Haskell Indian Nations University football coach Eric Brock took control of team DJ duties from sophomore defensive back Martin Woods at halftime Saturday.

The Fightin’ Indians coach thought his team would fight better if it listened to rapper DMX before trying to overcome a 14-10 deficit against winless Southwestern Assemblies of God U.

The lyrics, “Stop, drop, shut ’em down, open up shop,” rang true for the Indians after the break as Haskell scored 20 unanswered points in the first 15:07 of the second half and picked up a 30-20 victory at Haskell Stadium.

“I just like the song,” Brock said.

And his team followed the rapper’s advice, stopping the Lions’ passing game, dropping SAGU runners behind the line of scrimmage – which nearly shut down the Lions’ offensive attack altogether – and opening an insurmountable lead with three scores.

“One day I was riding with coach over to his office and he started bumping some rap music,” said Woods. “That kind of surprised me. Now every time I play a song, I ask him what he knows about it.”

Appropriately, the track would be just the motivation his senior-less squad would need on the final day of a rough first year at the helm for Brock.

“There’s not a sigh of relief that the season’s over; I think they wished that they could keep competing because they’ve finally found some confidence,” Brock said.

Saturday, sophomore quarterback Peter Hahn instilled that in his team.

After Woods ran back an interception for a 10-yard touchdown to give Haskell a 16-14 lead with 11:45 remaining in the third, Hahn, who passed for 172 yards, threw two touchdown strikes to put the Indians on top 30-14. SAGU scored its final touchdown with 31¼2 minutes remaining.

“I really think this win will carry us to next season,” Hahn said.

Haskell Indian Nations University defenders Michael See, left, Daniel Brown, top, and Andrew Cole take down Southwest Assemblies of God U. quarterback Ryan Smith. The Fightin' Indians beat the Lions, 30-20, on Saturday at Haskell Stadium.

Haskell 30, SAGU 20

Haskell (2-7) 0 10 20 0 – 30

SAGU (0-9) 7 7 0 6 – 20

First quarter

S – Matt Hess 12 pass from Ryan Smith (Hess kick) 10:45

Second quarter

H – Brett Blythe 33 field goal 10:10

S – Hess 15 pass from Smith (Hess kick) 5:46

H – Joe Claunch 15 run (Blythe kick) 3:49

Third quarter

H – Martin Woods 10 interception return (kick failed) 11:45

H – Josh Baldridge 53 pass from Peter Hahn (Blythe kick) 1:23

Fourth quarter

H – Chris Muniz 21 pass from Hahn (Blythe kick) 14:53

S – John Norman 12 pass from Smith (pass failed) 3:24