SERIES HISTORY
Evangel and Graceland will meet Saturday for the 33rd time in program history. Evangel leads the all-time series 26-6 after starting the series 21-1 from 1977 to 2005. Each home team has won the last four meetings with the last win in Fayette, Mo., for the Crusaders coming in 2012.
OPENING STORYLINES
► Evangel opens Heart South Division play on the road for the first two weeks starting this week at Central Methodist. The Crusaders have won three of their last four games and are coming off a 38-7 win over Graceland. Evangel forced five turnovers in the win with three interceptions and a pick-six.
► The all-time series between the Crusaders and Eagles favor Evangel, 26-6. After dominating the series through the first 21 meetings, the home team has won each of the last four meetings with the last road victory for Evangel coming in 2012 at Central Methodist.
► A pair of Crusaders were honored by the league, defensive lineman, Andreas Moeller and running back, Zayne Kyser (Salem, Mo.) for their efforts in last week's win over Graceland. Moeller forced a fumble and led the defense with 2.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, while Kyser led the Crusaders with 4.5 yards per carry and one touchdown in the win.
► Through the first half of divisional crossover play, the Evangel defense has stepped up and ranks fourth in scoring defense and fifth in total defense. The Crusaders are also fourth in sacks per game averaging 2.8 sacks through the first half of the season. As a team, Evangel also ranks seventh nationally with 17 total sacks and 13th in sacks per game.
► Josh Evans (Pleasant Hope, Mo.) has continued to be a defensive leader and make a case for his first All-American honor. After battling double teams in last week's win. Evans ranks third in the NAIA with 6.5 sacks and is sixth nationally with 10.5 tackles for a loss. The junior also leads the HAAC with his 6.5 sacks.
► Junior defensive end, Josh Evans continues to climb the Evangel record books too. After setting the all-time school record for tackles for a loss and single-season record with 21, Evans has 10.5 TFL through five games this season. He also has 6.5 sacks moving his career total to 25.5 sacks which ranks fourth all-time.
All-Time Sack Leaders
1. Jay Hellwig, 1991-94 45.5
2. Lamont Wynn, 1998-01 30
3. Harvey Berrien, 1994-97 27
► Junior kicker Derek Roberts continues to be one of the best in the league. Earlier this season Roberts set the Evangel record for consecutive PATs made, a record that is now at 56 straight. From Springfield Glendale HS, Roberts ranks 13th nationally this season at 5-of-8 including a 47-yard FG vs. William Penn, one-yard shy of his career long.
► After just two touchdowns last season, junior Dallas Hester already has two scores as his ten career TDs rank ninth all-time at Evangel. Hester scored six in his freshman season earning all-conference honors.
LOOKING AHEAD
Evangel head into its bye week next weekend before hosting Graceland, Saturday, Oct. 7 for Homecoming. The game will also be the Heart Game of the Week airing regionally on Mediacom 22 and nationally on ESPN3.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Go Evangel Front Row App at EvangelAthletics.com/FrontRow available on Google Play and in the App Store.
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