SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel Valor take on nationally ranked #14 Southwestern College on Saturday (Sept. 13) morning at 11 a.m. in Winfield, Kansas, looking to avenge their loss to the Moundbuilders last season and earn their first win against a nationally ranked opponent this season.

OPENING STORYLINES

• Evangel tenth-year head coach Chuck Hepola enters Saturday's contest with a 63-33 overall record, the second most wins by a football head coach at Evangel, just three wins behind former head coach Keith Barefield (66).

• Evangel was picked to finish first in the Kessinger Division coaches and media poll. In the Bissell, Friends was picked just slightly over Southwestern in the coaches and media poll.

• The Valor are receiving votes in the preseason edition of the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Rating. In the KCAC, Friends is ranked #12, Southwestern opened the season at #14, and Kansas Wesleyan is currently receiving votes. An updated top 25 rating comes out on Monday (Sept. 15) afternoon.

• Evangel and Southwestern match up for the sixth time in program history, as Evangel looks to bounce back after their first loss to the Moundbuilders last season, 21-3. The Valor previously had a four game winning streak against Southwestern, taking the first conference matchup in Winfield, 17-14.

• Eric Williams leads Evangel in rushing yards and total offensive yards, currently with 296 yards rushing and 449 total yards this season. Williams has rushed for four touchdowns and reeled in three from the air to open the season.

• Broc Lyle currently sits ninth all time with 16 total receiving touchdowns, leading the team so far this season with 188 yards receiving.

• Reid Potts leads Evangel at quarterback, throwing for 594 yards so far this year and five touchdown passes with no interceptions.

• Kason Hatley & Zach Jouret both came away with their first career interceptions last Saturday against Sterling.

• Draven VanGilder leads Evangel defensively with 13 total tackles, while Zach Myers and Deacon Peterson both are tied with VanGilder for the team lead in tackles for loss (3).

• Cody Voysey scored his first collegiate field goal last Saturday, a 29-yarder, while going 6-7 from PAT last weekend.

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—