By DREW DENNIS/For the Reporter

For the second week in a row, Kingwood Christian’s defense stepped up in a big way, shutting out Evangel-Montgomery, 33-0 at home Sept. 27.

Kingwood was without Florida commit C’Yontai Lewis due to a one game suspension, which resulted in Montez Haynes stepping up big for four touchdowns in the game.

Kingwood started off the game with a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Montez Haynes.

Evangel couldn’t put anything together on its second drive of the game and was forced to punt to Carlos Stephens who took it back 64-yards for the Lions’ second special teams touchdown in the first quarter. The PAT was no good, making the score 13-0 Kingwood.

After a muffed Evangel punt late in the first quarter, Kingwood took over possession with great field position on Evangel’s 42 yard line. Kingwood took advantage and put together a seven-play drive, which resulted in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Sumrall to Montez Haynes with 11:27 left in the second quarter. Kingwood was unsuccessful in their two-point conversion, but still had a commanding lead at 19-0.

Kingwood’s defense forced a punt on Evangel’s next drive and got the ball back with 10:02 left in the second. Kingwood put together an eight-play, 2:47 drive capped off by Montez Haynes’ 31-yard catch from Sumrall giving Haynes three touchdowns on the day. Austin Dowdy’s PAT was good, giving Kingwood a 26-0 advantage.

Evangel struggled to move the chains in the second half, as Kingwood’s defense smothered Evangel all game. Neither team was able to find the end zone in the third quarter, as Kingwood went into the fourth with complete control of the football game.

Evangel managed to back up the Lions inside their own 10-yard line with 8:30 left in the fourth quarter. Gavin Sumrall answered with a 91-yard touchdown strike to Montez Haynes for his fourth touchdown of the day. Austin Dowdy’s PAT was good, making the final score 33-0 Kingwood.

“The defense is finally stepping up,” said head coach Steve Birmingham. “Overall it’s a win and we’ll take it.”