The Harding Bison’s football team is coming off a 7-4 season last year, and into a season with many of its old starters returning. One key component of this year’s team is the amount of depth they added after last season, according to head coach Ronnie Huckeba. One thing that really stands out is the veteran leadership returning for another season, which showed throughout summer practices and fall camp.
“I saw lots of highs and I think that is a tribute to the senior class and the upper classmen leadership on this team,” Huckeba said. “We have a very mature, veteran team coming back, and those guys worked really hard over the course of the summer to prepare themselves.”
Huckeba added how much the team was able to accomplish during this year’s fall camp, and how it is really showing on the field during practice.
According to Huckeba, he is really proud of the depth the team will have this season and looks forward to seeing it on the field.
“Having depth is critical,” Huckeba said. “Football is a rough game with wear and tear on these guys. So it helps you so much to be healthy at the end of your season, so that is critical for us. … If you’re able to develop depth, it gives you an edge as you progress into the season.”
Both the offense and defense are bringing back players from last year that could have an impact on this season.
“We definitely have a lot of veteran guys coming back,” senior quarterback Park Parish said. “That is going to be key for us this season. We have guys all up and down the roster that could get in the game.”
Senior defensive end Trevon Biglow said that he is very confident in what the team, especially the defense, will do this year.
“It’s amazing, because on the defensive side, we’ve never had that type of veteran leadership out of any year that I’ve been here,” Biglow said.
Biglow led the team in sacks last year, even after missing the first three games of the season. The Bison’s defense also led the conference in total sacks last year with 33.
“I feel like we have improved,” Biglow said. “We now know what it takes to be the best, and if we aren’t, it’s going to be a disappointment.”
In the four losses from last year’s season, and two of the wins as well, the final score was decided by eight points or fewer. Being able to maintain a high level of play all the way through the fourth quarter has been key for the Bisons during this offseason.
“When it comes down to it, it’s the little things that decide the winning facor,” Biglow said. “Our coaches emphasize that a lot. We have to make sure that all the details are taken care of, and this year we are definitely doing that.”
This will be the last season for Huckeba as head coach. He has been the head coach for the last nine seasons and has been on the coaching staff for the last 30. Defensive coordinator Paul Simmons will succeed Huckeba next season.
The Bisons open their season Sept. 3 at home against Oklahoma Baptist University.
