SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel football looks to extend their winning streak to six games (dating back to last season) on Saturday (Sept. 23) afternoon, as they play host to the Ottawa Braves. Kickoff from Eagle Stadium in Nixa, Mo., is scheduled for 3 p.m.

OPENING STORYLINES

• The Evangel puts its 4-0 record on the line Saturday night against Ottawa in the first ever meeting between the two schools. The Valor are also undefeated at home with a 2-0 mark this season.
• Evangel seventh-year head coach Chuck Hepola won his 45th game against Sterling on Sept. 9, surpassing Scott Metcalf for second on the all-time coaching wins list in Evangel history. Keith Barefield's 66 wins sits at the top.
• Evangel moved up in the latest NAIA Coaches Poll Top 25 this week to No. 20. The Valor cracked the poll on Sept. 11 at No. 25 after receiving votes in the preseason poll. Divisional foe Southwestern joins Evangel as the only KCAC schools ranked with the Moundbuilders sitting at No. 9.
• The Valor start the season at 4-0 for the first time since the 2019 season when they won their first four games. Evangel finished 8-3 that season and was 3-2 in the Heart South Division.
• Dillon Hester was held without a touchdown for the first time this season. However, the former Strafford Indian leads the KCAC Kessinger Division in receiving yards per game (100.5 ypg) and also in receiving touchdowns (6).
• The defensive unit still ranks among the nation's leaders allowing 14 points per game which ranks 11th in the NAIA. The Valor defense also ranks in the top 10 nationally allowing 235.5 yards per game which is 7th best in the NAIA.
• Zach Myers has helped the Evangel defense getting to the quarterback for 3.5 sacks which ranks 5th individually. As a team, the Valor lead the NAIA in total sacks with 13.
• Running back Eric Williams finished a career day against Saint Mary rushing for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Williams broke a school record for touchdowns in a single game when he caught a pass for his 5th score of the game. His four rushing touchdowns also tied a school record.
• Offensively, Evangel moved into the top 15 in the NAIA in passing and rushing after last week's win at Saint Mary. The Valor rank 4th in rushing and 13 in passing. The Valor have surpassed 400 yards of total offense in back-to-back weeks marking the first time to post multiple 400+ yards of total offense since the 2019 season.

LOOKING AHEAD

Evangel will hit the road to conclude cross-divisional play next Saturday (Sept. 30) afternoon at 1:00 p.m. to take on former Heart of America foe, Avila, in Kansas City, Missouri.

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