LAMONI, Iowa – The Evangel University football team spoiled Graceland’s Homecoming Saturday taking a 24-14 road victory.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half as the only touchdown of the half came from the Yellowjackets with 1:20 left in the first quarter. The score tied the game at 7-7 after Evangel had opened the game’s scoring on a fumble recovery by Andrew Poppen. Poppen raced 4-yards into the endzone after the Crusaders’ special teams pinned Graceland deep in its own territory.
The second half saw Evangel score 17 unanswered points, building a 24-7 lead late in the fourth quarter.
The first score came with 6:43 left in the third quarter as Blake Woodard found Dallas Hester for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The Strafford wide receiver scored the first offensive touchdown giving Evangel a 14-7 lead.
Following a 27-yard field goal from Derek Roberts, Evangel would add to its lead with 6:29 left int he game on a 23-yard run from Cade Wilke. Wilke finished with 32-yards on 11 carries while Jeffrey Griffin led the Crusaders with 57-yards on just two carries.
Dallas Hester led Evangel receiving with three catches for 45 yards and one touchdown.
Josh Evans continued his impressive play adding to his sack total with 1.0 sacks for minus 4-yards. The Pleasant Hope native also added a tackle for a loss and a pass breakup as he enters the Crusaders bye week with six sacks on the season.
Devon Overall returned to lead Evangel with 10 tackles while Telacey Wilder added 2.0 sacks in the win.
UP NEXT
Evangel will have the week off during its bye week before opening Heart South Division action on October 15 against MidAmerica Nazarene.
