Bisons defeat Valdosta Blazers One ofthe biggest upsets for a visiting team in Harding sports occurred when the Bisons defeated the Division II number one-ranked Valdosta State at First Security Stadium Sept. 17. The Bisons won the game 16-13 on a 38-yard field goal in overtime by senior kicker Ben Davis. The score was tied at 13, and the Valdosta State Blazers gOt the first possession going into overtime. On the third play ofthe Blazers' drive, junior free safety Reggie Knighton caused a fumble, which was recovered by senior linebacker Steve Brown. 11-tc Bisons had thei( chance to score. After gaining four yards in two rushing plays, and an incomplete pass on the third down, the kicking team was sent on the field. The 38-yard field goal by Davis was good. Fans rushed the field as ifthe Bisons had won the National Championship. "I won a state championship in high school, and this win was much bigger than that," sophomore guard Jared Wilson said. "It was an indescribable feeling. It was one of the most intense games that I have ever played. The win probably won't sink in for months to come." The Blazers were on a 16-game winning streak and had not lost a conference road game in six years. The Bisons' victory over Valdosta State was Harding's first win against a number one-ranked opponent in school history. The Bisons had met Valdosta State three times in the previous five years. In the first two meetings between the teams, the Blazers won. "1he first time we played Valdosta State in 2001 , it was like playing a [professional football] team," senior wide receiver Joe Price said. "This year when we beat them in overtime, it was like beating your big brother. Our team had grown, and finally reached the level that we all knew we could achieve." Junior tight end Gray Yates said the victory, though sweet, came at the price of exhaustion. "We left everything on the field that night," Yates said. "We were drained both physically and emotionally." The victory would remain a memory not only for play– ers, but for fans as well. "It was a surreal experience," senior Dana Altman said. "The game was so close and nerve racking, and when it was over, there were so many feelings; feelings of relief and joy mixed together. It is a game that I will always remember." 1he Bisons ended the season with a 6-5 overall record and a 4-5 recotd in conference games. ·Daniel Ramberger Senior Defensive Bo(k Torron(e Doniels works a pass rushing drill with sophomore de– fensive end Corwin Brown during practice Aug. 30. The Bisons practiced speed. shedding blockers and reaching the opposing quarterback in the drill. ·Rulsell Keek Junior running bock Kyle Wess rushes down the field Sept. 17, avoid– ing a member of Valdosta State University's team. The Bisons defeated the Blazers in overtime with a score of 16- 13. ·Jeff Montgomery Alter intercepting the boll ond running 38 yards, a member of Missouri Southern State University's team tackles senior cor– nerback Jeremy Fairrow Sept. 3. The Bisons won the home opener with a score of 45-27. ·ChelleD Rober,," football '~ilJ
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