Game Stats -- Coach Illum Postgame comments 

Atchison, Kan. – Evangel dropped their season opening game at Benedictine 24-14 Saturday at Wilcox Stadium in Atchison, Kansas. 

Evangel fell behind early when Brett Diers first quarter pass was tipped and returned by the Ravens' Dre Graves 80 yards for a touchdown putting Benedictine ahead 7-0. 

After an Evangel field goal was blocked early in the second quarter, the Ravens drove 70 yards capping off the drive with a Diego Rodriquez two yard run making it 14-0. A late field goal by Benedictine made it 17-0 at the half. 

The Crusaders got on the board in the second half with a 46 yard touchdown strike from Bo Dean to Donnie Thomas getting Evangel within 10, 17-7. 

Benedictine answered with an 18 yard touchdown pass from Jacob Koester to David Claypool extending the Ravens lead to 24-7. 

Evangel scored late in the fourth quarter on Bo Dean's second touchdown pass of the game, this time a 77 yard strike to Dallas Hester to make it 24-14. 

Dean finished the game 12 for 21 with 150 yards and two touchdowns.  Cade Wilke lead Evangel on the ground with 73 yards on six carries. 

The loss starts the Crusaders season 0-1 while Benedictine went to 1-0. 

Evangel hosts Peru State next Saturday in their home opener at JFK stadium.  Game time is 6:00pm.

###