SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 9th-ranked Evangel football team continues its push for the NAIA Playoffs Saturday when it heads to Central Methodist for a Heart South Division matchup.
SERIES HISTORY
Evangel leads the all-time series with Central Methodist 28-6 and has won the last three meetings. The Crusaders and Eagles have played in close games the past few years with Evangel winning 21-14 last season in Ozark and 41-28 during the 2017 season in Fayette, Missouri.
OPENING STORYLINES
► The No. 9th-ranked Evangel football team held steady in the lastest AFCA/NAIA Coaches Poll along with the top 11. The Crusaders start a two-game road swing to end the regular season starting Saturday at Central Methodist.
► Evangel holds a 28-6 lead over Central Methodist in the all-time series and has won the last two meetings. However, the last win for the Eagles came in Fayette, 34-28, on Oct. 24, 2015.
► Evangel defensively continues to be one of the top units in the nation. The Crusaders rank 4th in pass defense efficiency, 5th in total defense, 6th in rush defense, and 7th in scoring defending holding opponents to 12.8 points per game.
► The Evangel offensive line has also been one of the best units in the NAIA. The Crusaders rank 8th in totals sacks allowed at just nine sacks all season. The offense has also been terrific in crucial situations ranking 15th in 4th Down conversions.
► Senior linebacker Sam Morton (Strafford, Mo.) was named the Heart Conference Defensive Player of the Week for a third time this season. Morton tallied 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 4 tackles for a loss in the comeback win.
► Senior quarterback Cameron Hardesty has also been climbing the Evangel record books. Hardesty has thrown 15 touchdowns since coming back from injury giving him 17 on the season and one shy of 10th most in a single-season. The signal-caller has 51 career passing touchdowns ranking 4th, and 4,989 total yards ranking 5th most all-time.
► New to the 2019 season, fans can purchase tickets online at www.EUAthletics.com/Tickets. Tickets can either be presented by a smartphone at the gate or by printing the ticket from an email and having it scanned at the gate.
LOOKING AHEAD
Evangel ends the regular season at Baker in the Heart Game of the Week. Kickoff from Baldwin City, Kansas is scheduled for 11 a.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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