Josh Jones Collects Another All-America Honor

Jones named Daktronics All-America

by Scott Goode

SEARCY - Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones collected another All-America honor Tuesday as he was named Daktronics First Team All-America. Jones was the leading vote-getter at the safety position.

Jones, a native of Carson, Calif., has also received All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association.

During his senior season, Jones led Harding with 94 tackles and ranked among the leaders in Division II with eight interceptions. He had a streak of five straight games with at least one interception.

Jones is the first Harding player ever named to the Daktronics First Team. Harding's previous Second Team honorees include linebacker Tim Polk (2002), tight end David Feliciano (2004), and cornerback Robert Towns (2006).

Winning and Losing

New Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly was asked in his press conference what the Irish must do to win. His reply was thought provoking. He said:

"Before we can win we must stop losing."

When asked to elaborate, he said something like this (I paraphrase):

If we expect to win in October on Saturdays, we have to stop losing, for example, in February on Tuesdays, in April on Thursdays, in August on Mondays, etc. Only when we stop losing can we have a chance to win when it seems to matter the most.

Quote of the Day

"This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

-- George Bernard Shaw

Sunshine School Benefit Tournament

Thanks to all the guys who volunteered to serve for the Sunshine School benefit basketball tournament. It was a big success. Coach Dr. Stephen Burks did a great job of organizing the middle school basketball tournament, and athletes from several HU athletic teams gave of their time to assist. And, all for a great cause: The Sunshine School.

Thanks to Kelsey Reeley, Marquale Pierson, John Ikahihifo, Terone Shephard, Chris Montague, Josh Aldridge, Rashad Rayner, Jordan Watson, Kyle Young, Daniel Phipps, Conner Walkup, Dallon Hudson, LJ Tarrant, Garrett Taylor, Darby Palmer, and Andrew Jackson. A special thanks to Caleb Simmons and Jermaine Blanchard for organizing the volunteer efforts.

Quote of the Day

"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."

-- Douglas Adams

Sunshine School

Don't forget, tomorrow we need help for the Sunshine School's benefit basketball tournament at the GAC. Our shift is from 10:30 AM to noon. Please take this opportunity to serve. If you need more info contact Coach Edwards, Caleb Simmons or Jermaine Blanchard.

Quote of the Day

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

-- Gandhi

Message from Coach Beason

Bisons,

A couple of reminders:

1. Get your "Action Plan" (that Coach Huck talked to the team about) turned in to your position coach before you leave for the break.

2. Get your spring class schedule to Coach Edwards ASAP.

3. Rack your weights/benches each time after you get a lift.

4. STUDY for your finals!

Quote of the Day

We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.

-- Herman Melville

Josh Jones Named AFCA All-America and Invited to Play in Cactus Bowl

Only second Bison honored by the AFCA, joining Robert Towns from 2006

by Scott Goode

All-American Josh Jones will represent Harding at the Cactus Bowl.

SEARCY – Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones was named to the American Football Coaches Association Division II All-America Team on Monday and was also invited to participate in the Cactus Bowl, the NCAA Division II All-Star Game played in Kingsville, Texas in January.

Jones, a native of Carson, Calif., was arguably the most dynamic defensive back in the Gulf South Conference in 2009. From his rover position, he led the GSC with eight interceptions and 19 total passes defended and was tops on Harding’s squad with 94 tackles. He led the Bisons in tackles on both running plays and passing plays.Jones is only the second Harding player to be honored by the AFCA since the Bisons joined the NCAA in 1997. Cornerback Robert Towns was the first in 2006.

For the second straight season, Harding will have a representative in the Cactus Bowl. Offensive lineman Ross Conn participated last season. Wide receiver Gerald Payne (2000) and defensive lineman Floyd Black (2002) also played in the Cactus Bowl.This year’s Cactus Bowl will be played on Jan. 8, 2010. In the past, the game has been regionally televised. Go to http://www.cactusbowl.org/ for more information.

Quote of the Day

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

-- Albert Einstein

Message from Coach Beason

Please make sure to rack your weights/dumbbells/benches/etc after you use them. It doesn't take long to do this and it helps with the flow and look. Right now, there are A LOT of dumbbells left out and benches everywhere. I know that it is not just football players who use the weight room, but do your part.

Several basic nutrition recommendations (whether trying to gain, lose, or maintain weight):

• Never skip a meal
• Get up to eat breakfast
• Get a lot of color on your plate (eat fruits and vegetables)
• Drink a lot of water (carry a bottle with you throughout the day)
• Do your best to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night (get off the phone; turn off the TV; manage your time during the day)
• Minimize eating at fast food places (a little meal planning can go a long way not only to help you physically, but to help you financially, too)
• You must eat MORE calories in order to gain weight
• You must BURN MORE calories to lose weight (this does not always mean to eat less, but it probably involves doing some cardio work for 30+ minutes/day)
• Make sure to warm-up appropriately for the activity you are about to do (this would vary based on what you are doing)
• Stretch at the end of every workout (your muscles are the most flexible at that time)
• Never skip your core/ab exercises (you could actually do these everyday and add to what we gave you)
• If you are taking a supplement, take it when you are supposed to and the amount that you are supposed to take (you are spending too much money to do this halfway)
• Don't just be a weight room guy; be a great conditioned guy who also works hard in the weight room (be active)
• Be goal-oriented
• Pray for the toughness, discipline, and continued desire to work to reach your goals (nothing worthwhile comes easy)

How To Eliminate Staph Infection

Prevention Is Basic Hygiene

What are basic things you can do better?

• Shower immediately after each workout
• Don't put regular clothes back on after a workout before you take a shower
• Clean and cover open wounds
• Wash your clothes often
• Wash your bed linens often (not once a semester; probably once a week or more)
• Wash hands more often (especially every time you leave a bathroom)

Read more: http://student-health-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_eliminate_staph_infection#ixzz0YZ7PyVSY

Quote of the Day

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

-- Albert Schweitzer

Opportunity

The Sunshine School of Searcy, which educates special needs individuals, is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to build a much-needed new facility. On Saturday, December 12, they are hosting a basketball tournament at the GAC, and they need our help.

Jermaine Blanchard is in charge of recruiting 12 guys from defense to be in charge of the session from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Caleb Simmons is doing the same for the offense for the 11:15 AM to noon session.

Please get with them ASAP if you can help. You guys are NEEDED, so please don't let this opportunity pass without stepping up to the plate.

A great story

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4695418

I saw this Saturday on ESPN Gameday, and I was so choked up I could hardly swallow.

Quote of the Day

“Successful programs consist of people working hard & working together, while never worrying about who gets the credit.”

-- Coach Don Meyer

Message from Coach Beason

You may want to get in the weight room before today's team meeting at 3:30. Some of you have been busting it a lot since the season, and some of you have not done much this past few weeks. It is OK to have taken some time off, but now it is time to get after it again. Since players are at different stages in their workouts, the first week is kind of mild so that you are not unbelievably sore. Then it progresses. If you have been in the weight room a lot over the past few weeks, then you can add a set or two to some of the lifts. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you start doing more than just lifting weights these next few weeks. You will appreciate your "base" conditioning once the spring semester starts. Several things you can do include gassers, 100's, basketball, racquetball, swimming, biking, jogging, etc. Just be active and stretch before and after!

Monday Meeting

Team meeting today at 3:30. Don't be late.

“Players who are late say that their time is more important than the team.”

-- Coach Don Meyer

Quote of the Day

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues."

-- Cicero

HU Football's Josh Jones Earns Daktronics All-Region

Link to full story.

Five Football Bisons Named All-GSC

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Five Harding University football players were named to the All-Gulf South Conference teams Thursday. Senior Zac Ross was named First Team all-purpose back and Second Team return specialist. Senior defensive lineman Keenan Kitchen, senior defensive back Josh Jones and junior utility defensive player Jermaine Blanchard were also named First Team. Senior center Brad Parker was named Second Team.

