Sep 272 min read

Harding, Henderson State Set to Clash in Heavyweight Fight

Blake Delacruz — © Jeff Montgomer/Harding University

When the sun begins to set and the lights come on inside First Security Stadium on Sept. 28, Searcy, Ark. will play host to one of the most intriguing Division II matchups of the day.

No. 1 Harding (3-0, 3-0 Great American Conference) will take on No. 20 Henderson State (3-0, 3-0 ) at 8 p.m. EST. The Bisons are coming off a 63-3 road triumph over Arkansas-Monticello on Sept. 19, while the Reddies' last contest was a 27-12 home win over Arkansas Tech.

What's at Stake?

Both teams carry undefeated records and a lot of pride into this matchup. This game represents an important step for the Bisons in their quest for another national championship, while a road victory for the Reddies against the No. 1 team in the nation would prove that they're true championship contenders.

Key Players: Harding

It's difficult to pinpoint specific players on Harding's squad that stand out, but sophomore running back Andrew Miller has certainly made a name for himself. The Searcy native leads the team in rushing with 245 yards on just 19 carries.

Of course, quarterback Cole Keylon will be instrumental in both the running and passing game, while junior running back Braden Jay will see the football in his hands plenty, whether it be on the ground or through the air.

Key Players: Henderson State

Quarterback Andrew Edwards leads the Reddies into the game with 5 passing touchdowns and 738 yards under his belt, while running back Jeremiah Davis leads Henderson State with 294 rushing yards. Like Harding, Henderson State is a team with few glaring issues, a trait that's made clear when looking at the team's very balanced stat sheet.

Trends to Watch

Harding has won four of their past five games against Henderson State, but it should be noted that the loss over that timeframe came in Searcy in 2022. That 15-14 loss was Harding's only home loss of the 2022 season, and not a loss that Bisons players, coaches or fans will be quick to forget. Last season, the eventual national-champion Bisons came out of Arkadelphia, Ark., with a 27-16 victory over the Reddies—a result they hope to replicate this season.