Bisons face challenges in GSC The Harding University Bison football team had a season mixed with triumph and disappointment. "Overall we didn't accomplish what we wanted to with a 5-6 record," head coach Randy Tribble said. "Our goal was to have a one-loss season. However, the team did stick together and finished strong by playing their best game of the season the last gam~ of the year." The Bison's move into the Gulf South Conference proved to be a challenge. The conference included many nationally ranked teams. "We played a tough schedule that included five teams that went to the playoffs and four were in our conference," offensive coordinator James Frank said. Despite their record, the Bison offense boasted one of the most potent scoring attacks in Harding history. Senior wide receiver Gerald Payne was the offense's primary weapon with 1,040 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns and 60 receptions. Junior Alex Behel and freshman Freddie Langston shared time at the quarterback position and each threw for more than 1,000 yards. Senior William Holloway was the team's leading rusher with 653 yards. The team averaged 31.4 points per game and 368.5 yards a game. The offense provided a balthe team anced attack by rushing for 116.6 yards a game and passing for 368.5 yards per game. The Bison defense was led by two AlIConference players, senior middle linebacker Said Perez and junior defensive back Jimi Holden. Perez led the team in tackles with 113. Holden was second in tackles with 87. Junior Rashun Taylor led the team with five interceptions. The story of the season for the Bisons was the spectacular play of Gerald Payne. He was twice national offensive player of the week and once GSC offensive player of the week. Payne scored a Harding record four touchdowns in the victory over Central Arkansas. Payne led the GSC in receptions per game (7.5), receiving yards per game (130) and was third in the conference in all-purpose yards and in scoring. "It was a great honor to coach an athlete like Gerald Payne," Frank said. "He was not only a good player but a good person." Behel and Langston will both be back next season at quarterback. Frank said other key players to watch next season are freshman Tiago Collins, All-Conference defensive back Holden and junior defensive lineman Marcus Ezell. I - Mac Bell First Row: Dennis Cardoso, Travis Alford, Shedrick Lewis, Rashun Taylor, Tiago Collins, lach Beavers, Alex Sehel, Said Perez, Jimi Holden, David Anlield, Drew Colon, Man Underwood, Adam Mason, Coy Nance, Gerald Payne. Second Row: Freddie langston, Tyre! Pace, lee Otis Harrell, Rae Holden, Jason Sneed, BershardTillman,Henry Smith, William Holloway, Chad Bonner, Derek Ivory, Eric Woodard, Micah Sexson, Michad Holliday, Jason Moats, Jamie Doyle. Third Row: Josh Chambers, les Polk, Casey Doby, Bradley Harris, Norman Griffin, Jason Darden, Clint Smith, Kevin Redd, Nate Dutile, Marshall Householder, Darin Brazile, Wesley Duncan,Tim Polk,T.O.OSby. Fourth Row: Hamilton Archibald, Jon Clark, Ryan Bridges, Ben Garner, Travis Stanley, Scott Smith, Grant Taylor, Kevin Chism, Paul Chandler, Philip King, Drew Clothier, Preston Bryan, Michael Fueglein. Fifth Row: Chuck Wells, Kevin Brennan, Jeff Thornton, Joshua Satterfield, Adam Allen, Zach Towery, Eric Foy, Nathaniel Williams, Brett Sims, John Hicks, Nick McNabb, David Bagley, Jeremy Schulz, Justin Beiler. Sixth Row: Chad Eason, Ryan Blount, Ricky Box, David Ellis, Nate Davis, Casey Wright, Sterling Riggs, Brad Whinery, Dean Holt, Bubba Delukie, James Nowlin, Floyd Btack, Chris Peak, Dewayne Randle, Jonathan Knight. Seventh Row: Cory Barnes, Aldwin Gregory, Reid Smith, Micah Gillord, Marcus Ezell. Not pictured are: Josh Loera, Devaris Moore, Robert Holden, Jake Smith, Mike McCain. Photo by Jell Montgomery. ~F~oo~t~b~al~l ______________ ~~ Athletics ~
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