12 Aug 2014 Harding: Focused Bisons charge for first GAC title in 2014

Conference: Great American
Coach: Ronnie Huckeba
’13 Record: 9-2 (8-2)

With a new season around the corner, Harding Bisons fans have a lot to be excited for in 2014. In December, Harding cruised to a 44-3 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce, becoming the first Great American Conference team to earn a postseason win and the team’s first postseason win since 1972.

This fall, Harding will look to achieve a handful of new goals, including locking up the Great American Conference championship and capturing another playoff victory. Taking the conference title will be no easy task, however, as in-state rival Henderson State should prove to be a formidable opponent that will make the teams’ Oct. 25 showdown a memorable one.

Experienced senior Keenan Kellett passed for more than 1,000 yards and seven scores a year ago. The quick-footed quarterback also added 12 rushing touchdowns, proving to be a game changer. Donatella Luckett leads a talented receiving corps and will undoubtedly be Kellett’s top target. The senior hauled in three touchdowns and racked up 570 yards on 28 receptions last year and also excels on special teams.

Harding led the conference with 359.7 rushing yards per game last year, due in large part to talented senior Romo Westbrook. The fullback led the conference with 1,123 rushing yards and provided 12 rushing touchdowns, just shy of the conference lead. Westbrook was also recently named to the 2014 Pre-Season Division II All-America first team. Seniors Ahmad Scott and Jason Oller are expected to share the workload in the backfield as well.

Senior Mike Thompson, also a Pre-Season Division II All-America first team honoree, is considered the team’s top offensive lineman and offers protection for Kellett, while creating opportunities for the running game to shine. Joining Thompson on the line are seniors Tory Day, Patrick Bingham and Mike Gallaway.

Harding will vie for its third-consecutive season of leading the GAC in total defense and scoring defense. The Bisons’ brick-wall defense returns six starters, led by seniors Romas Roberson and Darious Lane. Look for junior Matthew Cain and sophomore Daylan Skidmore to make an impact as well. Roberson plugs gaps well and recorded 3.5 sacks a year ago. Skidmore led the team in tackles as a freshman last season and looks to provide leadership at linebacker.