LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama rallied in the fourth quarter to secure a 28-24 victory over the Charleston Eagles at Tiger Stadium on Saturday afternoon, presented by Waste Management.

#17 West Alabama (3-0) entered the fourth quarter, down 24-13, before scoring 15 unanswered points in the final period, which was highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown run from Spencer Arceneaux, to defeat #18 Charleston (1-2) by four points in the Home Opener.

"This team believes," said head coach Scott Cochran. "When the going gets tough, they believe more and more. Obviously, we need to clean a lot of things up and we've got to figure out how to play for 60 minutes, but it's great to come out with a victory."

In the first quarter, UC capitalized on a muffed punt by West Alabama's Tyrek Williams, which was recovered by Marquan Herron in the end zone for a touchdown at the 1:32 mark. Earlier in the quarter, Charleston's Ean Hamric found Yves Bosmans for a 35-yard completion, pushing into West Alabama territory. However, their drive stalled, resulting in a missed 35-yard field goal attempt by Gryffin Mitstifer. West Alabama had its own turnover recovery when Exavier McDowell sacked Hamric, forcing a fumble which was recovered by Anthony Oatis at the 12:00 mark, but was unable to convert it into points. The quarter ended with Charleston leading 7-0.

The second quarter began with UWA attempting to close the gap, resulting in a successful 38-yard field goal by Elijah Guyton at 14:06, bringing the score to 7-3. The Golden Eagles responded with a sustained 82-yard drive, culminating in a nine-yard touchdown run by Jamarr Ebron with 7:53 left to play in the half. Now trailing 14-3, the Tigers maintained the pressure, with Arceneaux connecting with Contravious Blanks for a 34-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 14-10 as we reached halftime.

The third period began with UC capitalizing on a penalty against UWA, moving down the field with a key 42-yard pass from Hamric to Herron. The drive stalled in the red zone, but Mitstifer converted a 23-yard field goal at 10:44 to increase Charleston's lead to 17-10. West Alabama responded with an 18-yard pass from Arceneaux to Dearrius Nelson and a 25-yard connection to Houston Johnson, setting up a successful 34-yard field goal by Guyton at the 7:01 mark of the quarter, closing the gap to 17-13. Charleston extended its lead with a late 59-yard touchdown pass from Hamric to Bosmans, extending the Tigers deficit to 24-13 at the quarter's end.

The fourth quarter began in dramatic fashion as UC's Jaylen Butera broke off a 71-yard run and was on his way to the endzone before Jamari Jemison poked the ball loose at the seven-yard line which was recovered by Devonte Harris. This is where the game shifted for West Alabama as they capitalized on the turnover, with Arceneaux leading a drive that culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass to Nelson at with 10:47 left to play. Down 24-21, UWA's Arceneaux put the Tigers in front for the first time as the senior Quarterback broke through for a 71-yard rushing touchdown with 4:17 remaining. UC struggled to respond effectively, with their possession ending in a turnover on downs after a failed fourth-down pass attempt with 2:21 remaining, securing a 28–24 victory for West Alabama.

Arceneaux completed 16 of 28 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 90 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. Nelson recorded four receptions for 57 yards and scored one touchdown. Contravious Blanks played a big role on the offensive end, totaling 96 yards and a touchdown. On defense, JT Hooten led with a career-high 17 total tackles, solidifying a strong defensive presence. Jemison finished with seven tackles, two pass breakups, and a crucial forced fumble.

"We had a big crowd for the first home game, and it was so cool," Cochran continued. "Coming in, I didn't know what to expect but the fans showed up and showed out. Next week, we have another, so it's on to the next."

Now standing at 3-0, the Tigers will remain at home next weekend when they welcome Barton College for a 6:00 p.m. non-conference matchup.