SPRINGFIELD — Casey Woods wanted to challenge his team in any way possible on Saturday, Aug. 15. For the Missouri State football scrimmage, Woods took his players out of their comfort zone. Woods called upon Evangel head coach and athletic director Chuck Hepola for some help. “We simulated a road game,” Woods said. “Coach Hep over at Evangel, let us use their facility a little bit.” Missouri State used Evangel’s road locker rooms to change in before the scrimmage. The Bears also warmed up and prepared for the scrimmage at Evangel. The team jumped on a bus to Plaster Stadium before conducting the scrimmage on campus. Missouri State football: Inside the Bears' fall camp scrimmage Missouri State football: Could the Bears allow a fan to call plays on the field?
“They were a little bit out of their comfort zone all day,” Woods said. “They faced adversity. If they will come out here with that kind of effort, that kind of resolve, you have a chance to build off of what it is that we’ve got.” It was just another unconventional way for Woods to challenge his team. The team will certainly play road games this season, so why not practice like a road game. Missouri State’s first road test will pit them against SEC powerhouse Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 5. Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Evangel lends a hand to Missouri State football scrimmage with road simulation