Football ends season with loss at #11 MidAmerica Nazarene

Game Summary

Olathe, Kan. – MidAmerica Nazarene took advantage of some early turnovers by Evangel grabbing an early lead and rolling to a 56-3 win over the Crusaders Saturday in Olathe, Kansas.

Moments after Evangel QB Andrew Brimhall threw an interception on the Crusaders’ second play of the game, the Pioneers took a 7-0 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by Greg Gates.

The Pioneers added to their lead on an 80 punt return by Dante Wade midway through the first quarter. MidAmerica Nazarene then built a 28-0 lead in the opening period scoring touchdowns on their next two offensive plays: a 48 yard TD run by Gates and a 37 yard pass from Sean Ransberg to Brandon Phillips.

Evangel had five turnovers in the game, all on intercepted passes.

The Crusaders only score came late in the third quarter on a 20 yard field goal by Jordan Bishop playing for the injured Drew O’Cain.

MidAmerica Nazarene racked up 406 rushing yards with 203 of them coming from Gates who also had 3 touchdowns in the game.

The 11^th ranked Pioneers improved to 8-2 and 8-1 in the Heart of America conference. Evangel ends their season with a 7-4 mark and 6-3 in the conference.

##