Written by Eli Dean // Photo by Jeff Montgomery
Harding football started their season last Thursday against Southern Nazarene University on the road but now begin preparations for the first home game of the season.
Junior running back Blake Delacruz led the offense in the 53-20 victory with four rushing touchdowns in the opening game, making him the eighth Harding player to accomplish the feat in school history. Delacruz said he is confident in the team’s ability to score on the offensive side of the ball.
“We have a great group of guys that can make plays at any point in the game,” Delacruz said. “It was really just a great feeling to help out the team in the best way I could, but none of that success would have happened without my guys up front. Landon [Ray], Hunter [Willis], Levi [Pate], Austin [Toler] and Jake [Dugger] do such an amazing job. It makes my job just that much easier.”
The passing game didn’t play much of a factor in the win, as Harding completed two passes the whole game, but that was largely due to the early 35-0 halftime lead and the need to keep the clock rolling. That has been a theme in recent years, as the Bisons only had one game last year with more than five completed passes.
Delacruz said he believes the contributions the offense made in the first game will continue during this week’s home game.
“I hope to see that momentum continue to next week for the entire offense,” Delacruz said. “We have a great group of guys that really care about each other, so I believe we will be prepared.”
While the offense side of the ball was key in the win, a stronger defensive showing helped seal the victory. After only forcing 12 turnovers last season, the Bisons came out strong with six in the season opener. Sophomore linebacker Clark Griffin led the defense in tackles.
“I think it says a lot about how we prepare week in and week out and our game planning by our coaching staff,” Griffin said. “Being in the right spot to make plays and force turnovers is a big testament to the game planning and the play calling by our coaches.”
After the nearly five-and-a-half-hour road trip to Bethany, Oklahoma, the team is ready to be within walking distance of First Security Stadium next Saturday. Senior defensive back Ahmad Butler said he wants a full house to show support for the team as they look toward a bowl appearance this season.
“One thing I’m looking forward to the most in our first game is the moral support from our fan base,” Butler said. “Coming back from a road game with the stands filled with people there to support us is big and will give us all a boost in this upcoming game.”
