Formidable finish

Haskell to face league's top team in finale

? One step at a time has been the pattern of Haskell Indian Nations University football under coach Eric Brock.

In 2002, Brock’s first season at HINU, the Fightin’ Indians posted a 2-7 record. Then, they won three games in ’03 and four in ’04.

Now, Haskell (4-6) has a chance at a five-win season, but it won’t be easy. Today’s season finale is against Langston University (6-3), which can clinch the Central States Football League title with a victory.

“Hopefully, we can pull one out,” Brock said, “and make our yearly improvement.”

Kickoff will be at 2 p.m. at Cameron University’s stadium.

Today’s game is being played about 21â2 hours from the Lions’ campus in Langston, Okla., and has been dubbed the Southwest Oklahoma Military Appreciation Bowl because Fort Sill is located in Lawton.

“It’s also in the Comanche and Kiowa nations,” Brock said, “so we’re hoping for a large percentage of Native Americans in the crowd.”

Today’s game also will be the last for Langston in the CSFL. The Lions will move from NAIA to NCAA Div. II status next season.

Haskell will be facing the league’s top-rated offense without cornerback Cory Murphy, who suffered a knee injury while returning the second-half kickoff in last Saturday’s 24-21 double-overtime victory over Peru State.

“It’s not likely he’ll need surgery,” Brock said of the sophomore who earned All-CSFL honors last season, “but he’s definitely out.”

In the Peru State game, Brock used Jody Franklin at quarterback in the first half and Kaleb Harris at QB in the second half. With Franklin under center, Harris plays wide receiver.

When Franklin struggled against the Bobcats, Harris switched to QB and completed 14 of 17 passes in the second half.

“Jody is kind of a streaky player,” Brock said. “If he gets on a roll, we’ll leave him in there.”

Harris and senior wide receiver Cody Wilson have been the Indians’ primary weapons. Harris ranks second in the league in total offense behind Langston quarterback Kendrick Dozier. Wilson leads the CSFL in receptions with 51.

Langston beat the Indians, 48-17, last year at Haskell Stadium.