Box Score Game Stats Coach Illum Post Game Interview
Full Game Broadcast Broadcast with Highlights in sidebar
Springfield, Mo. – Evangel rallied from 10 points down the second half for a 25-20 win in their home opener over Peru State Saturday at JFK Stadium in Springfield.
The Crusaders trailed 17-7 early in the third quarter but cut into the Bobcats lead when quarterback Bo Dean hit Dallas Hester for a 70 touchdown pass with 3:06 left in the quarter. Evangel trailed 17-13 after the Crusaders missed the extra point.
Peru State added a field goal to go up 20-13 early in the fourth quarter but Evangel responded with a one-yard touchdown run by Kelvin Coleman. Evangel missed their second extra point of the game to trail 20-19 with 13:06 left.
Brock West scored a two-yard scoring run putting the Crusaders in front 25-20. It was Evangel's first lead of the game coming with 7:24 remaining.
The Bobcats mounted a drive that pushed Peru State to the Evangel 15 yard line but failed to convert on a 4th an 8 inside the final minute of the game giving the Crusaders the win.
Hester led the Evangel offense with two touchdowns, six reception and 147 receiving yards. Dean went 19 for 31 with two interceptions, two touchdowns and 313 yards through the air.
Eric Morrison-Smith rushed for 90 yards to lead Peru State.
Evangel improved to 1-1 while Peru State dropped to 1-1.
Evangel goes on the road next week to face Grand View (Iowa). Game time is noon in Des Moines, Iowa.
###
