The Harding Bisons lost a tough game as the Henderson State Reddies pulled away late to win 45-30 on Homecoming Saturday at First Security Stadium, giving the Bisons football team its first home loss of the season.
Harding came into the game at 5-1 and battled fifth-ranked Henderson State (6-0) to the end, but Henderson State seemed to be too much for the Bisons, snapping their five game winning streak.
Harding came in with the highest average on the ground and rushed for 369 yards against Henderson’s defense, roughly 30 yards under their average. The Bisons did manage to put up 30 points, keeping them in a tough conference battle for most of the game.
“I think our offense played well,” senior offensive linemen Dallon Hudson said. “We made some mistakes out there, but I’m proud of the way our guys battled to the end.”
The Bisons offensive line made holes for junior Romo Westbrook who rushed for 161 yards on 30 carries, but Westbrook and the Bisons were held to just 155 yards in the second half.
Other highlights included junior John Gay making three of three in field goals, and junior Donatella Luckett who totaled 172 all-purpose yards.
This loss to Henderson State makes the Bisons 5-2, dropping them to third in the conference behind Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State.
Hudson said all losses are tough, but losses like this one will stick with you awhile.
Defensively, the Bisons had a tough challenge against the best air attack in the conference, who averaged more than 400 yards a game this season.
Henderson State quarterback Kevin Rodgers passed for 368-yards and four touchdowns Saturday, making it difficult for senior defensive lineman B.J. Jones.
“Their offense was especially difficult to defend for us because they pass the ball so quick, and they’re a fast tempo team making it hard for us to get in a good defensive call,” BJ Jones said. “I thought we made a lot of big plays, but also gave up too many big plays for touchdowns, we just weren’t able to put it all together for four quarters and get it done.”
Jones may have not put up dominating numbers in tackles or sacks, but he did display his fair share of effort for his teammates.
“I feel like I was able to get some good pressure on their QB most of the game,” Jones said. “I also feel I was very physical out there, trying to help slow down their tempo on offense.”
The defense gave up 38 points to Henderson, while special teams gave up the other 7 points on a touchdown a kick-off return.
The Bisons still have a lot to play for this season, as there is the potential to be asked to play in the Live United Texarkana bowl game on Dec. 7. Harding has only three remaining games, two of which are on the road.
Jones said the coach’s message after the game was basically that now they can find out who really has character on the team, finding out who will give up and who will finish strong, win out and get them to the bowl game.
The Bisons travel to Durant, Okla. this coming weekend to face Southeastern Oklahoma State University to improve to 6-2. The game will be Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. The last home game is Nov. 9 against East Central University.
