and how they have short-term memory. They went out and competed their butts off. Defense was absolutely phenomenal, and we didn't make mistakes on offense. It kept us in the game, and we scored when we had to. It was a massive win for us. I'd rather have a long shot (at the playoffs) than no shot, so we still have a lot to play for."
"I was emotional after the game. When you spend as much time working with these guys to be successful - and there is a lot of work and time put in - then going through what we've been through injury wise and to have them step up and have an opportunity to win a big game against a team like that says a whole lot about who we are."
"I'm thankful (the seniors) stayed - a lot of guys didn't. You're losing a lot of guys and some guys that are good team guys too so hate to see them go but thankful they stayed for this season."
"(Odom) is pretty good, he's what makes them go. He's very effective in the running game and makes things happen with his feet. Obviously, he can throw the football really well. They've got some receivers they go to that are really good, you can tell they've been in the system for a while. It's a veteran group that plays well."
QUARTERBACK HENRY AUSTAD
"I think we had a good game plan coming in (against McPherson) and were able to execute that. Then on top of that the defense played well and we just trusted each other a lot. I think we can play with anybody. We played our best game so just being able to go out there and execute is the biggest thing."
"I've got to be out there for the guys. I want to play as much as I can, not knowing if I'm going to play next year or not. Just tape (the leg) up and go play, that's the biggest thing for me injured or not."