THE BASICS

Score: Evangel 30 – Central Methodist 28

Records: Evangel (3-5, 1-1 Heart); Central Methodist (1-7, 0-2 Heart)

Location: Tiger Stadium – Ozark, Mo.

OZARK, Mo. – Dalton Taylor blocked his second field goal of the game with 2:08 remaining to help preserve a 30-28 victory for Evangel University over Central Methodist Saturday evening in Heart of America Conference action. 

The Crusaders built an early 24-0 lead that included an 85-yard return from Taylor who also blocked the CMU field goal in the second quarter. The score came just before a Blake Woodard rushing touchdown and passing touchdown helped Evangel build its lead. 

Central Methodist would chip away at the Crusader lead pulling within 27-21 before a 22-yard field goal from Derek Roberts made it 30-21 at the half. 

CMU would score the only points of the fourth quarter to make it 28-30 and drive inside Crusader territory before Taylor blocked his second kick of the game to seal the win. 

Cade Wilke led Evangel with 84 yards rushing on 16 carries while Brady Collier added four catches for 65 yards. 

Special teams again played a large part in the win for Evangel as the Crusaders amassed 199 total return yards while also blocking two field goals.  

Defensively, Taylor led the Crusaders with 12 tackles, two blocked kicks and 0.5 tackles for a loss. Devon Overall and Josh Evans also continued their impressive play as Overall added eight tackles and 0.5 sacks and 1.0 tackles for a loss. Evans, the conference leader in sacks earned 2.5 more sacks in the win and 3.5 tackles for a loss. 

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

---www.EvangelAthletics.com---