Olathe, Kan. – Evangel owned an early lead but MidAmerica Nazarene pulled away in the second half to hand the Crusaders a 31-14 loss Saturday in Olathe, Kansas. 

The Crusaders owned a 7-0 lead in the first quarter after finishing a 75 yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bo Dean. 

Evangel took a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Josh Irby blocked a MidAmerica Nazarene punt and Crusaders recovered on the Pioneers' five-yard line. It was Irby's second blocked punt this season. Brock West scored two plays later on a three-yard TD run. 

MidAmerica Nazarene responded with their first touchdown less than two minutes later on a one yard run by Javon Taylor. Taylor tied the game midway through the second quarter on a three yard run and the Pioneers took their first lead with 24 seconds left in the half on a 29 yard field goal by Christian Casillas. 

Evangel opened the second half with a 13 play drive that drove them to the Pioneers' 26 yard line but resulted in a missed 45 yard field goal. 

The Pioneers took advantage and went up 24-14 after Drake Tofi got to the end zone on a 17 yard run. 

MidAmerica Nazarene put the game away with a touchdown with 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

With Pioneers quarterback Trent Hedlund knocked out of the game early, MidAmerica Nazarene running back Javon Taylor carried his team with 211 rushing yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns. 

Evangel's Dalton Taylor led the defense with two interceptions and six tackles. 

Evangel dropped to 3-4 and 0-1 in the Heart of America conference Southern Division. MidAmerica Nazarene went to 3-4 and 1-0 in the division. 

The Crusaders are on the road again next week when they play at Central Methodist. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. in Fayette, Missouri. 

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