Wichita, Kansas. – The No. 17 OUAZ football lost a tough game Saturday afternoon as No. 16 Friends University defeated them 47-35. The loss eliminates the Spirit in the opening round of the NAIA National Championship.

It was a solid day for Luke Giron, as he finished with four passing touchdowns with 396 passing yards in the contest

Jalin Hammer and Grant Furrey were the leading receivers on the day with seven total catches each. Hammer had 120 receiving yards, including a 59-yard touchdown reception. Furrey also a solid day 88 receiving yards, including a 37-yard reception. Da' Vicious Wilson also added 82 receiving yards on four catches and brought in a touchdown as well in the effort

The Spirit struggled to get much going on the ground, but Jh'dhan Lester was able to contribute with a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown to finish his day.

The Spirit defense was able to force two turnovers including a forced fumble by Justice Sosnicki and an interception by Tyler Faber. Sosnicki and Isaih Cotton lead the teams with 11 total tackles each, while Faber added seven tackles, an interception, and a blocked field goal in the loss.

While the season didn't end the way we were hoping, we at OUAZ Athletics are extremely proud of the way the team performed throughout the season.

On behalf of OUAZ Athletics and OUAZ Football, we would like to thank all of those who followed us and supported the team this entire season!