Three close defeats in a row haven’t dimmed the determination of Haskell Indian Nations University football players, coach Eric Brock says.

“It’s disappointing, but we’re playing hard,” Brock said. “We’re getting the most we can out of these guys.”

Saturday night’s 21-16 loss to Bacone College in Muskogee, Okla., was Haskell’s third straight by seven points or less.

The streak began three weeks ago with a 28-21 loss to Southwestern Assemblies of God U. at Haskell Stadium and continued when Peru State eked out a 13-10 overtime decision, also at the Fightin’ Indians’ facility, the following week.

“We’ve got to keep battling and keep the fires burning,” Brock said. “All it takes is one big play to give us a spark.”

Freshman running back Chad Murphy gave the Indians a spark at Bacone, carrying the ball 32 times for 142 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown scamper.

HINU also scored on a 22-yard pass from quarterback Pete Hahn to wide receiver Cody Wilson and on a 43-yard field goal by Brett Blythe.

Haskell (2-5) was scheduled to play Dallas University Saturday at Haskell Stadium, but the Texas school canceled its football season, leaving the Indians with an extra Saturday off.

“It’ll be good for us,” Brock said. “We’re looking at a couple of guys who might be ready to play.”

One is Chris Begay, a freshman defensive back who has missed the last two games with a knee injury. The other is center Kie Smith, who suffered a thigh injury in the Bacone contest.

Haskell’s next scheduled game is Nov. 1 against Panhandle State in Goodwell, Okla. Panhandle edged Bacone, 42-41, in overtime two weeks ago.