Ross, a native of Kansas City, Mo., did a little of everything for the Bisons this season. He became only the fourth Harding player ever to lead the team in rushing and receiving in the same season. Ross rushed for 284 yards and four touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 402 yards and two touchdowns. He also started two games at quarterback and completed 37-of-66 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns.

As a returner, Ross ranked third in the GSC with 24.75 yards per kickoff return and fifth in the conference with 9.52 yards per punt return. He also served as the team’s holder on placekicks and was the team’s backup punter.

Kitchen, who hails from Niagara Falls, N.Y., was a dominant force for the Bisons at defensive tackle. He notched 45 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss, including 4.0 sacks. His sack total ranked tied for eighth in the GSC.

Carson, Calif., native Josh Jones gave GSC offensive coordinators nightmares this season, leading the GSC and ranking in the top five in Division II with eight interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Jones led Harding with 94 tackles, good for fifth in the conference. His interception total ranked third in an HU single season and was only two short of the GSC single-season record.

Blanchard, a native of Memphis, Tenn., began the season as a linebacker but moved to defensive end midway through the season. The change resulted in Blanchard leading the Bisons with 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He ranked sixth on the team with 50 total tackles and fourth in the GSC in sacks.

Parker, a Milton, Fla., native made the transition from guard to center this season and performed impeccably. He was Harding’s top offensive lineman in nine of 11 games and had only one inaccurate shotgun snap on 821 plays.

GSC Honors:
Offensive Player of the Year: QB, Nick Graziano, Arkansas Tech
Defensive Player of the Year: LB, Mike Johnson, North Alabama
GSC Offensive Freshman of the Year: WR, Gerald Ford, Valdosta State
GSC Defensive Freshman of the Year: DB, Shontral Ford, West Alabama
Co-GSC Coaches of the Year: Steve Mullins of Arkansas Tech and Terry Bowden of North Alabama

Quote of the Day

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

-- Ryunosuke Satoro

Team Meeting

We will have a team meeting on Monday, November 30 at 3:30 PM in Room 100.

Enjoy the week off next week. Make good decisions, and hold one another accountable.

Quote of the Day

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

--Jim Rohn

Prayers Requested

Jess Lanier (Bison from 1995-1998) has a 5 month old daughter, Jaycie, that has been diagnosed with craniosynostosis. This condition is where a portion of her skull has prematurely fused together, not allowing the skull to grow properly. They have consulted with doctors in Dallas and Houston and are going to have to have major surgery done after the first of the year in Houston at Texas Childrens. Jaycie also has an eye condition that will require surgery 3 months after this initial surgery on her skull. They are struggling a bit with all of this because she is so little, and, as Jess said, "after all she is our baby girl." Jess and his family would like to ask for the Bison family to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

Jess' email address is jlanier@ednet10.net

Quote of the Day

To be a team, you must be a family.

--Coach Don Meyer

Scout Team Players of the Year

White Attack (Offense) - Tim Lackey
According to our defensive coaches, the White Attack was the best it's ever been. We had several guys who were ready, willing and able to jump in and selflessly do all they could to make the team better. The player that stuck out the most was Tim. Tim is a RB, but readily played various positions based on need. He was always quick to do whatever was needed to help our defense prepare for the upcoming opponent.

Black Attack (Defense) - Marquale Pierson
Black Attack did a great jump this season, especially considering the fact that due to injuries, by the end we only had 13 guys who were able to help. Thus, the guys who were healthy got few breaks. Marquale was a guy we relied on heavily to get the secondary lined up correctly and adjust and change coverages. He was always making sure the scout team was giving the offense the correct look. His attention to detail was pivotal.

Thanks to both of these guys for all their hard work, and thanks to all of our redshirts for all they did, too. We look forward to the spring because the redshirts have been removed, and we think this group is going to be a great one.

Players of the Week vs. ATU

Freshman of the Week - Michael Beach
Special Teams - Cade Caton
O MVP - Jordan Watson
D MVP - Josh Jones
Big Play O - Zac Ross to Jordan Watson
Big Play D - Darren Newson

Quote of the Day

“I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

-- George Bernard Shaw

Harding University Athletics - James Kee Earns ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Honors

Harding University Athletics - James Kee Earns ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Honors

Quote of the Day

The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.

--William Arthur Ward

Kennard Henderson Named GSC Defensive Player of the Week

Kennard Henderson Named GSC Defensive Player of the Week
Henderson had a career-high 14 tackles
by Scott Goode

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Harding University redshirt freshman Kennard Henderson was named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday following his performance in the Bisons’ 27-22 victory over Henderson State on Saturday.

Henderson is the second Harding defender to claim weekly accolades this season. He racked up a career-high 14 tackles, including seven solo stops. The Texarkana, Texas native also forced a fumble and recovered another, returning it 50 yards for a touchdown. It was Harding’s first defensive touchdown of the season and gave the Bisons a 21-10 lead in the third quarter.

Henderson’s previous career high was five tackles in a game. He now ranks ninth on the team with 37 tackles this season and is tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles. His 50-yard fumble return was the sixth-longest in school history and the longest since Tank Daniels’ 79-yard return against Missouri Southern in 2004.

Quarterback Nick Graziano of Arkansas Tech, Harding’s opponent this week, earned GSC Offensive Player of the Week. He passed for 350 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 196 yards and an 82-yard touchdown in the Wonder Boys’ 35-23 win over Delta State.

Players of the Week vs. Henderson State

MVP Special Teams - Pete Richardson
MVP O - Tyler O'Quin
MVP D - Kennard Henderson & Eddie Russ
Big Play O - Tyler O'Quin & Jereny Holt
Big Play D - Kennard Henderson
Freshman of the Week - Anthony Frizzell

"Heavy" Helps Harding to Homecoming Victory

Harding defeats Henderson State 27-22
by Scott Goode

SEARCY – The Harding football team used a formation normally reserved for the 1-yard line a little further out Saturday to score the game-winning touchdown and defeat Henderson State 27-22 on Homecoming at First Security Stadium.

The formation is called “Heavy” and appropriately so, as the Bisons use 10 linemen (weighing nearly 3,000 pounds) on the play, seven offensive linemen and three defensive tackles, along with running back Dominic Blood. With the Bisons trailing 22-21 and less than three minutes left in the game, Harding’s Heavies opened up a touchdown-sized hole for Blood on 3rd-and-4 from the Henderson State 10-yard line that gave Harding the victory.

The victory was the sixth straight for Harding (5-5, 3-4 Gulf South Conference) in Searcy over Henderson State and moved the Bisons to 33-16-2 all-time on Homecoming.

Harding trailed 10-7 at halftime, but Bison sophomore Jeremy Holt scored on a 41-yard screen pass with 13:42 left in the third to give his team a 14-10 lead. Harding scored again just over a minute later as redshirt freshman Kennard Henderson recovered a Henderson State fumble at the 50-yard line and returned it for a touchdown to put the Bisons ahead 21-10.

It was the first turnover returned for a touchdown by the Bisons this season.

Henderson State (3-6, 3-4) then began to chip away at the lead with three consecutive scores. Jazz Scott caught a 4-yard touchdown pass with 3:39 left in the third. On Harding’s first possession of the fourth quarter, the officials spotted a holding penalty on the Bisons in the end zone that resulted in a safety, and Harding’s lead was cut to 21-19. A 33-yard Blake Allan field goal with 6:00 left put the Reddies on top.

Henderson State used a bruising running game that allowed the Reddies to hold a 22-minute, 22-second time-of-possession advantage over the Bisons. Henderson State had the ball for over 42 minutes and ran 82 plays to Harding’s 49.

Reddie tailback Kenard Springer rushed 32 times for 171 yards and a touchdown but lost two fumbles, including the one returned for a touchdown. Henderson State rushed for 237 yards on 54 carries.

