Game Notes for LU vs. North Alabama

JACKSON -- After pulling off consecutive upsets, the Lambuth University Eagles football team is once again the underdog as Division II's third-ranked Lions of North Alabama travel to Jackson on Saturday. Game time is 1:00 PM CST at Trinity Christian Academy. The Eagles are coming off a three game road trip and return to Jackson riding a two game winning streak. The wins, against NCAA Division I-FCS opponent Georgia State and Division II's West Alabama, came as a surprise to many despite LU's success over the years. However, this week's opponent poses the toughest challenge yet and Lambuth will once again be required to prove they deserve consideration as a small college power. Marquis Williams has had a stellar start to the season. The running back from Social Circle, GA has rushed for 316 yards and TDs and his 77 yard scamper late in the 4th quarter versus West Alabama led LU to victory. Rod Jefferson leads the team in receiving with 18 receptions for 189 yards and 3 TDs. The defense has been opportunistic and totaled an impressive 15 total turnovers in three games, including 8 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries. Jordan Jackson has hauled in 3 INTs and is followed by D.J. Brown (2 INTs), Lamar Alston, Ethan Cooper, and Darius Buckley (1 each). Jamie Payton (22 tackles) and Ethan Cooper (17 tackles) lead the team in tackles, while Sterling Williams leads the team in tackles for loss with 4.0. Jamie Payton was named the Victory Sports Network Defensive Player of the Week for his performance versus West Alabama where he collected 8 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. The Lions come to town riding a three game winning streak. The Terry Bowden-led squad has been dominant in each phase of those games, scoring 43 points per game and allowing only 8.7 points per contest. With 24 Division I transfers, North Alabama has no shortage of talent. QB Lee Chapple leads the potent offensive attack, averaging 326 yards and 8 TDs through the air while Jarmon Fortson leads the WR corps with 92.7 yards per game and has hauled in 3 TDs. Chris Coffey leads the rushing attack with 157 yards and 4 TDs. Defensively, the Lions are led by linebackers Hilliard Foster (20 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 1 INT) and Larry Wilson (19 tackles). Up front, the UNA defensive line is anchored by DEs Steven Wesley and Courtney Harris and interior linemen Nate Frazier and Dominique Duster. Brent Vinson leads the secondary along with C.J. Foster, Lucas Darr, and Chad Daniel. Eagles action can be heard this season on Jackson's News/Talk 101.5 FM and http://wnws.com. Dan Reaves and Jamie "Seabass" Parker will call the action from the pressbox. Don't miss the Countdown to Kickoff at 12:30 PM this week. Don't forget to catch for the Coach Ron Dickerson Show hosted by Dan and Seabass every Wednesday at 6:00 PM on 101.5 FM and http://wnws.com when Coach Dickerson will review the previous week's game and preview the upcoming opponent. The Sports Orthopedics and Spine SportsZone will originate from TCA on Saturday 10am-1pm.