WICHITA, Kan. — No. 4 ranked Friends decisively defeated Sterling 66-7 on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Adair-Austin Stadium. Sterling’s lone highlight came in the third quarter with a 17-yard touchdown pass. Friends dominated with a powerful ground game, amassing 598 rushing yards and scoring seven touchdowns on the ground.
The first quarter began with Sterling receiving the kickoff and starting their drive at the 25-yard line. The team struggled to gain momentum, resulting in a punt after a three-and-out. Friends University capitalized on their possession with a 56-yard touchdown run by Michael Lopez, followed by a successful extra point to take the lead.
Sterling’s subsequent efforts to advance were thwarted, with Patrick Clarkson’s rushing attempts resulting in a net loss, leading to another punt. The defense held firm during Falcon’s next drive, forcing a turnover on downs at midfield. However, the offensive side faced challenges, culminating in a sack that ended the quarter with Sterling trailing 7-0.
The second quarter opened with Sterling executing a 50-yard punt by Mason Cobb, pinning Friends University back at their own 20-yard line. Despite a strong defensive effort by Charles Jones and Carlos Lujan, the Falcons advanced methodically, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown run by K’Vonte Baker. Sterling trailed 14-0 following the extra point.
Sterling’s subsequent drive was hampered by a 5-yard loss and an incomplete pass, leading to another punt. Friends capitalized on their field position with a 27-yard touchdown run from Michael Lopez, extending their lead to 21-0. Sterling continued to struggle offensively, with a fumble recovery by the Falcons halting their progress.
A notable play came from Friends when E’derian Sykes broke free for a 61-yard touchdown run, increasing the deficit to 28-0. Sterling’s attempts to respond were thwarted by a punt return touchdown by Michael Lopez, bringing the score to 35-0. The quarter ended with another punt return touchdown by Walker Overman, closing the half with Sterling trailing 42-0.
The third quarter began with the Falcons taking the lead early, completing a seven-play, 66-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown at 10:38. Sterling responded with a determined offensive effort, highlighted by Jeremyah Raguin’s passing, which propelled the team 57 yards over ten plays. The drive was completed with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Raguin to Armando Juarez, followed by a successful extra point by Emmanuel Roman, bringing the score to 49-7.
Friends University quickly answered with a single-play, 64-yard rushing touchdown, extending their lead. Sterling attempted to counter with a drive reaching, but a loss on a rush and a series of incomplete passes ended the effort. A late punt by Sterling and a subsequent short drive by Friends University concluded the quarter with the home team leading 56-7.
In the fourth quarter, the Falcons extended their lead with a 28-yard field goal by Truitt Bosher, capitalizing on a drive that began in Sterling’s territory. Sterling’s subsequent drive was halted despite an 8-yard pass completion from Raguin to Juarez and a defensive pass interference penalty against Friends University. The drive ended after Sterling failed to convert on a fourth down.
Friends regained possession and initially advanced with a 27-yard rush, but penalties pushed them back. Sean Watson provided a highlight with a 27-yard interception return to the Falcons’ 34-yard line, but Sterling’s offense stalled, resulting in a punt. The Falcons then orchestrated a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a 3-yard rush by Joey Millspaugh and a successful extra point by Bosher.
Sterling’s final possession started at their own 17-yard line with under two minutes remaining. Jaden Johnson rushed for a net gain of 6 yards over three plays, but the clock expired before further progress could be made. The game concluded with a final score of 66-7 in favor of the Falcons.
Armando Juarez made a notable impact with 10 receptions for 86 yards, including a touchdown. Raguin contributed with 17 completions out of 27 attempts for a total of 132 passing yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side, Watson recorded an interception and added six tackles to his performance. Lujan led the defense with 11 tackles and forced a fumble, demonstrating his effectiveness on the field.
Up next, the Warriors (1-9, 0-4) will travel to McPherson, Kan. to take on No. 18 ranked McPherson College (8-2, 2-2) on Saturday, Nov. 15 at noon.
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 the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