Harding welcomed junior quarterback Josh Powell back to the huddle after missing the last three games with a knee injury. Powell connected on 19-of-29 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Zac Ross compiled 181 all-purpose yards, including 86 receiving yards on four catches, and moved past Joe David Smith (1971-75) into second place on Harding’s career all-purpose yardage chart.

Harding had several defensive standouts in the game. Henderson, a native of Texarkana, Texas, had a career-high 14 tackles and a forced fumble to go with his touchdown return. Senior Josh Jones had 11 stops and three pass breakups, and junior Eddie Russ, Jr. had six tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception and two pass breakups.

The Bisons will look to close out the season with a winning record next Saturday as they host Arkansas Tech at First Security Stadium. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Bisons Win Homecoming

The Harding Bisons defeat Henderson State 27-22!

Quote of the Day

If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

-- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Friday

ALL SPECIAL TEAMS meeting at 3pm

REDSHIRTS lift at normal 3:30pm/4:15pm times on Friday

Quote of the Day

"Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else."

-- Jesus of Nazareth

Message from Coach Beason

Bisons,

Get your LIFT today.

3:15pm - KICKOFF and KICKOFF RETURN Meeting

Quote of the Day

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other."

-- Walter Elliot

Wednesday Update

3pm - Kickoff, Kickoff Return, and "Look" Team Meetings

7pm - Football Church (entire team in Cone Chapel)

Varsity get a lift today or tomorrow.

REDSHIRTS lift at 9pm tonight.

REDSHIRTS,
We need 4 BALL BOYS for this week's game and 4 for next week's game. Both are 2pm Home games. Please let Coach Beason know if you would like to help us out in this role.

Players of the Week vs. UAM

Special Teams MVP - Jeremy Townsend
MVP O - Brad Parker
MVP D - Steve Hudson
Big Play O - Zac Ross to Jordan Watson
Big Play D - Marcus Jones
Freshman of the Week - Jordan Garland

Message from Coach Beason

TUESDAY:

Bisons,

Bring shoes for the gym just in case.

3pm - PUNT, PUNT RETURN (Not Defense Hold-Up), and LOOK TEAM.

You guys on these teams come early and look over your assignments that are already posted on the board in the locker room.

Quote of the Day

It is absurd that a man should rule others, who cannot rule himself.

-- Latin Proverb

Game-Day Visits

On Saturday, October 31 the Bisons will be hosting their final game-day visit of 2009 for prospective student-athletes. Festivities will begin at the Ganus Athletic Center at 11:45 AM.

This will be a great time to learn more about an NCAA football program that exists to Honor God.

If you have not already done so, please contact Recruiting Coordinator Coach Yates at gcyates@harding.edu to confirm your visit.

Quote of the Day

"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality."

-- Coach Joe Paterno

Wednesday Meetings

3pm - Kickoff and Kickoff Return Meeting, and Look Team

Quote of the Day

Today's Quote of the Day is in honor of my sister Paige's 30th birthday. Although younger than I, Paige is one of my heroes. She has taught me much through the years. I first read this quote on a bookmark she gave me years ago, and I also think she fully and completely lives it, which makes me very proud of her.

"God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful."

-- Mother Teresa

Players of the Week

MVP O - Zac Ross
MVP D - Jermaine Blanchard
MVP Special Teams - Jeff Wood & Jeremy Townsend
Big Play O - Zac Ross
Big Play D - Keenan Kitchen
Freshman of the Week - Terone Shephard

Schedule

Monday - REDSHIRTS Lift at 3:30pm and 4:15pm. Bring your cleats, too.

Tuesday @ 3pm - PUNT, PUNT RETURN (including defense hold-up) & LOOK TEAM meetings

Redshirt Update

We had another great Redshirt scrimmage last Thursday. The guys continue to battle hard, as well as do a great job working scout teams for the O & D. In the scrimmage, Michael Beach had several great catches, as did Alex Finley. Bo Woods laid a vicious block, and the entire OL (Connor Walkup, Dallon Hudson, Kyle Reeves, Chase Jones & Clayton Lemmons) continues to improve. Defensively, DEs Anthony Frizzell & Trevor Hunt continue to play tenaciously, Joe English and Taylor Powell are still impossible to block at their LB spots, and Marquale Pierson & Philip Mion were as tough as ever. We'll have another scrimmage this Thursday.

Following the scrimmage, all the freshmen loaded up on a bus as we made a trip to the booming metropolis of Georgetown, AR to eat catfish. It was a lot of fun watching the guys eat and fellowship and eat some more. The coaches feel good about this group of young men, both on and off the field.

Quote of the Day

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."

-- Thomas Carlyle

Schedule

Friday
3:00pm - ALL SPECIAL TEAMS
3:20pm - Offense/Defense
3:30pm - REDSHIRT Group A in the weight room
4:15pm - REDSHIRT Group B in the weight room

Saturday
10:00am -REDSHIRTS in the weight room
6:00pm - Kick-off vs. Valdosta State

HU Football Hosts Valdosta State; Seeking Third Straight Victory

Full story here.

Bison of the Day

Kris Barnes

Position: Punter
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Previous School: West Memphis Christian

Previous School
A 2009 graduate of West Memphis (Ark.) Christian ... played quarterback, kicker and punter ... earned MPSA All-District honors ... two-time MPSA All-District in basketball ... also lettered in golf and track ... coached by Tim Pugh.

Personal
Born: March 6, 1990 in Jackson, Miss. ... Major: Pre-Pharmacy ... Parents: Roy and Barbara Barnes ... has one sister (Kristin).

Quote of the Day

“When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope”

-- Henri Nouwen

Play for the Cure Set for This Weekend

Full story here.

My Eternal King

Thanks to Coach Yates for sharing this Latin poem with us in our last staff meeting. The words are powerful and moving. Enjoy.

My Eternal King

My God, I love Thee;
not because I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
Must die eternally.

Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails, the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace.

Why, then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Or of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!

E’en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my Eternal King.

Quote of the Day

Today's quote is in memory of Bill Pritchard who passed away Tuesday, and will be laid to rest today. Bill was my wife's maternal grandfather, and one of the finest men I have ever known. He was strong, gentle, kind, compassionate, loving, giving, caring, and, to me, most of all, humble. He was a great man, and perhaps this quote explains why he was so great.

“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."

-- Rabindranath Tagore


Which reminds me of another great quote that Bill personified:

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

-- Jesus of Nazareth

Thursday's Schedule

VARSITY:

Get your lift at either 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, or 2:30pm.

3:15pm - FG and FG Block (Defense) Meeting (Other as called - check email tomorrow)


REDSHIRTS:

Will scrimmage and then go eat Fish/Chicken in Georgetown. Wear your Hawaiian outfit!

Quote of the Day

In honor of Coach John Wooden on his 99th birthday.

"Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights."

-- Coach John Wooden

HU's Micah Canterbury Named GSC Special Teams Player of the Week

Full story here.

Message from Coach Beason

Bisons,

On Tuesday:
3pm - Punt, Punt Return (including DEFENSE HOLD-UP), and "Look Team" Meeting

Congratulations to Micah Canterbury on being named GSC Special Teams Player of the Week (9 punts with a 36.1 yard average and OBU had no return yards). Good job, Micah, and good job to the other 10 guys on Punt Team. It starts with a good snap, good protection, and good coverage!

Also, we need two more REDSHIRTS to be ball boys this weekend for the Valdosta State game. Michael Beach and Tim Lackey have already committed, but we need two more. Please let me know ASAP if you would like to do this. This is a very important job and we need your help!

