Evangel University defeated Sterling College 51-14 on Saturday, Sept. 6 in Nixa, Mo. Evangel’s dominant rushing attack accounted for six touchdowns, including a 56-yard run, contributing to their 412 rushing yards. Sterling’s special teams provided a highlight with a 74-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but Evangel’s control in the second quarter, where they scored 23 points, set the pace for their decisive victory.
The first quarter saw a balanced score, ending 7-7, with Sterling making a strong comeback after Evangel’s initial lead. The Valor opened the scoring at 12:39 with a touchdown by Reid Potts and a successful extra point. Sterling responded decisively when Rocklin Baptista connected with Ryan Stucky for a significant 79-yard pass, setting up Samuel LeBlue‘s 2-yard touchdown rush at 7:26, followed by a successful kick by James Henisey. Defensive plays, including fumble recoveries by Nate Criqui and Rylan Cass, were crucial in maintaining the tie as the quarter concluded.
The second quarter began with Evangel scoring on a 14-yard rush by Cameron Harris at 11:57, widening their lead. Sterling responded with a resilient drive, highlighted by Trey Dixon‘s remarkable 74-yard fumble return for a touchdown at 2:12, narrowing the gap. Despite this effort, Evangel added another touchdown and a late field goal, finishing the half with a 30-14 lead over Sterling.
The third quarter saw Sterling’s Baptista display resilience after an early sack by Evangel’s Draven VanGilder, with a strong 15-yard rush to advance Sterling’s position. Despite a notable 47-yard pass from Baptista to Stucky, the drive ended in a turnover as Baptista’s pass was intercepted by Kason Hatley at the Evangel 24-yard line. Evangel capitalized on the momentum shift with Eric Williams II scoring a touchdown, extending their lead, while Sterling struggled to regain their footing as the quarter came to a close.
The fourth quarter began with Evangel extending their lead as Williams scored a touchdown just 44 seconds into the period, followed by a successful kick by Cody Voysey. Sterling responded with a promising drive, highlighted by Baptista’s precise passing, including a 24-yard completion to Stucky and a 29-yard pass to Kevin Jones, advancing to the Evangel 14-yard line. However, a key penalty negated a potential touchdown by Baptista, and the subsequent turnover on downs halted the momentum. Evangel capitalized on their possession, with Kyle Cummings adding to the score with a touchdown run, sealing the game with a final score of 51-14.
Baptista led Sterling’s offense with 214 passing yards on 10 completions out of 25 attempts. Stucky contributed significantly in the air, collecting 157 receiving yards on four catches. LeBlue found the end zone, scoring a touchdown on the ground with his eight carries. On defense, Ryan Morgan and Kristjan Goosby each recorded 10 tackles, anchoring the defensive effort.
