SERIES HISTORY
Evangel and SAGU meet for the first time on the gridiron.
OPENING STORYLINES
► Evangel opens the 2018 season of college football against No. 23 Southwestern Assemblies of God University in the first college football game of the year. Although the Crusaders and Lions are not the only teams to open action on Thursday, however, no team kicks off before Evangel and SAGU.
► Thursday is the first-ever meeting between the two Assembly of God schools in football. Evangel started football in 1977 while SAGU began playing football in 1996.
► Offensively, Evangel carried a balanced attack with senior running back, Zayne Kyser, and freshman running back, Darrius Lee, combining for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The duo is also rejoined by Terry Robinson who scored four touchdowns during his freshman season while several new faces also look to earn playing time in the backfield.
► The Crusaders had one of the most efficient quarterback tandems in the conference last season with Cam Hardesty and
Zeke Kuyawa under center. Hardesty posted the sixth best efficiency rating in single-season history throwing for 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Kuyawa added four touchdowns and no interceptions.
► Evangel will try to duplicate a defense that finished 13th in the nation in sacks and 16th in scoring defense. All-America
Josh Evans finished 2nd in the nation in sacks and was 4th in tackles for a loss to lead the Crusader defense.
► Evangel will open the season with three straight home games to start the 2018 season. Even though the Crusaders are at home the stretch will be tough hosting three nationally ranked opponents starting with No. 23 SAGU, No. 10 Grand View, and No. 12 Benedictine. Among conference teams, the Heart continues to be tough nationally with Baker at No. 9, while Evangel, Missouri Valley, William Penn are all receiving votes.
LOOKING AHEAD
Evangel continues its home start to the season next Saturday against North Division Co-Champion Grand View. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EUAthletics 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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