SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel Valor play host to the Bethel Threshers on Saturday (Nov. 8) afternoon, looking to solidify themselves as the Kessinger division champions with a win. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. from Nixa's Eagle Stadium.
Saturday is military appreciation day for Evangel Football, with all active and retired military members getting free admission and a t-shirt with proof of ID.
OPENING STORYLINES
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Evangel tenth-year head coach Chuck Hepola enters Saturday's contest with a 68-35 overall record, the most wins by a football head coach at Evangel.
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Evangel was picked to finish first in the Kessinger Division coaches and media poll, while Bethel was slated to finish second in the division's preseason media poll and third in the coaches poll.
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The Valor jumped to #23 in the nation in the eighth edition of the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Rating. In the KCAC, Friends is ranked #4, while McPherson moved to 18th after defeating #25 Southwestern. An updated top 25 rating comes out every Monday the rest of the season.
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Evangel and Bethel match up for the third time in program history, as Evangel looks to continue their winning ways against the Threshers. The Valor were victorious on the road last season, 38-17, and won at home in their first ever matchup in a come from behind double overtime matchup, 41-38.
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Evangel enters Saturday's contest with a 269-234-3 all-time record, recording a win in their 500th game against Southwestern on September 13th.
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Saturday's contest is Military Appreciation Day, as we honor those who have served three days before Veteran's Day (Nov. 11). If you have served, we thank you for your service to our great nation!
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Reid Potts leads Evangel at quarterback, currently with 1906 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes, which is the most in the division.
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Eric Williams II is Evangel's leading rusher, currently with 738 yards on the ground and nine rushing touchdowns, which leads the Kessinger division.
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Broc Lyle's 654 receiving yards leads Evangel, as the junior averages 15.57 yards per reception.
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Draven VanGilder leads Evangel defensively, currently with 74 total tackles, while Zach Myers leads in terms of tackles of loss and sacks, with 12.5 and 8.0, respectively.
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—
