STEPHENVILLE, Texas –The University of North Alabama finished the road portion of the season Saturday, falling 61-0 to No. 5-ranked Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas.
Needing a win to stay alive for a United Athletic Conference title, Tarleton State (10-1, 6-1 UAC) got off to a quick start en route to the win.
Without starting quarterback Destin Wade, North Alabama (2-9, 1-6 UAC) turned to true freshman John Austin Wood in the first half and then redshirt senior DC Tabscott and redshirt sophomore Ty Watkins in the second half.
Redshirt senior Jayvian Allen led UNA in rushing with 12 carries for 40 yards. Fellow senior Tanaka Scott added 47 yards receiving. Another senior, Demarcious Robinson, led the defense with nine tackles and 1.5 for loss.
UNA’s best scoring opportunity came from a brilliant punt by junior Adam Watford, which sailed 72 yards and was downed by true freshman Treyvon Avery at the one-yard line. Tarleton was stopped on third-and-short on a one-on-one tackle by junior Brian Dilworth, setting up UNA at midfield.
Hard-nosed running by Allen got UNA in field goal position, but Ian Vacon’s attempt from 36 yards pushed right with no help from the wind.
The Lions will close the regular season at home this Saturday for Senior Day against Southern Utah. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. in the final Lions’ game at Braly Stadium.
