Springfield, Mo. – Evangel won their Homecoming game with a 54-20 win over Avila Saturday in front of 3,612 at JFK Stadium.

Leading 14-7 late the first quarter, Evangel got a 32 yard field goal from Cameron Mortazavi then posted a 21-0 second quarter to pull away from the Eagles. The Crusaders scored on a 28 yard pass from Brett Diers to Otis Brown with 13:57 left in the second period. Three minutes later, Kelvin Coleman scored on a 9 yard run and Diers connected on a 21 yard pass to Chase Nugent with 1:40 left in the half putting Evangel ahead 38-7 at the half.

The Crusaders added another touchdown in the third quarter on a two yard scoring throw as Diers hit Nugent for his second TD reception of the game.

Mortazavi hit three field goals in the fourth quarter alone hitting from 29, 42 and 28 yards away.

Avila added two touchdowns in the fourth quarter including one with no time remaining to make the score 54-20.

Mortazavi set an Evangel record for points in a single game by a kicker with 18 points. He went 4 for 4 on field goals and 6 for 6 on extra point attempts for his 18 points and beat a mark set by Doug Volin in 1997. Mortazavi's four field goals tied a single game record matching Kirk Spain's mark set in 1985. Mortazavi also set a record for consecutive field goals make with seven dating back to Sept. 27. His mark surpasses Spain's record of six also set in '85.

Diers finished the game going 15 for 24 passing with no interceptions, three touchdowns and 222 yards. RB Brock West returned for Evangel and had six carries for 80 yards and TE Chase Nugent had five catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Kelwin Burke led Avila with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Crusaders improved to 4-2 and 2-2 in the Heart of America conference. Avila dropped to 3-3 and 1-3 in the conference.

Evangel is home again Saturday hosting MidAmerica Nazarene at 1:30 p.m. at JFK Stadium.

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