Coach Illum Post Game Interview

Game Broadcast            

Springfield, Mo. – Evangel never trailed until 1:00 left in regulation when Missouri Valley went ahead 27-24 on a two-yard touchdown run and hung on to defeat the Crusaders Saturday at JFK Stadium. 

Evangel had a 10-0 lead after one quarter with a short field goal from Derek Roberts and a 42 yard punt return by Dallas Hester. 

The Vikings tied the game at 10-10 late the second quarter but a Dalton Taylor interception set up a 31 yard touchdown pass from Bo Dean to Brady Collier with seven seconds left before halftime giving the Crusaders a 17-10 lead. 

Evangel took a two touchdown lead early in the third quarter when Dean connected with TE Donnie Thomas for an 11-yard score. 

Missouri Valley chipped away at the Evangel lead with a late third quarter touchdown and a 20 yard field goal early in the fourth period. 

Trailing 24-20, the Vikings got a 58 yard punt return by Darrian Turk putting Missouri Valley at the Evangel 36 yard line with 2:25 remaining. Missouri Valley would get to the two-yard in two plays and RB Elliott Hawkins gave the Vikings their first lead of the game plunging in from two yards out. 

Hawkins finished the game with 173 yards of rushing on 27 carries and two touchdowns. 

Cody Christner and Josh Evans both had 11 tackles to lead the Evangel defense. 

Evangel dropped to 3-6 and 0-3 in the Heart of America conference South Division. Missouri Valley improved to 6-3 and 3-0 in the South. 

The Crusaders are on the road next week to face Avila at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 in Kansas City.

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