Saturday, September 27, 1997

Cowboys take on Chapman University

By MARK WILSON / Abilene Reporter-News

For the first time, Hardin-Simmons University will take on an NCAA Division III football team outside of the American Southwest Conference.

The unbeaten Cowboys will play their home opener today against Chapman University, an NCAA Division III independent from Orange, Calif.

Chapman dropped football in 1933, when it was known as California Christian, and didn't bring the sport back until 1994. But under coach Ken Visser -- with some strong junior college recruiting -- the Panthers were competitive from the start. Under Visser, they entered this season with a 21-5-1 record. Their two losses this season already match the most they have suffered in any of Visser's first three campaigns.

But the Panthers, who led the nation in scoring in 1995 (47.2 points per game) and scored 79 points in a single game, have dropped a pair of blowouts this season to a pair of nationally ranked teams -- Western Washington (35-0) and Willamette, Ore. (40-6).

"The whole deal is, they've played two good teams," HSU head coach Jimmie Keeling said. "They have real good size and good speed -- just good athletes."

Defensively, the Cowboys had seven quarterback sacks for the second game in a row last week against Sul Ross State. They recorded 12 tackles behind the line and four fumble recoveries while limiting the Lobos to a net gain of only nine yards on 35 attempts. The defense produced one of HSU's scores, as Link Harris returned a Lobo fumble 15 yards for a touchdown.

"Our defensive front has been playing really well, and they have a chance to get a lot better," Keeling said. "We have a lot of depth, which helps keep us fresh. Against the run, we were tough."

HSU is ranked 15th in NCAA Division III. The first rankings for the all-important South Region -- which will determine the four playoff representatives for the NCAA Division III national playoffs -- are due to be released Oct. 13.

Cameron Creager rushed for three touchdowns and 94 yards in last week's 35-14 victory.

Slotback Todd Bloom caught nine passes for 126 yards, both game-highs, and quarterback Bill Poe completed 11 of 17 passes for 150 yards.

"We didn't throw quite as much, but we threw well and had some great catches," Keeling said.

The Panthers gained only 54 total yards in its loss to ninth-ranked Western Washington, last year's NAIA Division II runner-up. Quarterback Grey Hyland has passed for only 38 yards with six interceptions, and leading rusher Keijuan Grubbs has just 48 yards on 21 carries.

The Panthers have focused primarily on running the ball, featuring option plays and often working out of a Triple-I formation.

"It's a little unique, so that makes it a little harder," Keeling said.

HSU vs. Chapman

n When: Noon

n Where: HSU's Shelton Stadium

n Records: Chapman 0-2; HSU 2-0

n Last meeting: Have not played

n Injuries: Chapman: QB Greg Hyland (shoulder), probable; TE David Vaccaro (knee), probable. HSU: TE Will Duggan (knee), probable; SS David Rausch (knee), out; SS Roque Vela Jr. (sprained knee), out.

n Radio: Sports Radio 1340 AM