Phoenix, Ariz. – Evangel opened the 2014 season with a 40-16 win Saturday at Arizona Christian. The game was the inaugural game for first-year program Arizona Christian.

Sophomore running back Brock West rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries while quarterback Brett Diers threw four touchdown passes on 13 of 22 passing for 199 yards.

West started Evangel's scoring with a one-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter. Then, following a safety by the Evangel defense, Diers found Otis Brown for a 30 yard TD throw. Diers added a 26 yard scoring pass in the quarter connecting with Blake Moss.

Evangel led 30-3 early in the third quarter following a 6 yard touchdown pass from Diers to Shawn Hebert. The Firestorm rallied and cut the Evangel lead to 14 points and a touchdown run and a 100 yard punt return for a score.

Evangel responded scoring on the opening play of the fourth quarter as Brown caught his second touchdown pass on 58 yard throw by Diers. Evangel kicker Cameron Mortazavi added a field goal in the quarter giving the Crusaders a 40-16 lead.

Brown finished the game with six catches for 123 yards and two TDs.

The Crusaders don't play again until Sept. 13 when they host Southwestern (Kan.) in the HAAC-KCAC Challenge. The game is a 6 p.m. start at JFK Stadium.

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