Players of the Week

MVP O - Zac Ross
MVP D - Marcus Jones
Big Play O - Zac Ross
Big Play D - Jason Thomasson
Special Teams MVP - Kyle Young & Daniel Phipps
Freshman of the Week - Davis Cocke

Opportunity

Southwest Middle School has requested a few Bison football players come out and speak to their students as a part of Red Ribbon Week, which is a week dedicated to being drug free. It will be on Thursday, October 22 around 12:30. E-mail Coach Edwards (ledward2@harding.edu) ASAP if you think you might be willing and able to help.

Harding Forces Six Turnovers in Upset of Ouachita Baptist

Full story here.

Bison of the Day

Josh Aldridge

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Jackson, Tenn.
Previous School: Jackson Christian

Career
Redshirted in 2008.

Previous School
As a three-year starter at Jackson Christian, he compiled over 300 career tackles and twice earned all-state ... coached by Brian Stewart.

As a senior, he led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks, and earned Region 8-2A Defensive Lineman of the Year, All-West Tennessee and Tennessee Class 2A All-State.

In his junior season, he helped lead Jackson Christian to the Tennessee Class 1A State Championship and was the Region 8-1A Defensive Player of the Year.

Personal
Born: Oct. 13, 1989 in Jackson, Tenn. ... Major: Social Science ... Parents: Steve and June Aldridge.

Quote of the Day

Perseverance is a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.

-- Ambrose Bierce

Bison of the Day

Jordan Watson

Position: WR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Class: Junior
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Previous School: Tate HS

Career
Career Games/Starts: 21/11 ... Bison debut: vs. Southwest Baptist (8/30/07) ... at Missouri Southern (8/30/08) ... 83 receptions, 1,222 yards, 11 TD.

Has earned two letters as a wide receiver ... ranks sixth at Harding in receptions per game (3.95), tied for eighth in TD receptions (11) and 12th in receiving yards (1,222).

Redshirted in 2006.

2008
Started all 11 games as a wide receiver ... 51 receptions, 808 yards and five TD.
Ranked fourth on the team in receptions (51) and second in receiving yards (808) and receiving TD (5) ... his 808 receiving yards ranked sixth in an HU single season.

Had two 100-yard receiving games and had two TD in both games ... had nine receptions for 161 yards and 2 TD vs. Delta State (9/20) and six receptions for 122 yards and 2 TD at Henderson State (11/1).

Ranked sixth in the GSC and 50th in the NCAA Division II with 73.5 receiving yards per game.


2007
Played in all 10 games as a wide receiver ... 32 receptions, 414 yards, 6 TD.

Had at least one reception in every game and three or more receptions in eight games ... made a season-high six receptions vs. Southwest Baptist (8/30).

Had more than 50 receiving yards in a game three times ... had a season-high 94 receiving yards on three receptions, including a 66-yard catch, the longest by a Bison in 2007, vs. West Georgia (10/4).

His six receiving touchdowns set a new Harding freshman record and tied for eighth in an HU single season ... had two touchdown catches vs. Southwest Baptist in his Bison debut.

Previous School
Started two seasons as a wide receiver for coach Charlie Armstrong at Tate High School in Pensacola, Fla.


Personal
Born: July 5, 1988 in Pensacola, Fla. … Major: Health/Kinesiology/Coaching … Parents: Scott and Kay Watson … has one brother (Jarred).

Career Highs
Receptions - 9 vs. Delta State (9/20/08)
Receiving Yards - 161 vs. Delta State (9/20/08)
Receiving TD - 2 (three times), last at Henderson State (11/1/08)

Quote of the Day

“Those who know how to win are much more numerous than those who know how to make proper use of their victories."

-- Polybius

Football Photos

Here is a link to Jeff Montgomery's photos.

Football Bisons Meet 20th-Ranked Ouachita Baptist

Full story here.

Bison of the Day

Jake Bolt

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark.
Previous School: Mountain Home HS

Previous School
A 2009 graduate of Mountain Home (Ark.) High School ... played free safety and wide receiver ... two-time Class 6A All-State ... three-time 6A East All-Conference ... coached by Shane Patrick.

Personal
Born: Oct. 24, 1990 in Little Rock, Ark. ... Major: Exercise Science ... Parents: Paul and Jackie Bolt ... has one sister (Nicole).

Quote of the Day

“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Players of the Week

Special Teams MVP - Braden Rubey and Darby Palmer
MVP O - Zac Ross
MVP D - Josh Jones
Big Play O - Chaz Rogers to Zac Ross
Big Play D - Jasper Bodiford
Freshman of the Week - Philip Mion

Quote of the Day

“It is only through labor and painful efforts, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.”

-- Theodore Roosevelt

Info for Redshirts

Redshirts,

We will lift as normal tomorrow (Monday) at your 3:30pm and 4:15pm lifting groups. We will NOT lift on Friday. The last thing you have with football this week is Thursday afternoon's practice. Remember, we do not have classes on Friday (Fall Break).

Harding Defense Keys 26-16 Victory over Southern Arkansas

Full story here.

Quote of the Day

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Bison of the Day

Mark Gutierrez-Durant

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245
Class: Junior
Hometown: Lancaster, Calif.
Previous School: Antelope Valley College


Career
Transferred to Harding from Antelope Valley College in January, 2008.

Previous Schools
Recorded 87 tackles, 9.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries as a sophomore at Antelope Valley College ... earned team MVP honors.

Played defensive end and tight end for coach Wayne Quigle at Calabasas (Calif.) High School.

Personal
Born: May 23, 1987 in North Hollywood, Calif. ... Major: Kinesiology ... Parent: Lisa Durant ... has two brothers and a sister.

Thursday's Schedule

Varsity Bisons,
Don't forget to get your lift today if you did not get it yesterday. The times for Thursday are 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am , 12pm, 1pm, and 2:30pm.

REDSHIRTS,
You will lift at 6am on Friday and then be off from football until Monday afternoon's lift.

Today's practice:

3:15pm - PUNT TEAM, PUNT RETURN, KICKOFF RETURN, FIELD GOAL KICKING TEAM

Everyone on the field by 3:35pm

Quote of the Day

“If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."

-- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Bison of the Day

Josh Powell

Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220
Class: Junior
Hometown: Spokane, Wash.
Previous School: Long Beach City College

Career
Transferred to Harding from Long Beach City College in January, 2008.

Previous Schools
Passed for 2,525 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore at Long Beach City College ... rushed for an additional 250 yards ... passed for 519 yards and five touchdowns in the last game of the season.

After earning First-Team All-Spokane League and honorable mention all-state honors as a senior in high school.

Signed with NCAA Division I Eastern Washington, but transferred after his red-shirt season.
A 2005 graduate of Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Wash. ... coached by Mark Hester.

Personal
Born: June 23, 1987 in Munich, Germany ... Major: Kinesiology ... Parents: Shawn and Kathleen Powell ... has three brothers (Shawn, Taylor and Drew).

Quote of the Day

Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.

-- Harry S. Truman

Players of the Week

Big Play D - Josh Jones
Big Play O - Josh Powell to Kale Gelles
Special Teams MVP - Braden Rubey
MVP D - Keenan Kitchen and Josh Jones
MVP O - Kale Gelles
Freshman of the Week - Will Walker

Bison Football Battles No. 3 North Alabama on Saturday

Story here.

Quote of the Day

He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.

-- Napolean

Bison of the Day

Dane Wilson

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Rockwall, Texas
Previous School: Dallas Christian

Previous School
A 2009 graduate of Dallas (Texas) Christian School ... earned All-District honors as a wide receiver and as a safety ... coached by Mike Wheeler.

Personal
Born: Sept. 27, 1990 in El Dorado, Ark. ... Major: Management ... Parents: Lendon Wilson and Angela Beasley.

Quote of the Day

Every time there are losses there are choices to be made. You choose to live your losses as passages to anger, blame, hatred, depression and resentment, or you choose to let these losses be passages to something new, something wider, and deeper.

