The Basics

Score: #23 Evangel 51, Bethel 0 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (8-2, 4-0), Bethel (3-7, 1-3)

Location: Nixa, Mo. | Eagle Stadium

NIXA, Mo. – Evangel Football returned home on Saturday (Nov. 8) afternoon, opening their final two game homestand of the season with a matchup against Bethel. A shutout effort from the defense, paired with consistent scoring offensively led to a dominant 51-0 victory over the Threshers, giving Evangel at least a share of the Kessinger division title.

After forcing a punt on Bethel's first drive, Eric Williams II used a 40-yard rush and a 19-yard reception from Reid Potts to put the first touchdown on the board, 7-0.

Neither team scored the remainder of the first quarter, but Evangel would open the second period of play with a Cody Voysey 24-yard field goal to extend EU's lead to 10-0. 

With both teams again punting in the second quarter, Brady Allen reeled in a 34-yard reception from Potts, followed by a 21-yard pass across the middle to Broc Lyle for a touchdown to give EU a 17-0 lead.

On the first play of Bethel's ensuing drive, Cullen Snow was able to intercept a Thresher pass, setting Evangel up on the Bethel 44-yard line. Broc Lyle came away with his second touchdown reception of the day late in the drive, after several penalties were called on both teams, giving the Valor a 24-0 lead at halftime.

Evangel scored on their opening drive of the second half, as James Dowdy caught a pass on the goal line to push the Valor out to a 31-0 lead. The Valor defense continued to make things difficult for Bethel's offense, recording several sacks in the second half.

Lyle drew a pair of pass interference penalties on EU's following drive, setting up EU for an easy rushing touchdown to Williams, who scored again on the next drive, after Jaren Foster came away with Evangel's second interception of the afternoon.

Donnie Wilkes capped off scoring for EU in the fourth quarter, scampering for a 16-yard rush to solidify Evangel's 51-0 home victory over Bethel.

Offensively, Reid Potts finished his day with 205 passing yards and four touchdown passes, while Eric Williams II led EU both rushing (106 yards) and receiving (76 yards), scoring three touchdowns on the day. Broc Lyle also finished his afternoon with a pair of touchdown receptions.

Kenneth Spring led Evangel with six tackles, while Zach Myers and Deacon Peterson finished 1.5 sacks each. Jaren Foster and Cullen Snow both recorded interceptions in the win.

UP NEXT

Evangel honors their seniors and competes in their final home game of the regular season on Saturday (Nov. 15) afternoon, taking on the Bethany College Swedes at 1:05 p.m.