Healthy Haskell hits road

HINU quarterback Harris 'fine,' expected to play against Bacone

? A week ago today, Haskell Indian Nations University football coach Eric Brock thought he had lost quarterback Kaleb Harris because of a knee injury, perhaps for the remainder of the season.

Now, however, Harris is expected to play today when the Fightin’ Indians tangle with Bacone College. Kickoff will be at 2 p.m. at the Indian Bowl on the BC campus.

“He seems fine,” Brock said of Harris, who leads the Central States Football League in total offense. “We thought he might have torn a ligament, but it was just a strain. He won’t even need to wear a brace.”

Harris, a 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore from Claremore, Okla., had to be carted off the field late in the third quarter of Saturday’s 35-7 loss to Southern Nazarene at Haskell Stadium.

However, after returning to Claremore early in the week to consult with a doctor there, Harris was given clearance to play. Since Harris missed practices Monday and Tuesday, Brock also will use backup QB Jody Franklin.

“I think we’ll split time with them, maybe give them two series apiece,” Brock said, “and if one of them is doing well, we’ll stick with him.”

Brock made a change in his lineup because noseguard Catcuce Tiger this week had to go home to Florida for a family emergency. The 6-foot, 245-pound sophomore is expected to rejoin the Indians today, but Pete Bitsui, a 6-4, 255-pound junior, will start in his place.

Both Haskell and Bacone have 2-3 records, but the Warriors’ mark is deceptive. Their losses have been to NCAA Div. II East Central Oklahoma, to NCAA Div. I-AA Sam Houston State and to CSFL power Northwestern Oklahoma State.

The Warriors were idle last week, but two weeks ago they stunned Georgetown, Ky., then ranked No. 5 in the weekly NAIA poll, 24-17.

“They’re playing a tough schedule, and they have good athletes,” Brock said. “Hopefully, we’ll catch them looking past us.”

In losing three straight, the Indians have had trouble scoring. Toss out the season-opening 50-0 victory over Trinity Bible College, and HINU is averaging just 7.3 points over its last four outings.