On Saturday, Nov. 9 the Southern Utah University football team went head-to-head in a conference matchup against North Alabama University. The Thunderbirds maintained control throughout the game and earned a 38-26 win. With the win, Southern Utah improves to 5-5 on the season and a 4-2 record in the United Athletic Conference, while North Alabama falls to 3-8 overall and 3-4 in the UAC.
First quarter
The first quarter was all Southern Utah. The defense forced a quick punt on the first possession of the game. The Thunderbirds then ran a methodical eight-minute drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown run by running back Targhee Lambson. North Alabama continued to struggle moving the ball and was forced to punt again.
Second quarter
A combination of efficient running and passing offense earned the Thunderbirds their second touchdown of the day early in the second. The drive was once again capped off with a one-yard run by Lambson to give SUU a 14-0 lead.
The Lions moved the ball enough for a field goal attempt. However, kicker Scott Payne missed the 38-yard attempt, giving SUU great field position for their next drive. The Thunderbirds held their momentum and powered the ball down the field once again, allowing Lambson to score his third rushing touchdown of the half.
The Lions quickly responded with a two-play touchdown drive when quarterback TJ Smith found Dakota Warfield for a 22-yard touchdown catch. The half ended with the Thunderbirds up 21-7.
Third quarter
Both teams failed to earn points on their first possessions of the third. Southern Utah pushed the ball downfield and lined kicker Jayden Rogers up for a 50-yard field goal. Rogers got it through the uprights and put his team up 24-7.
North Alabama responded with another fast drive. On the second play, Smith found receiver Justin Luke for a 70-yard touchdown pass. A missed PAT by Payne put the score at 24-13, in favor of SUU.
The Thunderbirds ran a quick touchdown drive of their own when quarterback Jackson Berry found Shane Carr for a 33-yard touchdown reception. Within nine seconds, the Lions scored again with a pass to receiver Takairee Kenebrew that went for 75 yards, but they failed the two-point conversion, leaving the Thunderbirds up 31-19.
The Lions defense found a way to stop SUU and force a punt. The offense kept the pressure on the vulnerable Thunderbird defense and scored another touchdown in one minute and thirty seconds off a run from Jayvian Allen. This shrunk the SUU lead to five points.
Fourth quarter
After forcing another punt, the Lions had all the momentum. However, this shifted when defensive back Kameron Rocha intercepted Smith and ran it all the way back for a pick-six, putting SUU up 38-26 with 11 minutes remaining.
After a few empty possessions, North Alabama was in the red zone with three minutes left. Just when it looked like the Lions had a chance, Raymon Crump picked off Smith to seal the game. The Thunderbirds won 38-26.
Key players/stats
— Lambson rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns.
— Kenebrew had 187 receiving yards and a touchdown on just five catches.
— SUU defense held the Lions to just 35 yards rushing.
What’s next?
Southern Utah goes back on the road to face Central Arkansas University on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