-- Henri Nouwen

Bison of the Day

Jacob Bryan

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-8
Weight: 160
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: North Little Rock, Ark.
Previous School: Central Arkansas Christian

Career
Redshirted in 2008.

Previous School
Transferred to Harding from Central Arkansas in Conway.

Started two seasons as a wide receiver for current Harding offensive coordinator Tim Perry at Central Arkansas Christian in North Little Rock ... two-time all-conference ... won the state championship in his sophomore season.

Personal
Born: Nov. 23, 1988 in Little Rock, Ark. ... Major: Biology ... Parents: Don and Nancy Bryan ... has one brother (Ian).

Bison of the Day

Eddie Russ, Jr.

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
Class: Junior
Hometown: Cottondale, Fla.
Previous School: Antelope Valley College

Previous Schools
First-Team All-America by JC Grid-wire ... First-Team All-America by the California Community College Football Coaches Association.

Returned six kickoffs for TD as a sophomore, becoming the only collegiate football player ever to return more than four TD in a season ... returned the opening kickoff for a TD on three occasions, including the opening kickoff of the season.

Had 20 kickoff returns in 2008 for 836 yards, a 41.8-yard average, and six TD ... returned 19 punts for 239 yards (12.6 avg.) and a 90-yard TD ... scored nine TD (6 KOR, 1 PR, 1 Receiving, 1 Fumble Return).

First-Team All-American Pacific Conference as a cornerback.

Has run a sub-47.0 second 400 meters ... Florida high school Class A long jump champion ... finished second in the state high jump.

A 2005 graduate of Cottondale (Fla.) High School ... coached by Michael Melvin.

Personal
Born: March 24, 1987 in Cottondale, Fla. ... Major: Kinesiology ... Parents: Eddie Sr., and Theresa Rush ... has two brothers (Edward and Kenneth) and one sister (Shontay).

Quote of the Day

The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thought.

-- John Locke

Wednesday's schedule

3pm- KICKOFF, KICKOFF RETURN, and LOOK TEAM MEETING

3:20pm Practice starts

7:30pm - FOOTBALL CHURCH

9pm - REDSHIRTS LIFT (even if you have not been cleared by the Clearinghouse, you can still lift)

Redshirt Lift

All REDSHIRTS will lift tonight at 9pm. Even if you have not been cleared by the Clearinghouse, YOU CAN STILL LIFT WITH US! Make sure to spread the word to all of those who can not practice with us anymore that they can STILL LIFT with us. This is not an option.

Players of the Week

MVP O - Brad Parker
MVP D - Keenan Kitchen
MVP Special Teams - Kyle Young
Freshman of the Week - Marquale Pierson
Big Play O - Josh Powell to TD Davis
Big Play D - Luke Tribble

Bison of the Day

Alex Finley

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Highland Village, Texas
Previous School: Marcus HS

Previous School
Had 21 receptions for 220 yards and three TD as a senior at Marcus High School.

Two-time Athletic All-District 6-5A ... voted team captain ... member of the National Honor Society ... coached by Bryan Erwin.

Personal
Born: May 6, 1990 in Richardson, Texas ... Major: Economics ... Parents: Dave and Deb Finley ... has one brother (Peyton).

Quote of the Day - 9/22/09

We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.

-- Henry Ward Beecher

Bison of the Day

Eddie Frazier

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 260
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: West Fork, Ark.
Previous School: West Fork HS

Career
Redshirted in 2008.

Previous School
Frazier was honorable mention All-State as a defensive lineman at West Fork High School. He was also two-time All-Conference and two-time All-Northwest Arkansas by the NWA Times. Frazier also earned all-conference in basketball and baseball at West Fork.

Personal
Born: March 12, 1990 in Warren, Ark. ... Major: Physical Therapy ... Parents: Robin and Layron Beach ... has three brothers (Kiehl, Jed and David) and two sisters (Jasmin and Jordan).

Quote of the Day - 9/21/09

Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.

-- Og Mandino

Carpe Diem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Ntqg2BiVg&feature=player_embedded

Monday's Redshirt Lift

A message from Coach Beason:

Redshirts,

Monday afternoon at 3:30pm (GROUP A) and 4:15pm (GROUP B). Bring your cleats for some drills after the lift. Rest up and be ready to go!

Redshirt Update

We had another great - albeit short - Redshirt scrimmage yesterday. It's a whole lot of fun to watch those guys get after it. Most of them savor every moment and play.

The OL continues to impress. Dallon Hudson, Conner Walkup, Clayton Lemmons, Chase Jones and Kyle Reeves make-up a very solid unit, and they continue to improve. Jordan Garland threw the ball well. Alex Finley looked great in the screen game. Ryan Brown ran the ball very hard.

On D, Philip Mion continues to pursue the football like an absolute madman. His tenacity is downright inspiring. The LB corp of guys like Joe English, Taylor Powell, Cordell Rhodes and Justin Harper is a solid unit. Anthony Frizzell played well from his DL position.

This morning we had a great 6:00 AM workout with the Redshirts. It was quite enjoyable to be a part of their lift, even if it was at 6:00 AM. There are some great leaders emerging from that group. We all feel great about the young men who make up our Redshirt class, and the future of Bison Football. They seem to be fully embracing what we're about: Honoring God.

Quote of the Day - 9/18/09

We stumble and fall constantly even when we are most enlightened. But when we are in true spiritual darkness, we do not even know that we have fallen.

-- Thomas Merton

Bison of the Day

Pete Richardson

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-9
Weight: 195
Class: Senior
Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.
Previous School: Texas Tech University

Career

Transferred to Harding from Texas Tech in January, 2008.

Previous Schools

Played in 20 career games in three seasons at Texas Tech ... a high school teammate of current Bison Zac Ross at Muskogee (Okla.) High School ... was rated the No. 14 all-purpose back by Rivals.com and the No. 11 prospect overall out of Oklahoma.

As a senior at Muskogee, rushed 133 times for 926 yards and 15 touchdowns in only five games before missing the rest of the season with an injury ... as a junior, he led Oklahoma Class 6A in rushing with 1,700 yards and 29 touchdowns ... was also recruited by Texas A&M, Kansas, Oklahoma State and Tulsa ... played for coach Ron Lancaster.

Personal

Born: Oct. 25, 1986 in Muskogee, Okla. ... Major: Criminal Justice ... Parents: Peter Richardson and Jackie Guess ... has three brothers (Tyrone, Josh and Jacob) and two sisters (Cynthia and Sierra).

Quote of the Day - 9/17/09

“It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”

-- Mother Teresa

Bisons Travel to Meet #9 Delta State

Click here for the link to the story by HU SID, Scott Goode.

Bison of the Day

Ryan Brown

Position: Running Back
Height: 5-5
Weight: 155
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Trenton, Fla.
Previous School: Newberry HS

Previous School
Earned First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Area as a senior at Newberry (Fla.) High School ... also named his team's Offensive Player of the Year.

Rushed for 1,900 yards and scored 23 touchdowns ... returned five kickoffs and three punts for touchdowns ... coached by Tommy Keeler.

Member of the Newberry Chapter of FCA and Newberry FBLA.

Personal

Born: Nov. 9, 1990 in St. Petersburg, Fla. ... Major: Undeclared ... Parents: Guy and Sheryl Brown.

Leading

Below is an e-mail from a guy looking for some of you guys to serve. This would be a great opportunity. Contact Coach Edwards or Keith Miller if interested.
________

Coach,

My name is Keith Miller. I've coached Peewee football for several years. I've even been to a clinic over at Harding for the peewee football coaches a few years ago when Coach Tribble was head coach. Anyway, our team played our 1st game of the season last week. We have seven weeks left. It is not a very long season.

Anyway, I share a Bible lesson with boys as well. Would one of your players like to come over and talk / teach about a position(s) and share a Bible story? The Bible stories we talk about are in regards to teaming, hard work, responsibility, respect, honor, priorities, and so on.We have 28 players on the team. There are 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders on the team. They are a good bunch of boys.

