The Bison football team defeated Southwestern Oklahoma 38 – 7 Saturday, Nov. 10, landing them a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in Bison history. The Bisons will make their first postseason appearance since 1992 when they play Northwest Missouri State University at Bearcat Stadium at 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Harding is ranked fifth in the playoffs.
The victory on Saturday determined the Bisons’ fate in postseason play, so players, coaches and fans were anxious to know the outcome. But Harding took the lead in the beginning and remained ahead the entire game, leading 14-0 after the first quarter.
Sophomore wide receiver Donatella Luckett scored the Bisons’ first touchdown two plays after seniors Ty Powell and Caleb Farrel returned it 41 yards. Luckett said he was pleased with the outcome of the game and looks forward to the playoff game on Saturday.
“It was an awesome experience for me, and I just want to thank God for the ability to contribute,” Luckett said. “As far as the historical event, I’m glad that the team, the coaches and I had this opportunity to do so well and make a mark to be remembered.”
Southwestern Oklahoma scored during the middle of the second quarter for the first and final time of the game. The Bulldogs scored on a 17-yard pass after driving 85 yards on 11 plays, bringing the score to 14-7.
Senior quarterbackKelvin Martin scored his 19th career rushing touchdown with 1:40 left in the first half, which brought him to second place on Harding’s career list. Luckett got a touchdown reception after the half and was the only person to score in the third quarter.
The Bisons continued to score in the fourth quarter, completed by a 19-yard touchdown run by reserve slot back Christian Pletta.
Junior safety Philip Mion, who led the Bisons with 10 tackles in Saturdays game, said he looks forward to postseason play.
“We are excited because we are the underdogs,” Mion said. “This team is one of the best in Division II football, and we know they underestimate us. So it is exciting to have a chance to shock the nation.”
