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Harding University Athletics

2023 football story image vs. UAM
19
Ark.-Monticello UAM 2-1 , 2-1
59
Winner Harding HAR 3-0 , 3-0
Ark.-Monticello UAM
2-1 , 2-1
19
Final
59
Harding HAR
3-0 , 3-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
UAM Ark.-Monticello 6 6 0 7 19
HAR Harding 21 14 14 10 59

Game Recap: Football | | Scott Goode (9/16/23)

No. 11 Harding's Dominant Defense Tames Arkansas-Monticello in 59-19 Rout

SEARCY – Harding's defense stifled the Great American Conference's highest-scoring offense, allowing only two offensive touchdowns and 217 total yards while forcing four turnovers. Meanwhile, Harding's offense dominated with 424 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, resulting in a resounding 59-19 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday, drawing a crowd of Family Weekend supporters at First Security Stadium. 

The win propelled Harding to a 3-0 season record, while Arkansas-Monticello dropped to 2-1.

In the first half, Harding scored five rushing touchdowns, with junior fullback Blake Delacruz contributing three of them, propelling the Bisons to a commanding 35-12 halftime lead. The third quarter saw quarterback Cole Keylon adding another touchdown with a 1-yard run, and the Harding defense notched its second fumble return touchdown of the season as defensive end Devonte Manning recovered a fumble forced by linebacker Clark Griffin in the end zone, extending Harding's lead to 49-12. The Bisons' seventh rushing touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 32-yard run by Tyler Ross, and kicker Grant Ennis capped off the scoring with a 33-yard field goal.

Despite entering the game with an average of 494.5 yards, including 336.5 passing yards, UAM was limited by Harding's defense to just 183 passing yards and suffered three interceptions.

Harding showcased its depth by utilizing 13 different players in the running game, with slotback Jhalen Spicer leading the charge with 78 yards on five carries.

TEAM NOTES
  • With 424 rushing yards, Harding eclipsed the 300-yard rushing mark for the 98th time since moving to the flexbone in 2010 … Harding has rushed for six TD or more 35 times during the same period.
  • Harding's win was its seventh straight overall and its fourth consecutive home win.
  • Harding is now 60-9 in GAC games since 2016.
  • Harding's defense has forced 13 turnovers through three games … the Bisons had 12 forced turnovers in the entire 2022 season … Harding has six fumble recoveries and seven interceptions.
  • Harding allowed only 34 rushing yards on 28 carries … over the last two weeks, Bison opponents have only 43 rushing yards on 43 carries.
  • The Bisons have punted only once per game.
  • Harding held UAM to only 3-of-16 on third down … the Bisons faced only seven third downs offensively.
PLAYER NOTES
  • Junior fullback Blake Delacruz rushed for 23 yards on five carries and had three TD … it was his second multi-TD game of the season and fifth of his career … eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for his career and how has 1,017 rushing yards … Delacruz moved into Harding's career top 10 with 18 rushing TD.
  • Sophomore slot back Braden Jay led Harding with 117 all-purpose yards … he rushed three times for 44 yards, had a 39-yard reception and a 34-yard kickoff return … Jay also blocked an extra point attempt on special teams.
  • Sophomore quarterback Tyler Ross scored the first rushing TD of his career on a 32-yard run.
  • Sophomore quarterback Cole Keylon scored his ninth career rushing TD.
  • Sophomore linebacker Clark Griffin led Harding in tackles for the third straight game … he registered 11 tackles, tying his career high … had 3.0 tackles for loss, a career high … had his second career forced fumble
  • Senior linebacker Zach Strickland set a career high with 10 tackles
  • Freshman cornerback Troy Wiseman had his first two career pass breakups.
  • Junior defensive linemen Gage Price and Wesley Coleman both set career highs with 2.0 TFL and both recorded their first sacks of the season … junior Dre Hall had his second sack of the season.
  • Junior defensive backs Travis Greenawalt and Darion Dunlap-Johnson both had their first interceptions as Bisons … senior defensive back Cooper Carroll had the third interception of his career.
  • Junior defensive lineman Devonte Manning scored his first career TD on a fumble recovery in the end zone.
SERIES NOTES
  • With the win, Harding now holds a 34-24 series lead, including a 17-13 advantage in Searcy … Harding has won the last 12 meetings between the teams.
UP NEXT
  • The Bisons go on the road next Saturday to take on nationally ranked Henderson State at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.





 
Gallery: (9-16-2023) 2023 Football vs. UAM


 
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