Above: Bison running back Isaiah Mallory stiff arms his Arkansas at Montecello opponent during the Saturday Homecoming game.
Bison won 33-31.
Anthony williams
Assistant Sports Editor
The Oklahoma Baptist University football team took on the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Saturday October 26 at 2 p.m. at Crain stadium. The head-on matchup took place homecoming weekend.
“It’s always a special feeling playing in front of alumni just because of the history of the former Bison,” senior business management major and safety Myles Russell said.
The Bison want to perform at a high level for the alumni, playing against a team that has a 5-2 record.
“A lot of former guys that I have a lot of respect for come down to watch the game,” Russell said. “It definitely means a lot and it’s a game that holds a lot of weight. Personally, my motivation is the guys that led the path before me. Getting a win for this is something that means something to me,” Russell said.
Above: Freshman quarterback Keilahn Harris looks for an opening.
The team prepared for this game as if it was just like any other.
“We prepared like we do every week,” senior occupational therapy major and defensive back Ke’ landus Culton said.
“[We] know our assignment, our opponents, what we did wrong last week so we won’t make the same mistakes twice, and overall just have fun being out there. The coaches really keyed on being confident and playing fast each play,” Culton said.
“Each week we set out our game plan on how we’ re going to dominate the opposing team,” Russell said.
“We had a really good practice Monday and Tuesday especially on the defensive side of the ball. We were communicating in pursuing faster. Even with all the rain we were still going 100 mph. Coach says all the time control what we can control,” he said.
The team was prepared to play in the rain, but luckily the weather cooperated.
“The weather is one of those things that are just a part of the game,” Russell said.
Above: Sophomore defensive back Felipe Alvear executes a draw play up the middle.
“It influences the game as far as defensively expecting more runs just because it’s harder to throw and catch the ball in the rain. With the rain, you have to be more detailed and mindful of what you’ re doing on the field because it’s much easier to slip and make mistakes. It’s a challenge that I think whichever team responds better to the rain will win,” Russell said.
Despite being 3-4, the Bison were up for the challenge.
“The motivation for this weekend is just like the others, to go 1-0,” Culton said.
“[We] do not think about our record or the opponents record, but really just to control what we can control in to give 110 percent effort each Saturday,” Culton said.
“Our goal is still achievable and that being winning the state of Oklahoma and potentially going to a bowl game with that in mind every game is crucial,” Russell said.
It seems Bison Hill appreciates the homecoming weekend game.
“OBU homecoming is a great tradition we have here on campus,” junior nursing major Brittney Hodges said.
“The whole homecoming week you get to see old friends coming back to campus and there are a lot of activities that happen during the that week. The homecoming game is the biggest part of homecoming week. During the game, the fans are going wild, and you really get to see how fun OBU is. The football team plays hard against the opponent, and the alumni get to be part of cheering on the football team once again. OBU homecoming is just lot of fun.”
According to obubison. com this is the seventh installment of homecoming for the Oklahoma Baptist football team since returning to the gridiron in 2013.
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