The Bisons football team overcame new challenges fall20 ll after the sports conference changed from the Gulf South Conference to the new Great American Conference. Because this was the transfer year, the football team had to play opponents from both the GSC and the GAC. This transitional season allowed the Bisons Lo play teams they were familiar with, as well as learning from teams they had never played before. "It's a whole new set of teams that we aren't really familiar with, so preparing for them was a little tougher than usual," junior Alex Finley said. "Playing new teams is always exciting, though." Because of the impending change, the football team played two conference games, followed by five non-conference games, which was an unusual schedule and had the potential to throw the team ofT of their game. "We're proud of our guys on how they refocused," Ronnie Huckeba, head football coach, said. "This is a catalyst for us as we move into the season." Because of the scheduling changes, teams in the new conference feared that there would be no conference race or championship. "This year has only been a partial schedule for the GAC," Huckeba said. "We're still going to have a conference champion because we felt that was the right thing to do." The fact that the race was still on to determine a conference champion kept the team focused and determined throughout the entire season. "All of us that are still in the conference race feel that it's a huge deal to finish well this year," Huckeba said. "It makes a statement about the program and where it is in the new conference." Though many adjustments were made this season, the team continued to grow, and excitement built for the beginning of the new competilion the following year. "'vVe know a lot more about the new teams in our conference now," Finley said. "Next season, we only have one non-conference game, so every game is meaningful. \Ve are going to work hard in the off-season to prepare to win a championship." Russ Gray/Kasey Coble Athletics
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