Kickoff: 6:00 PM CDT
Venue: Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium, Leavenworth, Kansas
Broadcast: NAIA.TV / Evangel Gameday App
Game Overview
The Evangel University Valor (Mo.) open their 2025 campaign on the road against the University of Saint Mary Spires. Both teams enter Week 1 with renewed energy—Evangel after an 8–2 season and receiving votes in the NAIA preseason poll, and Saint Mary looking to leverage home-field momentum in the KCAC. The clash kicks off at 6:00 PM CDT, with live stats available on NAIA.TV.
Team Profiles
Evangel University Valor
2024 Record: 8–2 overall (both losses to Top 25 or teams receiving votes)
Head Coach: Isaac Granado (2nd season)
Offensive Scheme: Up-tempo spread with RPO reads and quick screens
Defensive Scheme: 4–2–5 nickel emphasizing zone coverage and turnover creation
Key Returners
QB Nathaniel Brooks (Sr.) – Threw for 2,400 yards and 22 TDs; adds 350 rushing yards on designed keepers.
RB Elijah Thompson (Jr.) – Averaged 5.8 YPC for 1,050 yards and 12 TDs; deadly on inside zones.
DB Marcus Evans (Sr.) – Led team with 6 interceptions and 14 pass breakups, the Valor’s ballhawk.
Outlook: Evangel’s offense will aim to dictate tempo with early RPO calls and quick-strike passing. Defensively, the Valor must force three-and-outs and generate turnovers to limit Saint Mary’s time of possession.
University of Saint Mary Spires
2024 Record: 4–6 overall, 3–5 KCAC
Head Coach: Micheal Raybon (3rd season)
Offensive Scheme: Pro-style balance featuring power runs and play-action passes
Defensive Scheme: 3–4 base front built to control the line of scrimmage
Key Returners
QB Jordan Miller (Sr.) – Completed 60% of passes for 1,800 yards and 15 TDs; threat on QB-draws.
RB Tyler Rodriguez (Jr.) – Rushed for 820 yards at 4.5 YPC and 8 TDs; reliable in short-yardage.
LB Cameron White (Sr.) – Team-leading 85 tackles and 4.5 TFLs; vocal leader in the front seven.
Outlook: Saint Mary will look to establish Rodriguez on the ground, set up play-action for Miller, and control the clock. Defensively, the Spires must rally to the ball to limit chunk plays from Evangel’s tempo attack.
Key Storylines
Preseason Momentum: Evangel’s No. 28 votes in the Coaches’ Poll underscore national expectations for a deep run.
Home-Field Advantage: Saint Mary is 6–2 at Charles Berkel Memorial under Coach Raybon; a strong crowd can disrupt Evangel’s cadences.
KCAC Pride: Both programs vie for early conference positioning—this opener could set the tone for divisional standings.
Tactical Matchup
Tempo vs. Control: Valor’s hurry-up series tests Spires’ substitution discipline.
Line Battle: Evangel’s O-line must handle Saint Mary’s gap-shooting front to spring quick RPO gains.
Big-Play Threats: Thompson’s burst vs. White’s range in the second level will swing field position.
Evangel’s efficiency in the red zone and turnover prowess give the Valor the edge. Saint Mary will sustain drives early, but persistent tempo and explosive RPO plays should allow Evangel to pull away in the second half.
Game Odds
Evangel Valor (MO) – 3.5
Saint Mary Spires 56.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 29, 2025
