Row 1: R. Cohn, K. Martin, J. Oiler, C. Kamper, D. Riley, A. Stock, J. Bodiford , R. Westbrook, T. Powell, K. Kellett, A. Finley, A. Scott, E. Ragsdale, T. Wilkes, N. Brinkley. Row 2: C. Rogers, T. Finley, J. Moore, A. Ladner, E. Kelly, A. Williams, B. Jones, D. Buckner, D. Bonner, T. Stevenson, T. Leak, T. Clark, C. Farrel, C. Pletta. Row 3: A. Gillaspie, I. Siryon, P. Mion, A. Brackins, N. Jackson-Best, R. Smith, W Martin, D. Britt, J. Gay, S. Keese, K. Henderson, R. Ward, T. Stafford, N. Kadlecek. Row 4: D. Skidmore, J. Cantrell, C. Sarkissian, J. Bracken, A. Menkin, J. Gallington, D. Lee, P. Houston, A. Smithey, E. Bradfute, E. Mitchell, L. Tarrant, J. Vivio, J. English. Row 5: C. Lockwood, R. Palenske, W. Walker, M. Gallaway, S. Schreiber, N. Cash, D. Hudson, J. Calvin, L. Purtle, D. Garrett, P Bingham, M. Thompson, D. Hudson. Row 6: A. Rachal, B. Cable, M. Firmin, C. Caton, R. Hawkins, M. Belin, A. Romero, A. Kiel, L. Kolb, G. Simmons, M. Buehler, M. McKeown, R. Roberson. Row 7: M. Zuka, C. Gray, E. Simmons, J. Aldridge, L. Smith, E. Frazier, M. Cain, A. Stribling, N. Stevens, K. Hatter, B. Shields, E. Todd. Row 8: P. Parish, S. Smith, C. Douglas, E. Roberts, C. Lynch, C. Bassett, D. Ream, B. Theisen, A. Akers, D. Holliman, J. Vaughn, Z. Abney, M. Bingham, I. Boone. Row 9: M. Tennison, P. Smith, D. Murphy, D. Clark, K. Gordon, L. Johnson, D. Rangel , W. Bland, C. Isenberg, C. Alexander, A. English, C. House, S. McBride. Row 10: J. Davis, R. Davis, C Boatwright, V. Bow, C. Zalenski, J. Jackson, J. Syrotchen. The Bisons football team completed their best season in 40 years after playing in their first ever NCAA Division II playoff game. Although the game resulted in a 35-0 loss, the Bisons were proud of the success they had throughout the season, which would be remembered as one of the most talented teams in Harding's history. The final game of the season was a first-round playoff matchup against Northwest Missouri State, one of the best teams in Division II football. Although they were coming off of an impressive 9-1 regular season record, the Bisons were plagued with injuries of key players throughout the playoff game. Two of the Bisons' running backs, sophomores Romo Westbrook and D'Nico Best, suffered ankle injuries before half time. With two important offensive weapons sidelined early, starting quarterback senior Kelvin Martin was forced to move to running back, and backup quarterback sophomore Keenan Kellett took over. "It was tough adjusting to having a new quarterback and running back, especially this late in the season," offensive lineman junior Dallon Hudson said. "We were still confident, but against a team as good as Northwest Missouri, you need everyone healthy." The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats proved to be too much for the Bisons down the stretch, and their dream season was cut short. "Every loss is disappointing, but we don't have any regrets from this season," junior defensive end B.J. Jones said. "We played hard every game and grew closer together and proved to a lot of people that we were a real competitor. I'm already working hard to get ready for next season." This season, the Bisons boasted one of the best defenses in Division II football, allowing only 17 points and 284 yards Bringing the best to the table Team makes first NCA)~ postseason appearance per game to opponents. The defense was led by seniors Aaron Gillaspie and Ty Powell. Gillaspie, a linebacker, led the team in tackles and ranked third in the Great American Conference, averaging more than eight tackles per game. Powell played defensive end and recorded eight and a half sacks on the year for the Bisons. The Bisons' offense was built around a strong running game led by Martin, who rushed for 710 yards and threw for 656 yards. Senior wide receiver Donatella Luckett was also a significant contributor to the Bisons offense, hauling in 453 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns on the season. The season started out well for the Bisons. They dominated their first five opponents by a combined score of 179-64. However, they faced adversity when Henderson State came to Searcy and beat the Bisons 38-10. After their first loss of the season, the Bisons were more determined than ever to make it to the Division II playoffs, a feat never accomplished by any Harding team since the university joined the league in 1997. They finished the regular season on a four-game winning streak, and the only thing left to do was see if they were selected to make the tournament. More than 200 fans, players and friends gathered together in the Hammon Student Center to watch the NCAA Divison II playoff selection show hoping to hear the Bisons' name called. "It was such a crazy time," sophomore Romas Roberson said. "I couldn't believe we had come so far and were going to get to compete in the tournament. We worked hard for it all season long, and even though we didn't do as well as we hoped, the fact we got there said a lo1i about our determination." Payton Hurst Football Est. 1959 1283
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==