The Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm football team has experienced a rollercoaster of different emotions over the past couple of years, but players and coaches are looking to start the year off on a positive note this Thursday, September 3rd.
SNU will open against a top-tier Great American Conference opponent in Henderson State, which took last year’s season opener 48-13. Despite this, the Crimson Storm are hopeful and ready for a new season of opportunities.
Defensive lineman Brandon Hobbs and wide receiver Tanner Dawes shared their expectations.
“You know, I don’t really have an expectation on what our season or our record is going to be.” Hobbs said. “I just want to dominate, and I want everyone to go out there and play as hard as they can.”
Dawes echoed a similar mindset, “Our goal is to go 1-0 every week, and that’s kind of the most important thing for the team this year. Don’t let last week beat you, and don’t ride the highs of last week either.”
When discussing which players they thought were going to make the biggest impact, Dawes said, “I think Karomo Collins,” Dawes mentioned. “He was a rotator last year, but now it’s his time to shine. Kaden Manuel is kind of the same deal. He was splitting reps with an older running back of ours but it’s more of his time.”
For Hobbs, he emphasized the defensive line as a whole. “I think the whole defense is going to perform. I’m a little biased, but I love all the dudes on my team, and I think everyone’s going to play to the best of their ability,” he explained.
When asked which opponents stand out on the schedule, the rivalry with Oklahoma Baptist University came up for Hobbs. “You know, I’m always looking forward to OBU. You know, we want to beat the brakes off them boys, even though we love them, brothers in Christ.”
After a long offseason, Hobbs added that opening week cannot arrive fast enough.“I’m also excited for game one, you know? I’ve been itching to play ever since summer, and I am ready to face the Reddies,” he commented.
Dawes was not worried about opponents. “I’m not looking at anybody specific. Week one against Henderson is who I’m looking forward to,” he stated.
One of the things that head coach Dustin Hada has emphasized is the idea of “Joyous Violence.” Both Hobbs and Dawes gave their opinions on that idea. To Hobbs, he says, “I think joyous violence is playing football with a smile on your face at all times.”
Dawes had a similar approach. “We want to fight. Everything that happens is very important. We want to go downhill. We want to hit somebody in the mouth, and we want to love it,” he explained.
The Crimson Storm schedule kicks off this week. After the season opener against Henderson State, the Storm head to Magnolia, Arkansas, to take on South Arkansas University. Then, they host East Central University at home before traveling to Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. After a home game against Monticello, the Storm head to Arkadelphia to face Ouachita Baptist University.
The Storm then travels to Weatherford to take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University, followed by a two-game homestead against Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Arkansas Tech University. Finally, the Storm close out the regular season with a two-game road trip against Harding University and Oklahoma Baptist University.
Come out and support your Crimson Storm football team this season!
Photo by: Dez Williams