Nixa, Mo.—Evangel (MO) scored 28 points in the second quarter to pull away from the University of Saint Mary for a 73-7 victory Saturday night at Eagle Stadium in Nixa, Missouri. Evangel led 10-0 after the first quarter before its decisive surge helped build a big advantage late in the first half.

The Valor opened the scoring on Cummings's 12-yard touchdown run with 12:31 remaining in the first quarter, then added a 35-yard field goal by Voysey. Saint Mary answered with a sustained 10-play drive from its own 36-yard line to the Evangel 26, but the possession ended on downs. Evangel capitalized in the second quarter, using its quick-strike offense to widen the margin.

The Spires produced its best offensive sequence just before halftime. Starting deep in its own territory, the team covered 92 yards in seven plays and finished the drive when quarterback Garrett Hunnicutt connected with Aaron Jones for a 21-yard touchdown with 15 seconds left. The score sent USM into halftime trailing 38-7.

Aaron Jones led the passing game with five receptions for 91 yards and the touchdown, including a 25-yard catch. Garrett Hunnicutt completed 14 of 33 passes for 153 yards and one score. Kameron Smith paced the rushing attack with 62 yards on 18 carries and added a 12-yard reception as the Spires finished with 237 total yards.

Saint Mary created a third-quarter opportunity by recovering an Evangel punt-return fumble at the Evangel 28, but the possession did not produce points. Later in the quarter, the Valor blocked a 52-yard field-goal attempt and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown. Andres Cruz contributed on special teams with seven punts for 284 yards, including a 62-yard punt downed at the Evangel 7 early in the fourth quarter.

DeGeorge Hudson, Amir Akins and Amari Akins each recorded six tackles for USM, with Amari Akins adding a tackle for loss and Amir Akins breaking up a pass. The Spires converted six of 21 third-down attempts in its season opener.

Coming Up…

 USM will come back to Leavenworth for their home opener against a tough Ottawa University Braves squad on Saturday, September 5^th for Community Night at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 6:00 p.m.