FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama took a 14-7 lead in the second quarter last Saturday, but the Lions could not hang on in a 49-21 loss to Central Arkansas in United Athletic Conference action at Braly Stadium.
This was the final conference home opener for UNA at historic Braly Stadium, as the Lions will move on campus to Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium in 2026.
As part of the “Final Season at Braly” celebration, the Lions are honoring different eras of the program at select home games.
The Lions host Eastern Kentucky for next Saturday’s Homecoming game. Kickoff is 6 p.m. for UNA’s final night game at Braly Stadium.
Against Central Arkansas, the Lions (1-5, 0-2) scored back-to-back touchdowns about four minutes apart to take a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. Noah Gregg caught a 19-yard pass from Ari Patu with 3:40 left in the opening quarter to make it 7-7. The Lions forced a three-and-out on defense and took the lead 29 seconds into the second quarter on a run by KJ Fields.
However, the Bears (3-4, 2-1) took command a few minutes later, tying the game with a 76 yard touchdown pass from Austin Myers to Tyrell Pollard then taking the lead with a 19 yard rush by Landen Chambers. The Lions were unable to regain the lead.
The Lions had one other score in the second half as Justin Pegues reeled in a seven-yard touchdown pass from Destin Wade near the front-right pylon.
Redshirt senior Jayvian Allen led the Lions in both rushing and receiving with 150 all-purpose yards. He totaled five catches for 81 yards, including a long of 34, while adding 13 carries for 69 yards on the ground.
Junior Lonell Cunningham II led the Lions with nine tackles, including two solo, and a pass breakup. Fellow junior Seth Hampton added eight tackles.
Special teams was a bright spot for the Lions, as junior punter Adam Watford drilled five punts for a 51.6 net average. His longest punt went 74 yards, as it went from UNA’s own 13 yard line, sailed all the way to the UCA 30 and rolled out of bounds at the UCA 13. Watford was standing on his own two yard line when he caught the snap.
Florence High School grad Chandler Dixon took his first career extra-point attempts and made all three. Dixon is a true freshman who prepped at Florence High School, making his third collegiate appearance Saturday. Ian Vachon also connected on an onside kick in the fourth quarter.
This was the final conference home opener for UNA at historic Braly Stadium, as the Lions will move on campus to Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium in 2026.
As part of the “Final Season at Braly” celebration, the Lions are honoring different eras of the program at select home games.
The Lions remain at home for Saturday’s Homecoming game against Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Braly Stadium. This will be UNA’s final night game at Braly.
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