Written by Nic Fraraccio // Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
The Harding football team defeated Southeastern Oklahoma State University last Saturday 55-0 to improve to 9-0 on the season. The victory against the Savage Storm was Harding’s third shutout of the season.
The Bisons proved to be efficient on both sides of the ball. Harding’s offense rushed for 436 yards and seven touchdowns while the defense forced five turnovers. The consistency on offense and defense has continued to stack numbers on stat sheets across the country.
The Bison offense leads Division II in rushing yards with an average of 420 yards per game. After tallying seven touchdowns against the Savage Storm, Harding has rushed for 50 touchdowns this season.
Junior running back Blake Delacruz said it is special being able to work with the core of running backs on the team.
“We got guys that do their job at a high level,” Delacruz said. “We got guys that can make a play anytime they are out on the field. I am just really thankful for the guys that are out there.”
Harding’s defense also leads a major statistic in Division II football. The Bisons lead the nation in turnovers with 27 (nine fumble recoveries and 18 interceptions). Twelve different members of the Harding football team have caught an interception during the 2023 season.
Redshirt freshman defensive back Eli Moore said he hopes the defense can “keep it rolling” as the team heads into the postseason.
“I have never been on a defense this dominant in a lot of different ways, and being a part of it is something special,” Moore said. “We know we have something special. We just have to keep a positive attitude and stay locked in.”
Harding’s success on the gridiron has been noticed by coaches around the country. The Bisons climbed to No. 4 in the recent American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll, their highest ranking in AFCA poll history.
As the regular season comes to a close, Harding students, fans and the media have continued to be impressed by the work from head coach Paul Simmons.
HU16 football broadcast director Spencer Aiello said Simmons offers a positive attitude toward the team and fans.
“He just loves everyone that is a part of the program whether it’s on or off the field,” Aiello said. “Having a coach like that makes you excited to go to games and makes you excited to help support.”
Harding will host East Central University tomorrow for their final home game of the season. The Bisons will celebrate Homecoming and Senior Day against the Tigers. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
