Football players from Haskell Indian Nations and Baker universities had to make long Friday road trips prior to today’s games.

Haskell made a nine-hour bus ride to Tyler, Texas, to take on Texas College, while Baker made a six-hour journey to Canton, Mo., to tangle with Culver-Stockton.

Haskell will try to win its third road game in a row in its 4 p.m. clash with the Steers, a provisional member of the Central States Football League.

Baker will attempt to capture its elusive initial Heart of America Conference road win at 1 p.m.

“Hopefully, we can make it three in a row on the road,” HINU coach Eric Brock said. “It’s our last road trip, and health-wise we’re in good shape.”

Haskell (4-3) will play its last three games in Lawrence.

Texas College (4-3) boasts a big-play wide receiver in Dontay Spillman, who has eight touchdown receptions. Haskell counters with defensive back Cory Murphy, who has three interceptions in each of the last two games.

“We’ll try to latch Cory onto him and see what happens,” Brock said.

Texas College and Haskell rank 1-2 in CSFL total-defense stats. On offense, both teams have been inconsistent.

“They have a lot of good athletes,” Brock said, “but they make a lot of fumbles and interceptions. If we can take advantage of their mistakes, we’ll be all right.”

Baker is unbeaten in its three home games, but the Wildcats have played poorly in their two road contests. The ‘Cats were drilled by MidAmerica Nazarene, 61-28, and bowed to Central Methodist, 30-6.

BU quarterback Brian Sheppard ranks third in the HAC in passing yardage, but also leads the league with 12 interceptions. Ryan Pitts is the league’s second-leading receiver, and tailback John Reeves ranks fourth in rushing yards.

Culver-Stockton (2-4) has had trouble scoring. In the last four games, the Wildcats have managed only 24 points, but they’re 2-2 during that stretch.

Both Haskell and Baker will face rugged home tests Oct. 23. The Fighting Indians will entertain CSFL powerhouse Northwestern Oklahoma State, while Baker will play host to Lindenwood, the HAC’s lone unbeaten team.

BU has designated next weekend as Charlie Richard Day in honor of the former Wildcats’ coach who was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in August.