SERIES HISTORY
Evangel and Graceland will meet Saturday for the 30th time in program history. Evangel leads the all-time series 21-8 and has won four of the last five meetings including last year's game in Iowa, 24-14. The last loss for the Crusaders came during the 2015 season when the Yellowjackets edged Evangel, 6-3, on Homecoming at Plaster Stadium on the Missouri State campus.
OPENING STORYLINES
► Evangel returns after its bye week to host Graceland University for Homecoming at Tiger Stadium on Saturday. The Crusaders are 19-20-1 all-time in Homecoming games and have won four of the last five including last year's 30-28 victory over Central Methodist when a blocked field goal sealed the win. The last loss during Homecoming came in 2015 when Graceland spoiled the night with a 6-3 win at Plaster Stadium.
► Saturday's game between Evangel and Graceland will be the 30th all-time meeting with the Crusaders holding a 21-8 edge. Evangel has won four of the last five with the aforementioned loss in 2015 being the only loss since 2010.
► With both teams coming off bye weeks, it will be a battle of defense (Evangel) vs. offense (Graceland). The Yellowjackets rank at the top of the league in passing offense while the Crusaders rank in the top five in total defense.
► Sophomore quarterback Cameron Hardesty is tied for second in the Heart with the fewest interceptions this season. Hardesty tossed five touchdowns against Culver-Stockton where he tied the school record previously held by Jake Anders from the 1989 season also against Culver-Stockton. The Norman, Okla., native has been highly efficient, ranking in the top five of the league in passing efficiency and ranks 26th nationally in the NAIA.
► Defensively, Evangel has been led by seniors Josh Evans (Pleasant Hope, Mo.), Isaiah Daniels (Branson, Mo.), and Malachi Cobb (Mesquite, Texas). Evans ranks in the top 10 nationally in tackles for a loss (4th), sacks (7th), and 12th in forced fumbles. Daniels leads the team in tackles with 38 as Cobb and Evans have tallied 33 each this season.
► Junior defensive end, Josh Evans continues to climb the Evangel record books. After setting the all-time school record for tackles for a loss and single-season record with 21, Evans has 9.5 TFL through five games this season. He also has 5.5 sacks moving his career total to 24.5 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 51 straight. From Springfield Glendale HS, Roberts ranks 20th nationally this season at 5-of-4 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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