HINU looks to end skid

Haskell Indian Nations University’s losing streak could reach 749 days today, but the number that’s really bothering HINU coach Eric Brock is one digit higher.

That’s right, 750 Â the number of rushing yards the Fightin’ Indians have allowed in four games.

The 187.5 yard-per-game average isn’t even that big, considering the Indians have been outscored 155-36 so far this season. But it’s the significance of what those yards have led to that has Brock bent out of shape.

“We’ve missed a lot of tackles,” he said. “And we know those missed tackles have turned into touchdowns. The majority of games being out of hand turn back to the point of tackling better, running better and executing  those simple things.

“Things they should have been taught since grade school.”

The Indians (0-4) have a chance to correct those mistakes and possibly put an end to their 22-game skid today when they play host to Langston. Kickoff is 2 p.m. at Haskell Stadium.

While the Lions (0-5) look on paper like a team the Indians could beat, Brock said their record is deceiving because Langston has played competitively against upper-level schools.

Last week the Lions fell 37-30 to Division I-AA Grambling. Langston also lost to Division II Pittsburg State earlier this season.

Brock says Langston boasts good team speed, which is evident by senior running back Terrell Green’s Central State Football League-best 341 yards on the ground.

Langston is allowing more yards per game than Haskell defensively (367-312), but has nearly quadrupled the Indians on offense, gaining 397 yards compared to just 74.

While the losses seem to be piling up for Haskell, Brock said his players remain proud and go out each week thinking they can win.

“The past is the past,” he said. “You can only look toward the future, and take each game as a challenge, whether you have 20 losses or 20 wins.”

Baker returns to road

The Wildcats will travel to Lamoni, Iowa, to play Graceland college at 2 this afternoon.

Baker (2-2) is coming off a 22-0 victory last week against Lindenwood University. Ramone Barber rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown last Saturday in Baldwin, while quarterback Martin Updike threw for 139 yards and also ran for a touchdown.