SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel Valor conclude their 2024 campaign on Saturday (Nov. 16) afternoon, taking on the Bethel College Threshers at 1:00 p.m. in North Newton, Kansas.

OPENING STORYLINES

• Evangel ninth-year head coach Chuck Hepola enters Saturday's contest with a 60-33 overall record, the second most wins by a football head coach at Evangel, just six wins behind former head coach Keith Barefield (66).

• Evangel was picked to finish tied for first in the Kessinger Division coaches poll, but were the lone first place choice in the media poll by a single vote. In the Bissell, Kansas Wesleyan was picked over last years division champ, Ottawa. Bethel was picked to finish tied for fourth in the Kessinger preseason coaches poll.

• The Valor are receiving votes in the latest edition of the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Rating. In the KCAC, McPherson is currently receiving votes with Friends ranked at #22 and Southwestern at #21.

• Evangel and Bethel match up for just the second time in program history, as Evangel looks to extend their 1-0 lead against the conference opponent. The Valor were victorious last season at home in a wild comeback and 41-38 victory in double OT.

• Eric Williams has been a big piece to the Valor offense, as he currently has 966 rushing yards this season, approaching the 1,000 yard mark. Currently, Williams ranks 8th for rushing yards in a single season in EU history (966) and rushing touchdowns in a season (10).

• Broc Lyle has had a strong pair of seasons at Evangel, currently tied for 10th in school history for receiving touchdowns in a career (15).

• Bradley Myers leads the Valor defensively, currently with 112 total tackles this season. Myers' currently ranks fifth in Evangel history in total tackles (379) and is tied for sixth in forced fumbles (6).

• Jonah Edwards has been consistent all season, currently 13-13 for FG kicks, hitting a season long of 42 yards, and 31-31 on PATs. Edwards also is currently tied for third for single season field goal makes (13) and first in career field goal makes (35), while also scoring the most points in a career in EU history for a kicker.

• Ryan Conner currently is 2nd in a career for punting yards and attempts at Evangel, currently with 7,495 and 199, respectively.

• Nate Swofford has been a major piece to the Valor defense over his career at EU. Swofford currently is fifth in interception yards (186), sixth in passes defensed (40), and 10th in interceptions (10) in his career.

• Zach Myers continues to make his mark defensively, currently second in his career in fumble recoveries (6) and tied for fourth in tackle for losses (43) in his Evangel career.

• The Valor hold a 261-232-3 all-time record in their 47 years as a collegiate team.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—