If you pick apart the Bison’s performance so far this season, the immediate reaction would be to focus on the all too familiar glaring number of turnovers that have plagued this team. Twelve fumbles have been given up so far this season and the Bison football team is looking for a cure.
The Bisons (2–3) traveled to Livingston, Ala., Saturday to hook up with the West Alabama Tigers at their home field.The Tigers (4–1) took advantage of five lost fumbles, beating the Bisons 31–17.
West Alabama had the ball at the start of the game, threatening to score the first points with a 24-yard field goal. Senior defensive end Josh Aldridge blocked Ryan Smith’s attempt, giving the Bisons the ball.Harding’s first drive was 15 plays in 82 yards, resulting in a Chaz Rogers 1-yard quarterback sneak.The Bisons led 7-0.
On another Bison possession, quarterback Kelvin Martin was sacked, forcing Harding’s first lost fumble on the 50-yard line. The Tigers scooped up the ball and ran it back to the Harding University 21.West Alabama quarterback Kyle Caldwell connected with fullback Josh Senkbeil on a 3-yard touchdown pass.
Early in the second half, Rogers fumbled the snap at the Bison 45-yard line.Caldwell tacked on another score with a 4-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Gerald Worsham to give the Tigers a 17-7 lead.On the very next HU possession, the kickoff was fumbled, resulting in a 7-yard touchdown run by junior RB Matt Willis.He ran for 198 yards during that game.
Harding was able to put together a scoring drive with a 50-yard field goal by Eddie Carmona, the top rated kicker in the GAC.Bison Assistant coach Clay Beason said he has been impressed with Carmona’s presence on the field this year.
“Eddy is a team player, even though he has only been with us a short time.He really does want to do what is best for the team and he works very hard in practice.He is a gifted kicker and we are fortunate to have him,” said Beason.
Rogers also scored again on a 1-yard quarterback sneak.Rogers broke the record of most rushing touchdowns in a season by a Bison quarterback with his eighth recorded in this game.The record was previously held by Beason (1996).
“I didn’t even know about my record [held for 15 years] until a player brought it to my attention,” Beason said.”I was glad for Chaz.I hope he more than doubles the record this season. He’s a great young man, and we have a great offense.”
The Tigers strengthened their lead with a Caldwell-to-Worsham 11-yard touchdown pass to put them ahead by three scores.Caldwell is a true freshman who made his first start for the Tigers a memorable one, going 13 for 22 throwing for 110 yards and 3 touchdown passes.Caldwell is an amazing little athlete to watch at 5 feet 7 inches tall and 149 pounds.He was overshadowed by the much larger players on the field but what he lacked in size he made up for with his fierce competitiveness.
The Bisons were sorely missing running back Kale Gelles, who did not play due to an injury sustained in the game against North Alabama.The No. 1 rated running back in the GAC was backed up by redshirt freshman Donatella Luckett, who carried the ball 16 times for 73 yards.
This Harding team must put the losses behind them and move forward. Beason said he is very positive about their future.
“I love our players. I love how we have responded to this adversity,” Beason said.”Our guys continue to work hard and build up the brotherhood.Sure, we would like for our record to be better than it is, but our guys’ work ethic has not been compromised.These are life lessons we can learn from this game.Many times in life things will not go our way, but response is critical to getting back on top.We will get there.”
The Bisons will host West Georgia at home tomorrow on what looks to be a chilly night at First Security Stadium as part of Family Weekend festivities. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