If someone is interested, then they can contact me at 501-230-5003. Our practices right now are on Monday and Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.(full pads) and Fridays @ 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.(shorts and helmets).

Thanks,
Keith Miller

Hoosiers

A clip from one of my all-time favorite movies. Click here to view.

Schedule

(VARSITY get a lift on either Wednesday or Thursday. The times on Wednesday are 8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. The times on Thursday are 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2:30pm. This is VARSITY ONLY.)

Wednesday -
3pm: KICKOFF and KICKOFF RETURN MEETING, and "LOOK" TEAM
3:15pm: Practice
7:30pm - Football Church
9pm- REDSHIRTS LIFT

Thursday -
3:15pm- EXTRA POINT (kick team) and FIELD GOAL BLOCK (2 deep on defense) Meeting
3:30pm - Practice & REDSHIRT COMPETITION

Friday -
6am - REDSHIRTS LIFT
3pm - ALL SPECIAL TEAMS MEETING
3:15pm - On the field
10pm - Captain's Meeting (ALL VARSITY)

Saturday -
6pm - Kick-off @ DSU

Quote of the Day - 9/16/09

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”

-- Sandra Carey

Bison of the Day

Zane Brown

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-0
Weight: 300
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Previous School: Travis HS

Previous School

Earned First-Team All-District and First-Team Fort Bend Herald All-Area at Travis High School, a first-year football program ... coached by Randy Cunningham.

Played in the Space City Classic All-Star Game and the Bayou Bowl All-Star Game. Had 60 tackles, including 22 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior.

Personal

Born: Dec. 17, 1990 in Storm Lake, Iowa ... Major: Kinesiology ... Parents: Felton and Amy Brown ... has two brothers (Jake and Anthony) and one sister (Caitlin).

Game Recap

Bison Football Wins Thriller in Triple Overtime
Harding forced nine turnovers, including a fumble on the last play of the game.
by Scott Goode

SEARCY - Harding senior Zac Ross scored on a two-yard run in triple overtime and senior Josh Jones recovered a Southwest Baptist fumble in the endzone on the next possession to give the Bisons a 49-41 victory over the Bearcats on Saturday night at First Security Stadium. It was the first three-overtime game in Harding history and lasted four hours and 27 minutes. The score was tied 34-34 at the end of regulation, and both teams missed field goals in the first overtime.

In the second overtime, Southwest Baptist quarterback Steven Gachette scored on an 11-yard run and Brock Jolly kicked the extra point to put the Bearcats ahead 41-34.Harding (2-1) answered as junior running back Dominic Blood scored his third rushing touchdown of the game from a yard out. Micah Canterbury's extra point sent the game into the third overtime. Southwest Baptist (0-3) elected to have Harding go on offense first. Senior wide receiver Zac Ross made two huge plays for the Bisons on the drive. On 3rd-and-10, Ross caught an 18-yard pass from quarterback Josh Powell, and two plays later, scored on a two-yard run to put the Bisons ahead.

NCAA rules stipulate that teams must go for a two-point conversion in the third overtime, and Harding converted on a pass from Powell to Blood to give the Bisons an eight-point lead. On the Bearcats's first play in the third overtime, Gachette, who passed for 459 yards and rushed for 114 more, raced toward the endzone before Jones knocked him out of bounds at the 3-yard line. Gachette fumbled the snap on the next play, and Jones came up with the fumble recovery in the endzone to give the Bisons the victory.

The fumble was the ninth turnover forced by Harding in the game, tying a school record last accomplished against Lane in 1980. The Bisons recovered five fumbles and intercepted four passes.Harding ran a total of 127 plays in the game, a school and Gulf South Conference record. It was only three short of the NCAA Division II record set, ironically, by Southwest Baptist against Truman State in 2007.

The Bisons rushed for 227 yards, eclipsing the 200-yard rushing plateau for the first time since 2006. Blood was Harding's leading rusher, compiling 89 yards on 18 rushes. He became the first Bison to score three rushing touchdowns since Robert Lolohea in 2002. Powell completed 31-of-57 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns. It was his first career 300-yard game. Ross had seven catches for 83 yards, and Jordan Watson caught five for 89 yards.

Harding set a school record with 41 first downs, one short of the Division II record of 42, set by Delaware in 1973.Jones, a transfer from Minnesota-Moorhead, led the Harding defense with 15 tackles, a half-sack, two pass breakups, an interception returned for 30 yards and the game-winning fumble recovery. The teams combined for 1,248 yards of total offense, but committed 13 turnovers (SBU, 9 and HU, 4).

Harding will return to the road next Saturday, opening Gulf South Conference play at Delta State in Cleveland, Miss.

Tuesday's schedule

We will have a PUNT TEAM, PUNT RETURN TEAM (including 2-deep on defense), and LOOK TEAM meeting at 3pm.

Everyone needs to bring shoes for the gym each day this week.

Players of the Week vs. Southwest Baptist

Big Play D - Morgan Toline

MVP Special Teams - Daniel Phipps

Freshman of the Week - Alex Finley

Big Play O - Zac Ross

MVP D - Josh Jones

MVP O - Caleb Simmons

Quote of the Day - 9/15/09

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity.

-- Louis Pasteur

Bison of the Day

Zac Ross
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-6
Weight: 175
Class: Senior
Hometown: Kansas City, Mo.
Previous School: Muskogee HS/Oklahoma State

Career
Career Games/Starts: 21/13 ... Bison debut: vs. Southwest Baptist (8/30/07) ... First Career Start: vs. Southern Arkansas (10/20/07) ... 38 rushes, 111 yards, 4 TD; 29-of-52 passing, 334 yards, 3 TD; 114 receptions, 1,035 yards, 6 TD; 34 punt returns, 347 yards, 10.2 avg.; 61 kickoff returns, 1,455 yards, 1 TD, 23.9 avg.; 2,948 all-purpose yards; 3 tackles. Harding's career leader in kickoff return yards (1,455) and kickoff returns (61) ... ranks second in receptions per game (5.43) and all-purpose yards per game (140.4) ... ranks fifth in pass receptions (114), sixth in all-purpose yards (2,948) and kickoff return average (23.85), eighth in punt return yards (347) and ninth in punt return average (10.21). Has earned two letters as an all-purpose performer ... has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner. Transferred to Harding from Oklahoma State on Jan. 2, 2007.

Awards
2007
Football Gazette 3rd Team All-Southeast Region (All-Purpose)

2008
Started all 11 games, 10 at wide receiver and one at quarterback ... 30 rushes, 63 yards, 3 TD; 65 receptions, 523 yards, 2 TD; 28-of-50 for 310 yards, 3 TD; 29 kickoff returns, 629 yards, 1 TD; 16 punt returns, 213 yards, 2 tackles. Led Harding with 65 receptions, second-most in an HU single season ... ranked seventh in the GSC and 35th in NCAA II with 5.91 receptions per game ... had five or more receptions in each of the season's first 10 games ... had a season-high eight receptions vs. Southern Arkansas (10/4) ... had seven catches for a season-high 80 yards at North Alabama (9/25). Ranked third in the GSC and 13th in NCAA II with a 13.31-yard punt return average ... it was the sixth-best single-season average by a Bison ... had a season-long 40-yard punt return vs. West Alabama (9/6). Ranked 10th in the GSC and 89th in NCAA II with a 21.69-yard kickoff return average ... had an 86-yard kickoff return for a TD vs. Southern Arkansas (10/4) ... it was only the fifth kickoff return for a TD in school history and the first since 1989, a streak of 786 kickoff returns ... earned GSC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Started at quarterback in Harding's final game of the season against Arkansas Tech (11/8) ... completed 27-of-48 passes for 309 yards and two TD ... also rushed 20 times for 28 yards.
Compiled 1,428 all-purpose yards, eighth in an HU single season ... ranked fifth in the GSC and 33rd in NCAA II with 129.8 all-purpose yards per game.

