Box Score

SEARCY – Harding fullback Kale Gelles' 59-yard touchdown on the Bisons' first play from scrimmage was the first of a school-record eight rushing touchdows as Harding cruised to a 70-28 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State in Great American Conference play at First Security Stadium.

Harding (3-5, 2-1) hit the 70-point plateau for the second time this season and remained one of only three teams in the GAC with fewer than two conference losses.

Southwestern Oklahoma (4-4, 2-4) lost its third straight and gave up its highest point total since falling 76-6 to North Texas State in 1950.

Harding scored touchdowns on each of its six possessions in the first half and led 42-21 at halftime. The Bisons picked up two rushing touchdowns in the first half from senior slot back Jeremy Holt, and one each from Gelles, Braden Rubey and Ahmad Scott.

Harding also scored on a 77-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Chaz Rogers to senior Tyler O'Quin, the eighth-longest scoring pass in program history. Rogers has completed each of his last three passes for touchdowns of 75 yards or longer.

It was more of the same for the Bisons in the second half. After punting on its first possession, junior quarterback Kelvin Martin rushed for a 5-yard touchdown with 4:21 left to put Harding up 49-21.

The Bisons added additional rushing touchdowns from Rubey and redshirt freshman Romo Westbrook in the fourth quarter and also scored a defensive touchdown on a 49-yard interception return by junior Jasper Bodiford. It was the sixth defensive touchdown of the season for Harding, breaking the school record of five set in 1996 when the Bisons returned five interceptions for touchdowns.

Harding rolled up 479 yards on the ground, the second-highest total in program history and the fourth time this season the Bisons have gone over 450 rushing yards. Holt, Martin and Gelles each rushed for more than 100 yards, marking the first time three different Bisons have rushed for 100 yards or more in the same game. Holt had 113 yards on five carries, Martin had 110 yards on 19 carries, and Gelles had 104 yards on 11 carries.

Southwestern Oklahoma had 513 total yards, including 438 passing yards and four touchdowns by quarterback Dustin Stenta. It was five turnovers, two interceptions and three fumbles, which stymied the Bulldog offense. Wide receiver Esau Bauknight had eight catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Harding's defense had seven tackles for losses, including five sacks. Sophomore B.J. Jones and junior Josh Aldridge had two sacks each. The Bulldogs rushed for only 75 yards on 19 carries.

Harding plays its second straight home game next Saturday, as it hosts Ouachita Baptist for Homecoming 2011. Kickoff at First Security Stadium is at 3 p.m. The new Jim Citty Football and Athletic Training Complex will be dedicated earlier in the day.