LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Football team fell to the West Florida Argonauts, 23-16, on Saturday night in a nailbiter at Tiger Stadium.

West Alabama's (5-1, 0-1 GSC) defense played solid throughout the game until West Florida's Marcus Stokes connected with Tyree Holloway for an 11-yard touchdown with 56 seconds left, proving to be the game winner for the Argonauts.

UWA's defense held firm against UWF's opening drive, culminating in a crucial goal-line stand to force a turnover on downs at the one-yard line. Despite West Florida's advantage in time of possession, 11:40 to 3:20, and their 79-yard drive, penalties on both sides hindered progress. UWA managed to secure a first down through Spencer Arceneaux's key six-yard rush, keeping the score locked at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Argonauts capitalized on a strong start to the second quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Stokes to Javon Swinton, taking a 6-0 lead. The Tigers struggled to generate momentum, hindered by penalties, including a delay of game and holding, which stalled their drives. Despite a late 13-yard rush by Contravious Blanks, an interception by Chester Fearon ended any scoring opportunity. At the end of the period, UWF led 6-0.

At the half, West Florida outgained West Alabama 176 to 64.

The Argonauts capitalized on a 75-yard drive early in the third quarter, with TJ Lane rushing for a two-yard touchdown at 10:23, extending their lead. The Tigers responded, by scoring their first touchdown of the game. West Alabama drove 79 yards, highlighted by a 27-yard touchdown pass from Arceneaux to Jaxon Colvin at 7:06, narrowing the deficit. West Florida added a field goal to finish the period ahead 15-7.

In a tense fourth quarter, UWA managed to cut their deficit to two courtesy of Brayden Jenkins' two-yard touchdown run at 8:14. West Florida responded with a decisive drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Stokes with 56 seconds left, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

Now trailing 23-16, West Alabama's Arceneaux threw an interception with 33 seconds remaining which sealed the game for the Argonauts.

JT Hooten led the defense with 14 tackles, including one sack. Arceneaux completed 16 of 31 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown, despite two interceptions. TD Parker contributed to the offense with five receptions totaling 94 yards. Colvin added a touchdown with two receptions for 54 yards.

UWA stands at 5-1 overall after their recent game. UWF remains unbeaten with a 7-0 overall record and holds a 1-0 record in conference play. West Alabama will be back in action on Saturday for their homecoming matchup against Delta State.