LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama football team returns to the field on Saturday, Sept. 10 as the Tigers (0-1) open the 2011 home slate against Tarleton State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. with Tiger Walk beginning at 2:45 p.m. The game can be heard on ESPN 104.9 FM and www.espn1049.com. Live stats and video streaming can be found at www.uwaathletics.com.

Saturday's contest marks the first between the two squads. Tarleton becomes just the fourth team from the State of Texas that West Alabama has faced in its 80 year history and the third from Lone Star Conference. The Tigers are a combined 2-7 against teams from the Lone Star State and 2-6 against current LSC members. The last time UWA faced a team from Texas was Sept. 7, 1991 - a 44-6 loss to Texas A&M-Commerce in Livingston.

Tiger signal caller Gary Johnston not only led UWA through the air, but was also the Red and White's leading rusher with 72 yards and teams' only touchdown on 22 carries last Thursday. Through the air, the Gulf Shores, Ala., native also racked up 101 yards on 10-of-22 in the loss. Dan Jackson anchored the defense with 11 tackles and a sack, while Dashaun Phillips picked up two huge interceptions that kept the Texans in the game. Gaston Benson also had eight tackles, half a sack and three pass break-ups in the secondary.

West Alabama finished the game with 268 yards of total offense compared to USA's 356 on the night. Gerald Worsham concluded the night with five receptions and 44 yards. The five catches ties him with Matt Carman for tops in program history with 172.

Defensively, Otha Foster finished the contest with a pair of picks – both coming in the second quarter to halt Jag drives. The Angie, La., product finished tied for second on the team in tackles with six. Gabe Poe totaled 12 on the evening to lead the squad.

A last second intercepted pass sealed the fate of the Texans (0-1) in their opener as TSU fell 27-24 No. 4 Abilene Christian last week. TSU quarterback Nick Stephens threw for 339 yards and score in the Texans' setback. As an offense, Tarleton registered 391 yards.

West Alabama is 18-18-1 following a season opening loss. Prior to the setback at South Alabama, the Tigers had won three straight season openers. The last time the Red and White fell in a season opener was 2007. However the Tigers went on to win the following game against Concordia College - 28-21 in Livingston.

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