2007
Played in all 10 games with two starts ... played several offensive positions and returned both kickoffs and punts ... 8 rushes, 48 yards, 1 TD; 1-for-2 passing, 24 yards; 49 receptions, 512 yards, 4 TD; 18 punt returns, 134 yards; 32 kickoff returns, 826 yards. Compiled 1,520 all-purpose yards to rank third in the GSC and 22nd in NCAA II ... it was the fifth-most all-purpose yards in a Harding single season and the fourth-best all-purpose yards per game average (152.0) ... had more than 200 all-purpose yards in two games, including 268 yards at Arkansas-Monticello (9/22), the fifth-highest single-game total in school history. Against West Alabama (9/29), rushed for a nine-yard touchdown, caught a 21-yard touchdown pass, and completed a 24-yard pass. Ranked second on the team with 49 receptions, including a season-high 10 catches for 125 yards against Arkansas Tech (11/3) ... both tied for the most by a Harding receiver in 2007 ... ranked eighth in the GSC in receptions per game (4.90) ... had a season-best two TD receptions vs. Arkansas Tech. Had 32 kickoff returns, the second-highest single-season total by a Harding player ... his 826 kickoff return yards broke the 27-year-old school record of Lafe Caton ... his kickoff return average of 25.81 yards ranked seventh in HU history, was fourth in the GSC and 36th in NCAA II ... set a Harding record with 199 kickoff return yards against Arkansas-Monticello, earning GSC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Returned 18 punts for 134 yards ... ranked seventh in the GSC and 66th in NCAA II with a 7.4-yard average.

Previous Schools
Redshirted at Oklahoma State in 2005 and was on the active roster in 2006.
Ross lettered in football, basketball and baseball his freshman and sophomore years at Fort Gibson (Okla.) High School ... he then transferred to Muskogee and led the Roughers to the first round of the Class 6A playoffs both his junior and senior seasons ... had 1,500 passing yards, 800 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior.

Personal
Born: Sept. 9, 1986 in Fayette, Mo. ... Major: Kinesiology ... Parents: David and Alice Ross ... has two brothers (Hayden and Darce) and one sister (Brogan).

Career Highs
Rushes - 20 at Arkansas Tech (11/8/08)
Rushing Yards - 28 at Arkansas Tech (11/8/08)
Rushing TD - 1 (four times), last at Henderson State (11/1/08)
Receptions - 10 vs. Arkansas Tech (11/3/07)
Receiving Yards - 125 vs. Arkansas Tech (11/3/07)
Receiving TD - 2 vs. Arkansas Tech (11/3/07)
Kickoff Returns - 8 at Arkansas-Monticello (9/22/07)
Kickoff Return Yards - 199 at Arkansas-Monticello (9/22/07)
Punt Returns - 4 (twice), last at Southern Arkansas (10/20/07)
Punt Return Yards - 40 vs. West Alabama (9/6/08)

Congrats to Josh Jones

Josh Jones Named GSC Player of the Week
Jones had 15 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
by Scott Goode

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Harding University senior defensive back Josh Jones was named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Jones earned his first-ever weekly honor, leading Harding to a 49-41 triple-overtime home win over Southwest Baptist by making two key plays in the final overtime. Jones racked up 15 tackles, including eight solo stops and a half-sack. He also intercepted a pass and returned it for 30 yards, recovered one fumble and broke up two passes. The Carson, Calif., native's interception led to a Bison field goal while both pass breakups came in the Harding end zone. Jones made a game-saving tackle on Harding's three-yard line in the final overtime then recovered a fumbled Southwest Baptist snap, icing the victory.

Quote of the Day - 9/14/09

“Prosperity tries the fortunate; adversity tries the great.”

-- Rose F. Kennedy

Bison of the Day

Terone Shephard

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Spring Hill, Tenn.
Previous School: Independence HS

Previous School

Named one of Independence's 2008 senior captains for coach Jason Eubanks.
In his career, he amassed almost 100 tackles and 10 interceptions ... named All-Region.
Helped lead Independence to the Tennessee Class 5A state championship game in 2007.
Served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Personal

Born: Aug. 26, 1990 in Columbus, Ohio
Major: Sports Management
Parents: Keith and Robin Davis ... has one brother (Fredrick) and two sisters (Nyesha and Taylor).

Notables from the victory over Southwest Baptist

From Scott Goode, HU SID:

Below is a list of records and highlights from Harding University's 49-41 victory over Southwest Baptist in triple overtime Saturday (and almost Sunday) at First Security Stadium in Searcy, Ark.

Most total plays - 127

• Set a new Harding and GSC record ... only three short of the NCAA II record of 130 set by Southwest Baptist in 2007
• Old Harding record was 103 set last season at Southwest Baptist.
• 70 rushing plays was tied for third in a Harding single game and was the most rushing plays since rushing 70 times against Arkansas A&M in 1970.
• 57 passes were the seventh-most ever attempted by a Harding team.
  

Most first downs - 41

• Broke the Harding and GSC record of 39 set last season vs. Arkansas Tech.
• One short of the NCAA Division II record set by Delaware in 1973.

Turnovers forced - 9 (5 fumbles recovered, 4 interceptions)

• Tied the school record, last set in 1980 vs. Lane.
  

Most total offensive plays, individual - 82, Josh Powell

• Powell rushed 25 times and threw 57 passes
• Old record was 79 by David Knighton last season at Southwest Baptist.

Tied for second most fumbles recovered - 5

• Last recovered five fumbles vs. Henderson State in 2004 (record is seven).

Dominic Blood's three rushing touchdowns tied for second in a single game.

• Last player to rush for three touchdowns in a game was Robert Lolohea vs. Arkansas-Monticello in 2002.

Harding gained 594 yards of total offense, third-most in an HU single game.

• It was the most yards gained since posting a school-record 674 vs. Arkansas Tech in 2007.

Josh Jones had 15 tackles, tied for fourth-most in a game by a Bison since tackles became an official NCAA stat in 2000.

• Sevohn Greer had 19 tackles vs. Ouachita Baptist last season.

Dominic Blood scored 20 points in the game, sixth in an HU single game.

• It was the most points by a Bison player since Robert Lolohea scored 24 points against Ouachita Baptist in 2002.

Josh Powell had 428 yards of total offense (sixth in an HU single game)

Bison of the Day

John Ikahihifo

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-0
Weight: 295
Class: Junior
Hometown: Palmdale, Calif.
Previous School: Highland HS/Antelope Valley College

Previous School
First-Team All-California Region IV at Antelope Valley College ... All-Foothill Conference ... team MVP.

Team leader in defensive productivity points ... spent last two years doing mission work for his church ... bench presses over 450 pounds.

Played for Coach Sam Vaiana at Highland High School in West Palmdale, Calif.

Personal

Born: March 13, 1985 in Torrance, Calif. ... Major: Undeclared ... Parents: Poasi and Barbara Ikahihifo ... has two brothers (Ngalumaa and Heath) and three sisters (Lupe, Kathenia and Lavinia).

Bisons defeat Southwest Baptist in 3 OTs

I'd say more, but I don't know where to start. I'm sure Scott Goode will have a good recap on the Harding University Athletics site soon.

Quote of the Day - 9/12/09

“An average man acts out his thoughts, and never takes responsibility for what he does. A warrior takes responsibility for his actions, even the most trivial.”

-- Carlos Castaneda

Bison of the Day

JOSH JONES

Position: Defensive Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
Class: Senior
Hometown: Carson, Calif.
Previous School: Minnesota State-Moorhead

Career
Transferred to Harding in January, 2008.

