WICHITA, Kan. – The No. 7-ranked Friends University Falcons blitzed the (RV) Evangel University Valor 53-0 last night (Sept. 27) at Adair-Austin Stadium to remain a perfect 5-0 on the season.
Below are the top takeaways from the Falcons convincing win over the Valor:
Rare Beatdown: If you're wondering how often a top program such as Evangel loses in this manner, the answer is not often. This is the largest loss for the Valor against an NAIA opponent since 2012 and the first time they've been shutout since the 2021 season. The 53 points is also the most scored on Evangel since 2013.
Career Night: Running back E'derian Sykes continues to improve and broke through with a career-high 154 rushing yards in the Falcons' victory over Evangel, highlighted by a 66-yard scoring burst for the Lake Village, Ark. native.
Take it how it comes: The Falcons are known for their rushing prowess, having led the NAIA in rushing yards the last three years and on track to do so once again this season. But the first touchdown of the night against Evangel that begin to open the floodgates didn't come on the ground, but through the air when K'Vonte Baker found Michael Lopez for a 72-yard scoring strike that made it 12-0 with under a minute left in the first quarter.
Bosher has nice Kicks: Freshman Trent Bosher continues to come through in the kicking game for the Falcons, making all three of his field goals last night that included a career-long of 42 yards. The Burleson, Texas native also hit all six of his extra-point attempts and has now made 40-41 extra-point tries on the season.
Two-way dominance: The Falcons are now pacing the entire NAIA in both points per game (61.8) and points allowed per game (7.2), further solidifying their status as the premier complimentary team in the country.
Defense Stands Tall: The Falcons also now lead the NAIA in yards allowed (133.0) after limiting the Valor to a miniscule 124 total yards, more than 300 yards less than their season average.
Up Next: The Falcons will play their final cross divisional game next Saturday (Oct. 4) at Ottawa University for a 6 pm kickoff in Ottawa, Kan.
