Coach Huckeba's Postgame Interview

BETHANY, Okla. – Harding used a relentless running game and a stifling second half defense to defeat Southern Nazarene 42-13 in non-conference action on Saturday at SNU Football Stadium.

It was Harding's third straight road victory to open the season and the first time since 2004 that the Bisons started 3-0.

Harding (3-0) rushed for 441 yards, its fifth-highest total in program history, on a school-record 79 rushing attempts and scored five touchdowns on the ground.

Southern Nazarene (0-4), who will be a full member of the Great American Conference next season, scored its touchdowns on a fake punt and a fumble return. The Crimson Storm had only 167 yards of total offense, including just 57 in the second half. Harding's defense allowed Southern Nazarene only seven first downs, including only one rushing first down, and limited the Crimson Storm to 1-of-13 on third down.

With Harding leading 28-7 entering the fourth quarter, Southern Nazarene pulled within two touchdowns when Crimson Storm safety Josh Daugherty scooped up a Harding fumble and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. It was the third defensive touchdown scored by Southern Nazarene this season. Ian Sanders' extra point attempt was no good, and Harding led 28-13.

Harding's Daniel Riley forced a fumble on Southern Nazarene's next possession deep in Crimson Storm territory, and Bison junior D'Nico Jackson-Best scored his second touchdown of the game two plays later on a 5-yard run making the score 35-13.

The Bisons tacked on its final touchdown with 4:30 left in the game. Backup quarterback Keenan Kellett hit freshman Tre' Clark with a pass down the Harding sideline. Clark cut across the field and scored a 55-yard touchdown. It was Kellett's first career touchdown pass and Clark's first touchdown reception.

Harding scored first in the game on a 21-yard reverse to wide receiver Donatella Luckett, who lined up on the right side and took a pitch from quarterback Kelvin Martin and raced untouched for the score.

Southern Nazarene tied the game at 7-7 with 4:07 left in the first quarter. Chris Hunter, one of the upbacks on the punt team, took the snap and pounded up the middle for a 32-yard touchdown. Hunter was Southern Nazarene's best offensive weapon, rushing 10 times for 80 yards.

The second quarter belonged to Harding. The Bisons scored on a Jackson-Best 11-yard run and two short quarterback-keepers by Martin.

Jackson-Best became the first Harding player this season to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. He finished with 103 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns. Fullback Romo Westbrook rushed for 96 yards on 19 carries, and Martin carried 18 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

Harding's defense had seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and forced two turnovers. Senior linebacker Aaron Gillaspie led Harding with five tackles, including a tackle for loss.

Harding finally plays its first home game next Saturday against East Central at First Security Stadium in Searcy. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.