Previous Schools
First-Team Daktronics All-America as a sophomore at Minnesota State-Moorhead ... finished second in the nation with 10 interceptions ... First-Team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in 2006.

Graduated from Bishop Montgomery HS in Torrance, Calif. ... team captain ... Second-Team All-Del Ray League at running back and safety ... coached by Arnold Ale.

Personal
Born: May 15, 1987 in Los Angeles, Calif. ... Major: Broadcast Journalism ... Parents: Melvin Jones and Rene Roque ... has one brother (Joseph).

Winning and Losing

Would you play for a team that hadn't won a game since 2002? Only true warriors would. Click here for the whole story.

Eight years ago today

Remembering a horrible, horrible day in history.

Quote of the Day - 9/11/09

“The good things which belong to prosperity are to be wished, but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired."

-- Seneca

Redshirts

Coach Beason raved about the redshirt lift that occurred on Wednesday night. His quote was, "I wish you could have witnessed the energy in the redshirt workout last night. It was very inspiring. There are a bunch of those guys that really get after it in the weight room and are developing as leaders."

On another Redshirt note, we had our second Redshirt scrimmage yesterday, and the guys did not disappoint. We did some 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 drills, and there was some major hitting going on. Philip Mion got after it as well as anyone out there. Cordell Rhodes also impressed with his pursuit of the football and tenacity, and Marquale Pierson & Joe English also laid some big licks. Sammy Williams looked very good running the ball, as did Ryan Brown. We also saw some great blocking out of Clayton Lemmons and Conner Walkup.

I look forward to several great years with these young men. They have a chance to be a special group.

Leadership

Dr. William Cohen in his book, The Stuff of Heroes, writes that the eight universal laws of leadership are:

1. Maintain absolute integrity.
2. Know your stuff.
3. Declare your expectations.
4. Show uncommon commitment.
5. Expect positive results.
6. Take care of your people.
7. Put duty before self.
8. Get out in front.

Quote of the Day - 9/10/09

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."

-- African Proverb

Calling Iron Bisons

See Coach Huck ASAP to tell him what size of jacket you would like.

2009 Iron Bisons

O & D LINE:
1. Mark Gutierrez
Total: 20 Bench Press: 408 Hang Clean: 315 Condition: 8th
2. Andrew Jackson
Total: 18 Bench Press: 374 Hang Clean: 322 Condition: DNR
3. Garrett Taylor
Total: 15.5 Bench Press: 353 Hang Clean: 283 Condition: 6th
4. Alex Franklin
Total: 15 Bench Press: 312 Hang Clean: 308 Condition: 2nd
4. L.J. Tarrant
Total: 15 Bench Press: 308 Hang Clean: 316 Condition: 4th

COMBO:
1. Jeremy Townsend
Total: 26.5 Bench: 347 Hang Clean: 316 Condition: 2nd
2. Kennard Henderson
Total: 23.5 Bench: 365 Hang Clean: 316 Condition: 6th
3. Jeff Wood
Total: 20 Bench Press: 300 Hang Clean: 322 Condition: 4th
3. Jason Thomasson
Total: 20 Bench: 308 Hang Clean: 297 Condition: 3rd
5. Jermaine Blanchard
Total: 13 Bench: 340 Hang Clean: 291 Condition: DNR
5. Darby Palmer
Total: 13 Bench Press: 305 Hang Clean: 282 Condition: 7th
5. Jared Guinn
Total: 13 Bench Press: 330 Hang Clean: 236 Condition: 5th
5. Chaz Rogers
Total: 13 Bench Press: 270 Hang Clean: 270 Condition: 1st

SKILL:
1. Braden Rubey
Total: 24.5 Bench: 380 Hang Clean: 330 Condition: 6th
2. Heath Hammond
Total: 22 Bench Press: 341 Hang Clean: 308 Condition: 4th
3. Kyle Young
Total: 21 Bench Press: 353 Hang Clean: 304 Condition: 5th
4. Jordan Watson
Total: 18.5 Bench: 325 Hang Clean: 275 Condition: 1st
5. Jasper Bodiford
Total: 16 Bench Press: 318 Hang Clean: 318 Condition: 8th

Reminders from Coach Beason

SCHEDULE REMINDERS:

VARSITY, get a lift on either Wednesday or Thursday. The times on Wednesday are 8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. The times on Thursday are 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2:30pm. This is VARSITY ONLY.

Wednesday -
3pm: KICKOFF and KICKOFF RETURN MEETING, and "LOOK" TEAM
3:15pm: Practice
7:30pm - Football Church
9pm- REDSHIRTS LIFT

Thursday -
3:30pm- EXTRA POINT (kick team) and FIELD GOAL BLOCK (2 deep on defense Meeting
3:45pm - Practice & REDSHIRT SCRIMMAGE

Friday -
3pm - ALL SPECIAL TEAMS MEETING
3:15pm - On the field
3:30pm REDSHIRTS in the WEIGHT ROOM
4:15pm - LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING
11pm - Captain's Meeting (ALL VARSITY)

Saturday -
10am - REDSHIRTS LIFT
6pm - Kick-off vs. Southwest Baptist

Players of the Week

vs. MSSU
O MVP - Brad Parker, SR, OL, Milton, FL
D MVP - Keenan Kitchen, SR, DL, Niagara Falls, NY
Special Teams - Zac Ross, SR, WR/KR, Kansas City, MO
O Big Play - Josh Powell, JR, QB, Spokane, WA to Tyler O'Quin, SO, WR, Wylie, TX
D Big Play - Andrew Jackson, SR, DL, Milton, FL & Josh Jones, SR, DB, Carson, CA
Freshman of the Week - Clayton Lemmons, RsFR, OL, Memphis, TN


vs. UWA
O MVP - Kale Gelles, SO, WR, Colleyville, TX
D MVP - Josh Jones, SR, DB, Carson, CA
Special Teams - Zac Ross, SR, WR/KR, Kansas City, MO
O Big Play - Josh Powell, JR, QB, Spokane, WA to Kale Gelles, SO, WR, Colleyville, TX
D Big Play - Andrew Jackson, Sr., DL, Milton, FL
Freshman of the Week - Taylor Powell, RsFR, LB, Kennewick, WA

Quote of the Day - 9/9/09

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be."

-- John Heywood

The Blog is Back

Amidst our short week and trip to West Alabama, the blog suffered a setback due to a security breech (I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Department of Homeland Security, but you never know), thus we've been offline for a week. All is well now, and the problems seem to be resolved, so we're back. Sorry if you've lost any sleep over this issue.

Quote of the Day - 9/1/09

“I do not love the bright sword for it's sharpness, nor the arrow for it's swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend”

-- J.R.R. Tolkien

Opportunity

Bisons,

Below is an email sent to Coach Huck regarding officiating pee wee football games. This could get some of you guys (REDSHIRTS, mainly) a little extra money. Read the email if interested and make a phone call to one of the men listed.

Coach Huck,

We need 2 to 4 guys a week to work the sidelines as officials. Pay is meager (but so was college life when I was a student) at $10 per official, per game. Games usually begin around 9:00 AM on Saturdays and go until around 4 PM. There were 5 games each Saturday last year, so I’m assuming that will remain the same.The season begins on September 12th and ends on Oct 31st. Have any interested guys contact me or Mark Biviano (501) 230-5751. Let me know if you have any further questions. Have a great season!

Blake Hendrix
State Farm Agent
1550 W. Beebe-Capps Expy
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 268-8638

Information from Coach Beason

We have a KICKOFF and KICKOFF RETURN meeting, as well as a "LOOK TEAM" meeting at 3pm today. EVERYONE will report to the field in SHELLS between 3:15pm and 3:20pm to start "Specialist" time at 3:20pm. During this time, all snappers, holders, kickers, returners need to be getting quality reps at their job(s). Also at this time, today we will walk-through "Defensive Hold-Up" and PUNT RETURN against the "Look Team."