Hardin-Simmons University kicks off its football season with a revamped schedule after changes in the Division III American Southwest Conference (ASC) now have teams facing each other twice, giving both schools an opportunity to host home games.
In football, a team is split into two main groups, the offense and the defense. Both of these groups have a specific goal. The goal of the offense is to score points for their team. They do this by either scoring a touchdown, which is when they are able to cross into the opponent's end-zone, or by kicking a field goal. Each of these has a certain point value, touchdowns giving six points and then an opportunity for one more through a Point After Touchdown (PAT) conversion, and field goals giving three points The offense moves the ball down the field by either passing the ball, or running with it until they are stopped by the opponents defense.
The primary goal of the defense is to keep the offense from scoring. The offense essentially gets four tries, called downs, to move ten yards toward the end zone. If they fail, they either punt the ball or kick a field goal if they are in range. Each group also has many different player positions, using athletes with many different abilities to achieve different outcomes.
“I am in charge of the game plan, our practice structure, and calling the offensive plays on Saturdays,” Coach Jeff Whitehead, offensive coordinator for the HSU Cowboys football team, said. “On and off the field, I do anything I can to help them have a great experience at HSU, earn a degree and impact their lives in a positive way. The most challenging part of my job is that I truly wish they all got to play and get the role they want but unfortunately that is not realistic.”
Hardin-Simmons University will be hosting our first home game on Sept. 28 against North American University. There will also be home games on Oct. 5 against Endicott College, Oct. 26 against East Texas Baptist University, Nov. 2 against Howard Payne University and Nov. 9 against the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.
“I am looking forward to the journey of a season with these guys,” Coach Whitehead said. “I have had a lot of fun getting to know this team and coaching them. They are a great group of guys to be around. I hope to help our team achieve all of our goals.”
Comments