BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Brock Sharp and Ricky Bell of the University of West Alabama football team were honored by the Gulf South Conference for their efforts in the Tigers' 31-28 four overtime win over previously top ranked North Alabama.

Bell is the second UWA defender to claim accolades this season, spearheading the Tigers' defense in the win over UNA. The sophomore racked up 10 total tackles led by six solo stops, along with 1.5 tackles for a loss of four yards.  The Aberdeen, Miss.-native also broke up three passes and had a hand in four Lion turnovers. Bell made his presence felt in the second half, forcing two fumbles and recovering two more miscues, including a recovery in the third overtime.

Sharp is the second UWA Special Teams winner of the season. The sophomore was a perfect 4-for-4 on point-after kicks and was 1-for-2 from field goal range, nailing the game-winning, 44-yarder in the fourth overtime. The Okemos, Mich.-native also booted eight punts for 352 yards for a 44.0 average, along with two punts inside the North Alabama 20-yards line and two touchbacks.

The win helped UWA to its second berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs as the Tigers face Albany State. Kickoff at Albany Municipal Coliseum is scheduled for Noon CST.

UWA's entry in the NCAA postseason is the first time since the 1975 campaign that the program has made postseason play.  That season, the Red and White ventured to the state of North Dakota and came away 34-14 victors over the University of North Dakota.  UWA dropped a semifinal match up with Northern Michigan, 28-26.

Saturday's meeting with the Rams of ASU will be the fifth duel between the two schools on the gridiron.  UWA and ASU played every season from 1991 to 1994 with both squads taking a pair of games.  ASU claimed the last two meetings in 1993 and 1994.