SERIES HISTORY
Evangel and Grand View have a brief history as the Vikings hold a 3-0 lead in the all-time series. The series started just three years ago when Grand View joined the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
OPENING STORYLINES
► Evangel heads into week two of the football season against the 10th ranked Grand View Vikings. The Crusaders will not only be looking for their second win over a nationally ranked opponent, but their first ever win over Grand View since the Vikings joined the Heart of America in 2015.
►This will be the third meeting between the two schools in football and second in Ozark as Grand View has won all three meetings. Last year's game was separated by just three points when Evangel scored with 5:26 left in the third quarter; however, Grand View scored twice and kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to pull away with a 37-17 victory.
►Quarterback Cam Hardesty started his efficient streak against Grand View. The Norman, Oklahoma native threw 73 consecutive completions between interceptions after his first pick of the season against Grand View. The streak ended in the second quarter of week eight against MidAmerica Nazarene.
►Junior defensive lineman, Andreas Moeller was honored by the Heart of America after his strong play last weekend. Moeller was named Heart Defensive Player of the Week after recording a team-high 10 tackles and two tackles for a loss.
►The defense continued to help lead the Crusaders as they held SAGU to -6 yards rushing. Last season, Evangel held Culver-Stockton to -8 yards rushing in the win over the Wildcats.
►Evangel recovered one fumble in the win over SAGU last Thursday and blocked two kicks. After blocking six kicks in 2016, the Crusaders blocked just two in 2017, but recorded at least one takeaway in every game except vs. Baker.
► 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 will play its third consecutive home game of the 2018 season next Saturday when 12th-ranked Benedictine comes to Tiger Stadium. Kickoff next Saturday against the Ravens is scheduled for 6 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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