HILLSBORO, Kan.      The Tabor Bluejays returned to the field on Saturday night with an impressive defensive performance, however they were not able to produce enough points to defeat the Evangel Valor, falling 14-7.

"That's the best defensive effort we've had here in 20 years against a formidable opponent. We changed some things we did up front and then we mixed up our coverage on the back end," Head Coach Mike Gardner said.

The Bluejays' lone points came on a 98–yard pick six from defensive back Brandon King. The Valor had built some momentum on the drive, getting down to the Tabor 15-yard line. King jumped the passing route and was able to sprint to the opposite end zone untouched.

Prior to the interception return, the Bluejays had five punts in each of their possessions, totaling just 26 yards, with running back Jakob Feil accounting for 23 of those yards. The defensive score evened the game at halftime, 7-7.

Evangel managed 145 first half yards, but only had seven points to show for in the first half with possessions. They got their lone score on a 8-yard scramble from quarterback RJ Wakley.

The second half was a similar story for the Bluejays, as Tabor struggled to move the ball offensively. Their opening drive ended in a fumble, concluding a 9-play, 51-yard drive. The next two possessions each resulted in punts.

"We've got to be able to block. This game is about blocking and tackling. If you don't do one of those two things well on any given night, you're probably not going to end up in the win column. We just need to do a better job of blocking, so it starts up front," Gardner said.

The Bluejay defense allowed a touchdown on their opening drive of the second half, on a 7-play, 75-yard drive. Wakley found receiver Dillon Hester for a 28-yard touchdown. Following that drive, however, Evangel was only able to muster 22 yards the rest of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the teams continued to trade punts. Tabor turned the ball over on downs midway through the quarter at their own 43. The Bluejays were able to negate the turnover on downs by forcing a missed 32-yard field goal with under 3 minutes to go.

Tabor had a chance to tie the game late, but turned it over on downs. Quarterback Tyson Dozhier, who was 11-22 for 80 yards, misfired on a 4th and 3 pass to receiver Deonte Hill at their own 37. Evangel was then able to run the clock out, holding on for the 14-7 victory.

Up next, the Bluejays (0-2) will be on the road at Bethany College (0-2), with kickoff scheduled for 7pm in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the NAIA and compete in the KCAC.