An early deficit was too much for the Evangel University football team to overcome Saturday night falling 42-10 at Peru State.
The Bobcats scored midway through the first quarter on an 18-yard run from Larry Hodnett. After both teams traded possessions, Peru State would take advantage of a short field as Eric Morrison-Smith scampered 39-yards to give PSU a 14-0 lead.
Evangel would break onto the scoreboard with 4:44 left before halftime when Blake Woodard found Jon Hukill form 15-yards out. However, the Bobcats answered with a five play 47-yard drive to extend their lead back to two touchdowns.
Including their score in the second quarter, Peru State broke the game open with 21 unanswered points including an 11 play 96-yard drive that eclipsed 6:01 off the clock. Travis Carnahan rushed into the endzone from 15-yards out, followed by a quick score with 6:32 left in the third quarter giving PSU a 35-7 lead.
A 30-yard field goal from Derek Roberts with 14:14 left in the game cut the Bobcat lead to 35-10. However, PSU would add one final score with just over six minutes left in the game on an 11-yard pass from Carnahan to Justin Haystrand.
Cade Wilke led Evangel with 106 yards rushing while Blake Woodard threw for 134 yards and a touchdown. Collin Lawson led Evangel on defense with 11 tackles.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Peru State broke a four game losing streak to Evangel to improve to 2-0 on the season while Evangel fell to 0-2. The Crusaders still lead the all-time series 6-4.
– Jon Hukill caught the first touchdown pass of the season for Evangel in the second quarter.
– Evangel held Peru State to 98 yards passing, however the Bobcats rushed for 399 yards.
– The Crusaders won the turnover battle taking two fumbles away from the Bobcats.
– Evangel held Peru State to 2-of-12 on third down, but PSU was able to convert a perfect 4-of-4 on fourth downs.
UP NEXT
The Crusaders return to Tiger Stadium next Saturday against 6th-ranked Grand View. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
