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Harding University Athletics

2024 Football story image vs. Southern Arkansas.jpg
17
Southern Ark. SAU 6-2 , 6-2
49
Winner Harding HAR 7-1 , 7-1
Southern Ark. SAU
6-2 , 6-2
17
Final
49
Harding HAR
7-1 , 7-1
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
SAU Southern Ark. 3 0 7 7 17
HAR Harding 14 21 7 7 49

Game Recap: Football |

No. 7 Harding Rolls Past No. 22 Southern Arkansas on Homecoming

SEARCY, Ark. – In front of a lively Homecoming crowd of more than 5,000 at First Security Stadium, the No. 7 Harding Bisons put on a show, dominating No. 22 Southern Arkansas 49-17 on Saturday afternoon. The victory marked Harding's 10th consecutive Homecoming win and 14th straight home triumph, tying the school record set from 2018-21.

The Bisons' potent rushing attack proved unstoppable, churning out 340 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Senior running back Braden Jay led the charge with 136 yards on just seven carries, including a 73-yard sprint that pushed Harding's lead to 14-3 in the first quarter.

Chauncey Martin added two scoring runs, including an 11-yarder on Harding's opening possession and a 47-yard dash in the second quarter. Martin's touchdowns were his first two of the season.

Harding's special teams unit contributed to the scoring in the second quarter when Kendale Allen recovered a muffed punt in the end zone, increasing the lead to 28-3 with 12:20 remaining in the half. Allen also had 93 kickoff return yards to move into second place on Harding's career list with 1,300 kickoff return yards.

Quarterback Cole Keylon connected with Blake Delacruz on a 52-yard touchdown pass, marking Delacruz's first career receiving touchdown to go with his 42 rushing scores. Delacruz, who added 52 yards on 11 rushes, moved past Jim Howard (2,823 yards, 1964-67) for fourth place on Harding's career rushing yards list with 2,846 yards.

The Bisons' defense stifled Southern Arkansas, holding the Muleriders to just one touchdown in four trips to the red zone. Harding's pass rush recorded four sacks, harassing Southern Arkansas quarterback Judd Barton throughout the contest.

Linebacker Clark Griffin tied his career high with 14 tackles for the second consecutive game, moving him into Harding's career top 10 in tackles with 227.

Southern Arkansas (6-2, 6-2) scored its first touchdown on Jariq Scales' 1-yard run in the third quarter. Barton connected with Seth Johnson for a 49-yard touchdown pass in the fourth.

Harding's victory marked its fifth straight win over Southern Arkansas.

The Bisons will look to extend their winning streak on Thursday, Oct. 31, when they host Southeastern Oklahoma at 7 p.m. at First Security Stadium.




 
Gallery: (10-26-2024) 2024 Football vs. Southern Ark.
 
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