Platoon polarity is plaguing Haskell Indian Nations University’s football team.

Thus, HINU coach Eric Brock has tweaked his offense in preparation for tonight’s game against Friends University.

Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at Haskell Stadium.

“We’re still trying to find our identity on offense,” Brock said. “We’re still looking for chemistry, and we’re trying to identify our playmakers.”

Brock’s only personnel changes have been in the line, where freshmen Matt Dake and Theron Franklin will replace guard Kelvin Starks and tackle Jerad Roberts, both juniors, on the left side.

“Starks and Roberts both have injuries,” Brock said, “but we’ve told Dake and Franklin that if they do the job they can stay there permanently.”

The Fightin’ Indians exploded for 50 points in their opener against hapless Trinity Bible College, but HINU’s offense has managed just one TD since.

Meanwhile, the defense has been terrific, allowing only 16 points in three games. In Saturday’s 10-0 loss to Saint Mary University, HINU surrendered only 143 yards, and the Spires averaged just 2.6 yards per play.

Middle linebacker Antonio Hayes is the Indians’ leading tackler, but outside linebacker Andrew Cole has sparkled, too. Cole recovered two fumbles in the St. Mary game.

The secondary also has been solid and will receive a boost today with the return of cornerback Cory Murphy, the Indians’ lone first-team All-Central States Football League selection last season.

Murphy, a sophomore from Norman, Okla., missed the last two games because of a groin injury. Murphy is also dangerous on punt and kickoff returns, and the Indians could use some help on special teams.

Brock also altered his punt team this week. After having two punts blocked last week, the HINU coach has replaced punter Victor Stead with Jordan Ross, also a starting defensive back, and added more first-stringers to the unit.

Friends opened with a 36-19 victory over Bethany, then the Wichita school dropped a 24-21 heartbreaker Saturday to Kansas Wesleyan. Coach Monty Lewis lost his starting quarterback in the opener, and freshman replacement Scott Oakes threw 43 passes in the loss to Wesleyan.

Brock doesn’t expect the Falcons to pass that much tonight.

“I think they’ll try to get back to their running game,” he said. “They’re huge up front. And they’re sound in all phases. They don’t make big mistakes.”

CSFL competition will begin Saturday, when the Indians play host to Southern Nazarene in a 2 p.m. game at Haskell Stadium.

Probable Starters

OFFENSE

FL-Cody Wilson, 6-2, 200, Sr. LT-Matt Dake, 6-0, 280, Fr. LG-Theron Franklin, 6-0, 230, Fr. C-Steven Morgan, 6-1, 240, Soph. RG-Leo Martinez, 6-1, 300, Fr. RT-Chris Harris, 6-1, 285, Fr. TE-Jeff Emerich, 6-3, 215, Jr.

QB-Kaleb Harris, 6-0, 175, Soph. TB-Mark Bullard, 5-11, 210, Fr. WR-Hunter Smith, 6-0, 190, Soph. SE-Kevin Penass, 6-3, 190, Soph.

PK-Randy Cozad, 6-0, 220, Fr.

DEFENSE

LE-Blaine Wise, 6-3, 245, Jr. NT-Catcuce Tiger, 6-0, 245, Jr. RE-Mike Harris, 6-3, 240, Soph. LLB-Andrew Cole, 6-0, 220, Sr. MLB-Antonio Hayes, 6-0, 200, Jr. RLB-John Sullivan, 5-9, 190, Soph.

S-Randy Jackson, 5-10, 165, Sr. S-Jordan Ross, 6-0, 190, Fr. CB-Micah Swimmer, 5-9, 165, Fr. CB-Cory Murphy, 5-9, 175, Soph. FS-Terrill Denny, 5-11, 220, Jr.

P-Ross.